Optosecurity and Smiths Detection on Monday announced that they are expanding their cooperation in the area of security checkpoint solutions.

Under terms of a long-term definitive agreement, the two companies plan to develop, produce and distribute a new checkpoint enterprise software solution that will enhance the performance of checkpoint security systems and also cut operational costs.

Details of the envisaged enhancement and its development timeline were not disclosed.

"We are very pleased to be working with Smiths Detection, a global leader in checkpoint technologies," said Eric Bergeron, president and chief executive officer of Optosecurity. "Together the companies bring a business solution to the industry that will positively transform the economics and efficiency of delivering security screening without compromising security.

"Our combined technologies will enable checkpoint efficiencies that increase passenger throughput and lower operating costs, all while maintaining today's stringent security requirements."

Optosecurity is a technology spin-off from Canada's National Optics Institute and provides threat detection software that enables the automated detection of liquid explosives and other threats.

Smiths Detection manufactures technology products that detect and identity various explosive threats and contraband materials.

Two years ago the companies entered into a cooperative agreement for the sale and distribution of Optosecurity's Optoscreener solution, an automated detection software that provides advanced detection algorithms.