Actually, the hand geometry technology used in INSPass is about the most rugged and reliable type available. It's been used at SFO for access to airside and restricted areas for many years, and works great. The problem is that it has to be connected to a mainframe, and the mainframe connection (often just a telephone line) is down. Or, the local INS turns off the machine (creates longer lines, justifies more people).

My guess is that the final step in building an INSPass machine at the factory is to screw on the "Out of Order" sign.

Leo