How to Create Your Perfect Photo ID Bundle

Finding the right ID card and badge printer for your specific needs can be difficult.  Whether you need to print ID cards for the healthcare industry, for school access, or simple security clearance, there are a host of different features you need to bear in mind.

Our photo ID bundle creator will help you to narrow down your choices.  Whether you are concerned about pricing, security features, or access functionality, you can select the products and hardware to fit your specific situation.  Rather than buying a printer and materials to cover all bases, it surely makes more sense to put together a bundle which is ideal for what you need.

Things to Consider

When putting together your ID system bundle, you will need to carefully consider all of the elements you'll need for your specific ID program.  Before we take you through the step-by-step process of using the bundle creator, here are a few things to bear in mind.

How Will You Use Your ID Cards?

Not all ID cards are the same.  That may not be too obvious but think carefully about how they might apply to your situation.  Do you need cards with enhanced security features?  Will you need magnetic strips for access control?  Will you need to laminate your cards?

Access Control

For example, think about how ID cards are used in schools.  While they can be used as physical and visual ID, they will also be used for access control.  That means you will need to look for a printer which can support this.  You'll also need to purchase the right cards, as well as - of course - enough of them.  If you need to print cards regularly for visitors, for example, it's a good idea to buy in bulk.

Enhanced Security and Protection

For environments such as schools, hospitals, public buildings, and even prisons, you will need to think about added security features.  Enhanced security will help to make sure only those who have been granted access can pass visual checks. 

Visual security which can be enhanced may include microtext, holographic printing, and dual-sided information.  If you need more information on your card than one side can hold, you will need to purchase cards which support dual printing.

Added features such as lamination may be necessary if your ID cards are at risk of being damaged or defaced.  This may especially be the case in school environments.

Pricing

Finally, let's think about the cost.  One of the driving factors in your ID printer package will be the price.  If you have considered which of the above points are most important to you, prioritize these elements in your budget.  For example, if you do not need lamination or extra accessories, there is no need for you to pay for them.  We've made it easy for you to pick and choose exactly what you need, and nothing more.

Combining Your Own Photo ID System Bundle

Let's start looking at how to use the bundle creator, and what you will need to bear in mind along the way.

Manufacturers and Models

Manufacturers we currently work with and supply printers from include:

  • Fargo
  • Magicard
  • Zebra
  • ScreenCheck
  • Nisca
  • Datacard
  • IDP

From the bundle creator page, simply choose any of the above manufacturers from the relevant drop-down box, and you will see a choice of several different printer models.  By clicking on each of these models, you will be presented with a visual preview of what the hardware looks like, as well as several essential facts.

We encourage you to take a look through the various printer models available from each manufacturer.  Some will differ in terms of capability, capacity, and price.  These are all important factors you will need to bear in mind while shopping for the perfect printer.

Ribbons and Color Choices

It's essential to choose ribbon along with your printer. Otherwise, you won't be able to print any cards.

Will you need full-color printing for visual security?  What about the number of exposures?  Choose a larger package if you're printing ID for hospital patients as well as staff, for example.

Some printers are compatible with various colors of ribbon and foil dyes.  The package combiner will match up compatible ribbons and packages to your choice of printer.

Choose Your Software

You may already have ID card design software installed, or you may already be acquainted with it.  However, as you are buying a new device, it stands to reason that you should purchase an up-to-date design suite alongside it.

Choose carefully from software which suits your needs, regardless of the printer you are purchasing.  You may have a fixed budget, or you may wish to purchase software which supports additional visual security features.  For example, sensitive environments will likely benefit from more advanced printing suites.

Adding Accessories

At the end of the process, you will be asked if there are any additional items or accessories you may need to add to your basket.  Naturally, these may include cards for you to print onto, as well as any cleaning and maintenance kits for the printer itself.  How many cards will you need to print?  Will you need magnetic strips for access control? 

This stage of the process allows you to complete your package for your specific needs.  Not everyone will need the largest package of cards, and not everyone will need dual printing.  However, the options are available for you to choose from.

Why Use Our Photo ID Bundle Tool?

The ID bundle creator is a simple tool which helps to make choosing the right in-house ID card system much easier for you.

The accessories and add-ons recommended will be fully compatible with the printer you choose, and your running total will be calculated at the bottom of the guide.  That means that you can always keep a close eye on cost before you proceed to checkout.  We understand that, regardless of your needs, keeping an eye on your budget is always going to be crucial.

Our tool allows you to explore and compare printers, manufacturers, software, and deals.  We think it helps to give you a little more control over the buying process.  Why pay for one-size-fits-all when ID card needs are wildly different from industry to industry?

However, if you do have any questions or queries about combining your own printer package, our team is here to help.  Call us for support and advice on 1800-897-7024, or contact with our experts via the website where convenient.  Let's make finding your perfect ID printing package a hassle-free process.