ZFace: Technological autonomy and a high-performance Brazilian biometric engine

Sector Government

Ecosystem Secure identification and authentication, Innovation and Agile Development

Published in 09/04/2025

< 1

minutes of reading

Since 1997, we have been using biometric technologies from partners and other suppliers to make up our identification solutions. However, around 2011, for strategic reasons, we began developing a proprietary facial recognition algorithm, in partnership with the Electrical Engineering Department at PUC-Rio and with funding from FINEP. This is how ZFace - a national technology and proprietary algorithm that gives Montreal a competitive financial advantage in the market.

Over the years, we have continuously worked on the evolution of the tool, implementing new features and integrations with other biometric engines and identification and authentication solutions.

Challenges

Lack of specialized know-how;
Benchmark with biometric algorithms already consolidated on the market;
Continuous improvements and technological updating;
Challenge of market acceptance.

Solution

ZFace Facial Recognition

Algorithm for identification and authentication, with high accuracy and real-time processing capacity, even in adverse lighting and position conditions.

Integration with AFIS Dermalog

Integration with the AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification System) system guarantees compatibility with other biometric solutions for a robust, multi-faceted identification system.

Vectorized and Distributed Search Architecture

High response speed, reaching processing times of between 1 and 2 seconds on large bases, guaranteeing efficiency in real time.

Formation of predefined groups and customized groups

Ability to create predefined groups (age and gender), and customized groups, allowing the user to define specific lists, such as wanted, missing, and other identification needs.

Validation and Authentication in Critical Processes

Use in citizen authentication processes in high-demand environments, such as clinical examinations in practical driving tests.

Results

Accuracy and Speed: Continuous Evolution: Continuous Evolution

Since its implementation in 2012, ZFace has undergone continuous technological evolution, improving its accuracy and speed in biometric searches and identification results. The system is capable of searching a face in less than 1 second from a database of 38 million.

Comprehensive Coverage: Implementation in the idNet of Different States

ZFace is deployed on idNet in Roraima, Mato Grosso do Sul and Pernambuco, with approximately 10 million people identified.

High Processing Capacity and Scalability: Largest Installation in Operation with Around 38 Million Faces Processed

The largest ZFace installation in operation is at Detran in Rio de Janeiro, with around 38 million faces processed, 16 million of which are identified by the Civil Identification Directorate (identity and criminal cards) and 6 million by the Driver's License Directorate (CNH).

Expanded Benefits: Assistance to Partner Entities

ZFace caters for facial searches by entities that have agreements with the institutions it serves, such as DETRAN-RJ, which also caters for searches by the RJ Civil Police (PCRJ).

Reliability and Innovation: In Practice

Its application in clinical exams and practical driving tests has increased the reliability of driving licenses and resulted in the development of NaPrática, which is available to other DETRANs in Brazil.

Transformation indicators

< 1 s

is the search time for one face in a database of 38 million

+ 6

public projects have already used ZFace

+ 350mil

facial authentications/month at DETRAN-RJ (CNH)

+ 30mi

of people already identified:
+22 million in RJ | +6 million in PE | +3 million in MS | +550 thousand in RR

Case Detran RJ

+ 38 mi

of faces processed

+ 350 thousand

facial authentications/month at DETRAN-RJ (CNH)

+ 22 m

of people identified

ZFace in Action

ZFace technology is present in real public safety operations and traffic services, reinforcing its direct impact on citizens' lives. Check out some of the cases in which Montreal's biometric engine was featured:

Why Montreal?

Montreal dominates the entire biometric identification cycle in Brazil - from capture to validation. With more than 30 million Brazilians identified, we deliver cutting-edge technology that is secure and ready for large-scale critical operations, with autonomy and compliance. ZFace is the expression of this mastery.

Autonomy, agility and high performance in facial recognition? Bring Montreal's ZFace to your operation. Talk to our experts.