Creating Your Own ID Cards: How to Get It Done Quickly and Easily

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Introduction

ID cards have become an essential part of most everyday life, whether you're in school, government, or a corporate workplace. ID cards offer people a convenient way to gain access to various buildings, equipment, and resources without having to utilize paper-based credentials.

Creating ID cards can be a time-consuming process, especially when large quantities need to be produced. Fortunately, the modern age has provided businesses the opportunity to opt for plastic cards with various high-end features as an alternative to traditional paper credentials.

Plastic cards come in a variety of shapes and sizes and have several features that paper cards cannot offer. Here are some popular benefits of using plastic cards to create an ID system:

  • Durability - Plastic cards are typically much more durable than paper cards and are resistant to bending, folding, and tearing.
  • Security - Plastic cards can be embedded with access control features like barcodes, QR codes, magnetic stripes, and more, giving companies the ability to track usage and keep unwanted personnel out of sensitive areas.
  • Appearance - Plastic ID cards can be printed in a variety of colors and designs. This can help give a professional look to any company while also helping employees feel more secure carrying the card.
  • Cost-effectiveness - Plastic cards tend to be cheaper to produce than paper cards. This makes them a more cost-effective option in the long run.

Security Features

One of the main benefits of opting for plastic cards is the added security features that they can offer. Companies have the option to add access control features like barcodes, magnetic stripe data, and other technologies to help control who has access to certain buildings and equipment. This technology can also help track usage and prevent unauthorized personnel from entering sensitive areas.

Case Studies

Here are two examples of companies that successfully shifted to plastic cards for their ID systems:

Company 1

Company 1, a large energy provider, was looking to reduce costs and increase security of its employee ID cards. After implementing a new plastic card system, the company was able to significantly reduce costs associated with lost, stolen, and counterfeited cards.

Company 2

Company 2, a major healthcare provider, needed to improve security of its facility access process. By switching to plastic cards, they were able to securely track who was entering and leaving certain areas of their facilities. This helped the company better control access to sensitive areas.

FAQ"s

What are the benefits of using plastic cards?

The main benefits of using plastic cards are durability, security, appearance, and cost-effectiveness.

What types of security features can be added to plastic cards?

Security features that can be added to plastic cards include barcodes, magnetic stripes, RFID chips, and more.

Mistakes People Make

  • Not considering the type of features needed: It's important to consider the type of features needed before investing in plastic cards. Different card types may offer different levels of security and durability.
  • Forgetting to update cardholder information: Cardholder information should be regularly updated to avoid any potential issues with card access.
  • Not adhering to industry standards: It's important to make sure all card materials, including card printers and cards themselves, adhere to industry standards.

Best Practices

  • Invest in quality materials: Investing in quality materials will ensure that the cards are long-lasting and look professional.
  • Establish a clear card policy: Establishing a clear card policy can help ensure all cards are used for the purpose they were intended.
  • Regularly review access control settings: Access control settings should be regularly reviewed to make sure cardholders are not abusing privileges.

Conclusion

ID cards are a valuable asset to any company, and plastic cards offer many benefits that paper cards cannot. This article has outlined some of the benefits of using plastic cards, common mistakes people can make when creating an ID system, and best practices for creating plastic cards. With the right approach, plastic cards can significantly improve security and reduce costs in the long run.