ID cards and badges are becoming more and more prominent for a variety of different applications within organizations both large and small. Many schools now use photo IDs for student identification, attendance, and meal plans. Office buildings use proximity cards for access control. Health clubs print plastic membership cards, and hospitals and government facilities use ID cards to maintain a high level of security. These are just a few examples of how ID cards are being used for security purposes and for convenient identification.

If you’re exploring the idea of implementing an ID card program for your organization, the best and most cost-effective plan of action is to acquire a complete ID card system.

Components of an ID Card System

Printer

ID card printers are quite different from ordinary printers. They are designed specifically for printing on hard plastic PVC cards. There are a number of ID card printers to choose from, and selecting the right one depends on your specific ID card needs. Consider some of the following when making your decision:

• How many cards do you plan on printing per year?
• Do you need single-sided or double-sided printing?
• Do you need bar coding?
• Will you require magnetic stripe encoding?
• Will you print in full color or monochrome?
• Do you require lamination?
• Will you incorporate special security features such as holographic overlays?
• Are you looking to incorporate smart card technology?