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10 questions to consider before buying a card printer
or photo ID system
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1. How are your photo ID cards
going to be used? |
2. Will your card be part of
an access control/security program? |
3. Will you need to assign users
different levels of security clearance? |
4. Do you need to secure multiple
sites? |
5. How many cards will you issue
per year? |
6. How long do the cards need
to last? |
7. Will your cards be printed
on one or two sides? |
8. How much personalised information
will the cards contain? |
9. Will you need to badge employees
at several locations? |
10. What level of card security
will you need? |
The basics of a digital photo ID system
A digital photo ID system typically consists of a PC, Badge
Software, a digital camera, and a card printer/encoder.
How you intend to use your cards is vital in determining
what software is best suited for your applications —
and what printer /encoder is needed to get the job done.
Determine your applications
The most basic reason for a photo ID system is to identify
people. Typically, organisations like to identify people
for safety or security reasons. Photo ID cards let you quickly
identify who is authorised to be in or around your facility
and who is not.
Instant Security
Unauthorised visitors can be a nuisance or even a threat
to your employees, members, or customers. Plus, they can
be costly if they use your equipment or services without
permission, or without paying the necessary fee. If you
have people, property, equipment, or services you would
like to protect, a photo ID system is a smart, effective
solution.
Easy Automation
Today, digital photo ID systems can do much more than just
secure your organisation. By using bar codes, magnetic stripes,
smart cards or proximity cards, digital systems can conveniently
automate a variety of facility or operational functions.
To take advantage of electronic card benefits, you'll need
a printer with built-in encoding capabilities.
Operational Efficiency
For example, ID cards can be encoded to restrict access
to rooms, buildings or car parks. They can be used for controlling
access to equipment such as computers, copy machines, or
fax machines. If your facility has (or is) a cafeteria or
store, you can use ID cards to provide credit and debit
programs for employees or customers. Today's ID cards can
even be used for phone cards, for tracking time and attendance,
or for regulating admission to sporting events, theme parks,
resorts, clubs, and much more.
Invest today and reap the rewards beyond tomorrow.
Organisations everywhere use digital photo ID systems for
a multitude of applications. What could you use your system
for?
| Employee IDs |
Cashless Vending |
Phone Cards |
| Access Control |
Customised Gift Card |
Debit Cards |
| Loyalty Cards |
Visitor ID |
Event Passes |
| Government IDs |
Club Membership |
Proximity Cards |
| Business Cards & Business Photo ID Card |
Healthcare Cards |
Hunting & Fishing Licenses |
| Discount Cards |
Scuba Diving ID & Membership |
Time & Attendance |
| Photo ID |
Computer/Network Access |
Season Passes |
| Cafeteria Payments |
Inventory Cards |
Trade Show Promotions |
Consider your needs
Even if you plan to use badges only for visual identification,
consider possible future applications. You may not need
or have the budget for an integrated system with encoding
right now, but you might next year. Make sure the system
you buy today will be able to handle your needs tomorrow.
Customize your cards
Talking to your integrator and determining what applications
you need your photo ID system to handle is crucial to selecting
the right system for your organisation. But equally important
is understanding the numerous ways you can make your ID
cards more unique, secure and functional.
Card Designs
Creating a custom design sets your organisations card apart
from the rest. Security personnel and employees can easily
identify a card lacking an authorized graphic or layout.
Demand a card printer and software that won't limit your
design capabilities.
Magnetic Stripes
Magnetic stripes can be encoded with information about access
privileges, membership status and employment history. You
can even load cash for vending machine use. Magnetic stripe
data is updatable over time.
Bar Codes and Signatures
Bar codes and bar code readers can automate many processes.
Bar code technology adds convenience and speed to point-of-sale
and inventory management transactions. For even greater
security, select a system that adds a digital signature
to your card.
Custom Transparent Images
With certain printers, you can print a custom transparent
image (logo, symbol or text) directly onto cards using the
clear overlay panel of your print ribbon. Once printed,
this image appears only when viewed at an angle or under
ultraviolet lighting.
Oversized Cards
Some printers can print on cards that are larger than standard
credit card size. Oversized cards can hold an oversized
photograph and large graphics, making verification even
easier.
Over-laminates
Over-laminates bond to the surface of a card, protecting
data from being altered. They also significantly extend
the life of the card.
Holographic Over-laminates
An over-laminate containing a “generic” or stock
holographic image protects a card from wear, and discourages
card tampering or forgery. Creating your organisation's
own custom holographic design ensures that your card is
truly unique. Custom holograms are extremely difficult and
cost-prohibitive for counterfeiters to recreate. Maximize
your functionality.
Call
us now on: 0845 838 6130
Fax
us on: 0845 838 6131
Email:
sales@mfcbarcoding.co.uk |
