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Archive for January, 2010
Monday, January 25th, 2010
With correct care and maintenance ID card printers give reliable service for years. Essential to this care is establishing a regular cleaning and maintenance programme. Absorb these tips for the maintenance of ID card printers:
• Put a dust cover over the printer when not in use. Dust accumulations mar printing performance
• Establish a regular cleaning routine, following the manufacturer’s recommendations. Read and adhere to the instruction manual. Have one or two personnel specifically tasked with this maintenance, who become skilled at it
• Recommended frequency of cleaning varies between brands, but most manufacturers suggest changing printer ribbons every 1000 prints, so this is a good opportunity to do the cleaning as well
• There are various cleaning products: cleaning cards, cleaning pens, cleaning kits and maintenance kits. At ID Management Systems we suggest using only the recommended ‘own brand’ cleaning materials for your printer, as some machines can be intolerant of substances meant for others
• Use only the manufacturer’s recommended brand of ribbons and cards. Other, cheaper brands may work temporarily, but can lead to longer-term deterioration of both print quality and printer heads
• Change the ribbon as recommended. Trying to extend use will lead to misprinting and wasted plastic cards
• If an integrated cleaner ribbon is present with the print ribbon, this must be cleaned too
• Ensure ribbons and cleaner kits are correctly installed. Slight misalignment will lead to print streaking, discolouring, and jammed cards
• After cleaning the print heads, use a compressed air spray to remove dust and debris from the printer, to prevent discolouring and card jamming
Proper maintenance prolongs the life of ID card printers.
Tags: ID Card Printers, ID Cards, Plastic Card Printing, plastic cards
Posted in ID Card Printers | Comments Off
Friday, January 22nd, 2010
Before choosing the software for ID card printers, it is important to consider carefully exactly which functions you wish to apply to your plastic card printing system, both immediately and in the future. (Although new functions can of course be added later, it is more cost-effective to purchase a future-proofed bundle at the outset.)
You will need to consider the types of information you want to include on the card. Obviously you will want to print names, for the card holder and your organisation, and possibly additional data such as role, section, and contact details. You may also want to incorporate encoded information such as access rights to particular areas, and event generated items, for example dates of birth, so that under-18s can be detected and excluded from events serving alcohol. You will almost certainly wish to include a photograph, and possibly a hologram, so your software will need an image editing function. Perhaps you also want to incorporate your logo, or graphics. You may need, or plan, to include a barcode or credential recognition. More complex ID systems may require signature recognition and fingerprints and perhaps even iris-recognition.
You then need to decide whether you want your cards to be multi-coloured, and single sided or double-sided. Additionally you will need a security enhancement with password protection to properly store all your data entries. ID systems must respect confidentiality.
Your software must perform all you want it to. Here at ID Management Systems we are happy to discuss your requirements and guide you to the right choices for your present and future needs.
Tags: ID Card Printers, ID Cards, ID Systems, Plastic Card Printing
Posted in ID Card Printers | Comments Off
Wednesday, January 20th, 2010
ID card printers can be put to additional use, and save money, by producing give-away business cards for your personnel. Such business cards do not normally carry all the personal data of actual ID cards, though some do include a photograph, greatly enhancing the ‘memorable factor.’ Certainly, these plastic business cards offer a modern and stylish feature of your organisation’s branding.
Business cards are essential to any business’s marketing and any organisation’s public profile. No-one would think of attending a conference, networking or publicity event without a supply of them. They not only provide contact details for a named individual, but also act as a branding signature, a PR tool, and an aide memoir. A business without a business card is like a football shirt without a sponsor’s name.
Increasingly, plastic cards are replacing traditional paper-based business cards, because they are more durable, waterproof and stainproof, and simply look altogether more modern and upmarket. The physical toughness of plastic cards means they are also less likely to be lost or discarded by recipients, meaning your contact name and organisation details will be in someone’s easily-retrievable possession for longer. With the right sort of plastic, they can even be written on like traditional cards, to add notes and extra data when cards are exchanged. Importantly, though plastic cards (such as the Fototdeck Bio we produce at ID Management Systems), whilst retaining their integrity and durability for all normal usage, are completely biodegradable in a few years once properly discarded.
Adding business cards to your in-house plastic card printing repertoire will enhance your organisation’s public profile and long-term cost-effectiveness.
Tags: ID Cards, Plastic Card Printing, plastic cards, printing id cards
Posted in Plastic Card Printing | Comments Off
Monday, January 18th, 2010
It is perfectly feasible to produce your organisation’s own ID cards in-house, and there are several advantages to doing this.
• Cards can be produced, replaced or modified almost instantly, with no time-lag for delivery
• Existing security and human resource systems can be totally integrated
• No restrictions on numbers produced
• Scope for inexpensive experimentation with different styles and functions
• Total control of the issuing of security and time-keeping cards
• Sensitive personnel data is not released to third parties
To establish in-house production for your ID systems, you will need to invest in the appropriate hardware and software for plastic card printing. This may include a digital camera, a tripod, printer (with pre-installed software), and blank plastic cards. The various elements can of course be purchase separately, but are also available in convenient and cost-effective bundles from good suppliers.
Digital ID card printers are not difficult to use, despite performing several functions simultaneously, such as printing, encoding smart cards, and inserting proximity chips and magnetic strips. The printers come in different sizes and specifications, according to the range of functions required and the level of workload envisaged.
