How to Troubleshoot Common Fingerprinting Challenges
                      
How to Troubleshoot Common
Fingerprinting Challenges
 
By: Sekcheck Fingerprinting Canada
https://sekcheck.ca
                                                                                         
                                                                                        Address: 255 – 13711 72 Ave, 
Surrey BC V3W 2P2
Phone: +1 866 549 7779
E-mail: [email protected]
Common Fingerprinting Challenges and How to Resolve 
Them
1. Poor Quality Fingerprints
One of the most common fingerprinting challenges is the poor 
quality of fingerprints captured during the process. Poor quality 
can result from dry skin, excessive moisture, cuts, scars, or 
worn-out ridges.
How to Resolve:
 Preparation: Before fingerprinting, ask the individual to 
hydrate their hands for a few days, avoid using lotions or 
creams right before the process, and gently exfoliate their 
fingertips to remove any dead skin.
 Use of Fingerprint Enhancement Techniques: Applying
a small amount of fingerprinting powder or lotion can improve 
the quality of dry fingerprints. Conversely, cleaning and drying 
the fingertips thoroughly can help if moisture is the issue.
 Rescheduling the Appointment: If cuts or abrasions are 
present, it may be best to reschedule the appointment until the 
skin has healed.
2. Unsuccessful Fingerprint Capture
In some cases, the fingerprint capture process may fail entirely,
especially with electronic fingerprinting systems. This issue 
could be due to technical glitches, equipment malfunction, or 
improper technique.
How to Resolve:
 Check Equipment: Ensure that the fingerprint scanner or 
ink pad is clean, functioning properly, and calibrated according 
to the manufacturer's instructions.
 Proper Positioning: Make sure the individual's fingers 
are positioned correctly on the scanner or ink pad. The entire 
fingertip, including the ridge patterns, should make contact with
the surface.
 Restart the Process: If the equipment is functioning 
properly, try restarting the fingerprinting process. Sometimes,
simply reattempting the capture can resolve the issue.
3. Rejection of Fingerprints by Agencies
Another significant fingerprinting challenge is the rejection of 
fingerprints by the receiving agency. This can happen if the 
fingerprints are smudged, incomplete, or do not meet the 
specific requirements of the agency.
How to Resolve:
 Follow Guidelines: Always follow the specific guidelines 
provided by the requesting agency regarding fingerprinting. 
This includes the type of fingerprinting method 
(ink vs. electronic), the number of prints required, and any 
specific instructions on how the fingerprints should be captured.
 Request a Retake: If fingerprints are rejected, request a 
retake as soon as possible. Ensure that the retake is done with 
greater attention to detail and quality control.
 Consult with the Agency: If rejections persist, consult 
with the receiving agency to understand the specific reasons 
for the rejections and make the necessary adjustments.
4. Delay in Processing Fingerprints
Delays in processing fingerprints can be a significant concern, 
particularly when fingerprints are required urgently for 
background checks or visa applications.
How to Resolve:
 Use Expedited Services: If time is of the essence, 
consider using expedited fingerprinting services that offer 
faster processing times.
 Monitor the Process: Regularly check the status of the 
fingerprint processing with the service provider. Early 
identification of any issues can help prevent further delays.
 Provide Accurate Information: Ensure that all personal 
information provided during the fingerprinting process is 
accurate to avoid processing delays due to discrepancies.
5. Technical Issues with Electronic Fingerprinting
Electronic fingerprinting, while more efficient, can sometimes 
present challenges such as system crashes, software 
malfunctions, or connectivity issues.
How to Resolve:
 Maintain Equipment: Regular maintenance of electronic
fingerprinting equipment can prevent many technical issues. 
Ensure that software is up to date and that the system is 
regularly checked for any potential problems.
 Have a Backup Plan: In case of system failures, having a
backup plan, such as a secondary device or access to manual 
fingerprinting methods, can ensure that the process continues 
without significant delays.
 Technical Support: Work closely with technical support 
teams to troubleshoot and resolve any issues as quickly as 
possible.
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