Photo ID System Usage at Event Organizations and Management

Security concerns are increasing. Government agencies, educational campuses, healthcare facilities, and enterprise corporations are looking for cost-effective, scalable, and reliable solutions for producing ID badges on-demand that are secure.

The credentials come in various forms and serve one or multiple purposes. They can be simple photo ID cards to badges allowing physical access through wall-mounted card readers. Multi-functional smart cards incorporate sophisticated technology that gives access to protected data or networks or tracks time or attendance.

The spectrum of secure ID card printing covers a wide range. Choosing the right solution and understanding the technology options can be an overwhelming task. The items listed here are things to consider when evaluating a process.

They will help narrow the selection and aid in choosing the ID card printing solution that meets the unique needs of the user. 

Security

The importance of security cannot be overstated. It is the reason entities are seeking ID card printing solutions. There are many security levels. Many solutions support a range of technical and visual security elements that ensure an organization's identities are tamper-proof and secure.

The challenge is to determine the appropriate technology that fits a budget. Assessing the risks is helpful in the determination of the credential security level to implement. What would be the consequences if unauthorized parties or counterfeiters gained access to sensitive organization areas?

Consider the impact of data being accessed and compromised. The information may be classified documents, patient or client records, financial systems, or databases. Grave breaches may result in proprietary information or financial fraud that causes unrecoverable losses costing in the millions.

The potential of losses such as these makes it essential that people with access to the organization's systems, personnel, and buildings are easily identified with credentials that are difficult to duplicate. A solution that supports various security technologies is highly recommended. 

They range from custom or standard holographic over laminates to more complex security features. Selecting a card printing solution that supports a range of security measures ensures investment protection.

If security needs increase or change, only new accessories or consumables need to be purchased. The core printer remains intact. A frequently overlooked aspect of ID printing solutions is the card printer security.

The first level of security is to limit access to the printer's physical components. Mechanical locks restrict printer access. Physical locks placed on all points of access protect film and ribbon consumables from would-be counterfeiters having access to them.

Electronic security is critical. Control operator access to a printer with PINS and packets of print job data that meet or exceed standards of advanced encryption. Selecting an ID printing solution that meets the requirements named above ensures the best security choice for the card program and the organization.

Durability

The efficacy of an ID card printing system boils down to how effectively the credentials issued meet the user demand of the anticipated life of the card. Think about the expected life of the card and the conditions or environment to which the card will be exposed.

Incorporate the needed level of durability when making a choice. There are several options. Re-transfer or high definition printing provides advantages over direct-to-card printing if overlaminates are not being used.

The HDP film protects printed images. It creates credentials that are durable and provides clear visual evidence if an attempt to tamper occurs. Laminate cards are another option. Over-lamination is available in various thicknesses that extend the life of the card. 

There is a third option if durability is not a high priority or overlaminates are cost-prohibitive. An HDP printer and highly durable, on-card film can be used. Additional investments in protective over-laminates or separate lamination hardware are not required.

A 25 percent reduction in material costs and a 45 percent decrease in equipment costs are realized. The options given above provide flexible and cost-effective choices.

Volume

How often and how many cards will be printed should be considered. New cards, intermittently printed, or large batches printed several times per year influence the ID printing solution needed. Some models are designed to print large volumes but only intermittently.

Others are designed for single large batch runs. One-at-a-time, hand-fed print job printers are another option. The organization wants a printer designed to meet its needs. Significant, large batch runs require a card printer supporting large yield consumables like laminate or colour ribbons.

It maximizes productivity. Operators, do not have to change out or replace materials constantly. For high volume demand, it is further recommended to choose a printer that has substantial input and output hopper capacity. Batches run uninterrupted by card stock replenishment.

Recommendations

IDSecurityOnline is an ID card printing leader in the industry. The company carries a complete line of products that include badges accessories, card printer supplies, ID card software, photo ID systems, and ID card printers.

Two of their most popular models are the Fargo HDP5600 Dual-Sided ID Card System 

and the Magicard Rio Pro Single-Sided ID Card System. 

The Fargo printer is compatible with Windows, including Windows 10. The printer provides 600 DPI full colours in 24 seconds.

Both the printer and print head come with a three-year warranty with one-year loaner coverage. Included with the Dual-Sided ID Card Printer are:

• Assure ID Solo Software
• ID Camera from Microsoft LifeCam Studio
• Fargo's HDP5600 Colour Ribbon –YMCK
• Fargo's HDP5600 Clear Film
• 30 Mil CR80.30 White PVC Cards
• Power and USB Cord

The Magicard printer is a secure single-sided ID system with camera and software. Magicard'sHoloKote security features are included. The printer is fully Mac OS X compatible. It has a three-year warranty. Also included are:

• ID Camera from Microsoft LifeCam Studio
• CardPresso ID Software XXS
• 300 Prints Full-Colour Ribbon
• 500 White PVC Cards
• USB Cable
• CD with Documentation and Drivers
• Starter Cleaning Kit

It is equipped with a 70-card stacker and 100-card feeder to help print batches of cards. The Magicard printer also has a single feed mode. A watermark can be printed at no extra cost. It prints during the regular cycle of printing.