When it comes to identity management, trust is essential. Every day, millions trust IDEMIA Smart Identity solutions — whether for passports, identity cards, or other sensitive documents — to experience social and financial inclusion, to move across international borders, and live their lives safely and securely.
For governments, trust in a company like IDEMIA to deliver reliable identity solutions is vital, not only to the wellbeing of their citizens and institutions, but for national security. Mark Janssen, Deputy Chief Procurement Officer of IDEMIA’s Smart Identity division, emphasises this: “If a government runs out of identification documents, it triggers an immediate crisis.” Without valid forms of ID, he continues, citizens can’t travel, buy a house, open a bank account, or register a newborn child.
The critical role played by IDEMIA in the secure operation of enterprises and governments around the world, Janssen explains, underscores the trust these entities place in the company. “People turn to IDEMIA Smart Identity because of the trust they have in us. We sell trust, first and foremost,” he says. Customers from IDEMIA Smart Identity rely on it not only for product quality and security but also for the strong relationships built up over years of close collaboration.
The company doesn’t just collaborate with its customers. Janssen’s role in IDEMIA’s Smart Identity procurement function focuses on fostering close relationships with trusted partners throughout the value chain. It’s this collaborative, partner-driven approach to security, product quality, and innovation that he highlights as a key driver of the company’s success. “It’s about both trust in our technology and the relationships we foster,” he says.
Securing the Future: Procurement’s New Role at IDEMIA
As Deputy Chief Procurement Officer, Janssen’s primary objective is to establish the procurement function within the IDEMIA Smart Identity division as an autonomous entity, following its formation on January 1, 2024.
This structural change was part of a broader initiative to create three autonomous divisions within IDEMIA. Previously, procurement operated centrally, supporting all of IDEMIA’s business units and overseeing 1.3 billion Euros in spend, as well as managing processes, tools, and supplier relationships holistically. Now, with each division expected to function autonomously, procurement must evolve to enable independent management of procurement processes, tools, and supplier relationships within each division. Despite the organisational changes, it remains crucial for Procurement to maintain an outward focus and continue progressing on partnerships and innovation to meet the dynamic market needs.
In this industry, technology advances at the same breakneck pace as the fraud threats it combats, and customer needs evolve just as fast to keep up. The Smart Identity division is inherently technology-driven, with 45% of its team dedicated to R&D and Engineering, underscoring its commitment to innovation and the stringent demands of identity security.
IDEMIA’s smart identity products and solutions walk a unique line between tradition and cutting-edge technology, and the company’s key partners reflect that—from three-hundred-year-old paper mills to semiconductor manufacturers and quantum cryptographers. IDEMIA Smart Identity is continuously innovating to meet customer demands, collaborating closely with its trusted partners.
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