Introduction to Plastic ID Cards

Plastic ID cards have been an essential traction tool for organizations on both personal and professional levels. Whether used to prove identity and authorize on individuals or track and monitor movement and control access, they are an incredibly versatile and useful solution for many organizations. From participant tracking to badging solutions, custom cards for special events and more, they are an important key component of efficient security operations. In this article, we'll cover the features, benefits and pros and cons of plastic ID cards, provide some case studies that feature the use of plastic cards, and What mistakes people make and what best practices to follow.

Features of Plastic ID Cards

Plastic ID cards typically consist of quality plastic material and are printed with a variety of features. They can include custom images and artwork, optically encoded data, holograms, and any number of special printing, security and application features. Additionally, they can have a wide range of magnetic stripe formats, chip encoding and chip embedding.

Magnetic Stripe

Magnetic stripes are perhaps the most common feature of plastic ID cards, and many offer two-track and/or three-track formats. The magnetic stripe is a hard, narrow steel ribbon coated with a thin layer of iron oxide, and is used to store countless bits of information, including account numbers, passwords, and biometric identifiers. When a card is swiped, the read head captures the information stored on the stripe and transmits it quickly and securely.

Chip Encoding

Chip encoding is an essential feature of modern plastic ID cards, and it allows for secure access control and transactional activities. The chip is embedded in the card, and it contains a variety of information, including encryption keys and authentication protocols. It is used to validate the card's identity and to protect against unauthorized users or tampering.

Holograms

Holograms are a form of secure printing used in plastic ID cards, and they are used to add authenticity and security to the card. These are 3D images used to prevent counterfeiting, and they are made using laser technology that creates an intricate, unique design on each card. There are several types of holograms, and they all provide an extra layer of protection and security.

Benefits of Using Plastic ID Cards

Plastic ID cards offer many advantages for organizations. They are secure and reliable, and they provide an excellent way to authenticate individuals for various purposes. Additionally, they are affordable, durable, and easy to use. Here are some of the benefits of having a plastic ID card program:

• Secure reliable
• Excellent way to authenticate individuals
• Affordable durable
• Easy to use manage

Pros Cons of Plastic ID Cards

Plastic ID cards have many advantages that make them a great choice for organizations. They are secure and reliable, and they offer an excellent way to authenticate individuals for various purposes. However, there are also some drawbacks to consider. Here are some of the pros and cons of plastic ID cards:

Case Studies for Plastic ID Cards

Case Study 1: University of California, Davis

The University of California, Davis has implemented a secure campus-wide ID card program using plastic cards. The cards are made of durable PVC plastic and feature micro-encode technology, which is used to securely store data about each cardholder. The card's data is used to authenticate the cardholder's identity when accessing campus buildings, services, libraries, student accounts and other applications.

Case study 2: The Guthrie Theater

The Guthrie Theater implemented a unique plastic card program. Called the Guthrie Card, the plastic cards are used to grant patrons personalized access to special offers and programs. The cards are given to select patrons, and they are encoded with special offers and unique rewards that can be accessed when the card is swiped at the theater.

Case Study 3: City of Toronto

The City of Toronto has implemented a comprehensive and secure plastic card solution for its citizens. The cards are used to track and monitor access for city services, and they also allow for secure payments and secure transactions. The cards are made of high-quality plastic material and feature a variety of features, including holograms and optically encoded data.

Mistakes People Make Best Practices

Despite the many advantages of plastic ID cards, there are some mistakes that people make that can lead to problems. It is important to consider the following when implementing a plastic card program:

• Produce high-quality cards with features like holograms and chip encoding in order to prevent counterfeiting
• Ensure all cardholder information is kept secure
• Ensure that the cardholders understand and adhere to the proper use of the cards
• Implement a system to quickly and securely replace lost or stolen cards

Additionally, there are a few best practices to follow when implementing a plastic card program:

• Choose high-quality plastic material for the cards
• Utilize secure encoding features like magnetic strips, chip encoding and holograms
• Implement access control measures to ensure only authorized persons are allowed access
• Create policies surrounding the use of the cards and ensure everyone follows them

Final Notes

Plastic ID cards are a great way to authenticate individuals and control access for organizations. They offer many advantages, such as security, reliability, affordability and durability. However, there are some drawbacks to consider, such as the high upfront cost, potential for counterfeiting and potential for misuse. It is important to take these factors into consideration when implementing a plastic card program. Additionally, it is important to follow the best practices outlined above to ensure the successful implementation and management of a plastic ID card system.