Before choosing an ID card printer consider:
• How many cards will you want to print
• Single-sided or double-sided cards
• Multi-coloured images
At ID Management systems we carry a huge stock of printers, new and used, from a wide range of manufacturers. Most reputable distributors and manufacturers of ID card printers will be happy, like us, to provide a free on-site demonstration to help you make the best choice.
Tags: ID Cards, ID Systems, Plastic Card Printing, plastic cards
Posted in Plastic Card Printing | Comments Off
Friday, January 15th, 2010
Lanyards are extremely popular for holding ID cards. They are visible, simple to put on, and not easily dislodged. Wearers also appreciate the fact that lanyards do not fasten the card directly to clothing, so there are no piercings or marks left in the fabric, as with pin or snap-clasp fasteners. (While magnetic badge-holders no not damage clothing either, some people dislike the slightly awkward fastening process. If the magnet is lost, the card cannot be worn. Also, some people cannot wear magnets on health grounds.)
Lanyards are usually worn around the neck, with the length adjustable to ensure the ID cards are visible whatever the wearers’ roles. For example, a seated desk-worker would have a shorter lanyard, holding the card higher, than a worker who operated standing or walking.
Lanyards are highly adaptable. Some fit around the wrist, arm, or even the waist, so that whatever the wearer’s duties, a lanyard could be the best form of card holder for them. One of the great advantages of lanyards is that multi-purpose ID cards can be scanned or swiped quickly and easily, without having to be unfastened from clothing.
The actual plastic cards or badges are attached to the lanyards by swivel hooks, alligator clips, or split rings. The best form of fastener depends on the material of the lanyard itself. Lanyards come in various materials – metallic chain, plastic strip, fabric chord, ribbon and so on. Lanyards made of plastic or fabric can display the organization’s branding colours, or indicate colour-coded sections, areas or roles.
At ID Management Systems, we can provide exactly the right lanyard for you.
Tags: ID Cards, identification card, lanyards, plastic cards
Posted in ID Cards | Comments Off
Wednesday, January 13th, 2010
Plastic cards need some form of holder to avoid damage or loss. Different holders are available to suit a range of user requirements.
At ID Management Systems, we can discuss with you all of the possibilities. We suggest you first consider the purposes of the card, and the environment in which it will be used, to ensure the best choice of holder. Here are the main varieties.
Clear vinyl, with snap-clasp: Economical, fairly protective and suitable for indoor personnel not involved with machinery or physical activity. Not ideal for steamy conditions such as kitchens or laundries, and older snap-clasps may loosen.
Rigid badge holders: Prevents the card being bent or folded – mainly useful for desks.
Armband holders: Very popular with physically active workers, as ID cards remain highly visible without impeding work or being dislodged.
Magnetic holders: These secure both plastic cards and other badges to the wearer’s clothing by means of a metal back-piece and a loose magnet, which are placed either side of the fabric. The fastening process can be cumbersome, but once in place the ID cards are very securely held. However, if the magnet is lost, the badge cannot be worn until a replacement magnet is obtained. Magnetic holders may be unsuitable for people with certain health conditions.
Folding wallets: Can hold several cards or additional items, and can be carried discreetly in pockets.
Lanyards: Not suitable for physically active workers or machinery operators, but where safety allows lanyards are popular because they do not pierce clothing and can be readily colour-coded.
Tags: ID Cards, ID Systems, identification card, plastic cards
Posted in ID Cards | Comments Off
Monday, January 11th, 2010
If you decide to outsource the production of your ID cards, you will want to find a reliable, helpful and economical supplier, who can interpret and develop your basic ideas to give you the ID systems you envisage. From the various producers out there, how to choose the right one for your requirements? Here are some things to look for:
• Free advice and guidance on the uses and design of your ID cards
• No minimum order quantity or minimum fee
• Advice available by email and telephone
• Photos, crest or logo, barcode and magnetic strip all included in the package
• A photographic service on request
• A large variety of fonts and colours
• A range of materials available, as well as different thicknesses for plastic cards
• Tamper-proof plastic cards or badges
• Secure database for the information you supply
• Fast turnaround (under 3 days) from order to delivery
• Replacement cards, or additional ones for new personnel, supplied in one day
• Quick and reliable delivery service
• Wide range of accessories (clasps and holders, lanyards, wallets and so on)
Different suppliers will each have their own specialism, and of course it makes sound sense to compare various companies before choosing one. Perhaps artistic design is the essential factor for you, or speed, or budget price. However, we at ID Management Systems suggest that you always choose a supplier who prides themselves, as we do, on offering customers top-class guidance and support, throughout the production process and beyond.
Tags: ID Cards, ID Systems, identification card, plastic cards
Posted in ID Cards | Comments Off
Friday, January 8th, 2010
Whether you are printing your own ID cards for ID systems or decide to outsource production, it is best to start by planning the optimum design.
List the proposed purposes of the card. Will it be used simply for internal staff recognition, or publicly for customer care and profile enhancing? Will the card give entry to restricted areas? Will it have a purchasing or staff function? These decisions will clarify the precise content the card will need, such as name (first name only, full names, title etc.) date of birth, role, organisation, bar code, photograph or hologram.
Then you will know whether you need the card to be single or double-sided, to accommodate the required information in a clearly readable format. Choose which will be the ‘default’ or ‘A’-side, most often on display.
Next, consider who will use the plastic cards, and in what environment and circumstances. Will the card-users be operating indoors or outside, in daylight, artificial light, or darkness? Will they be engaged in physical activity, or in any hazardous situations, or using tools or machinery? These considerations will indicate the most appropriate size, material, weight, and holding-system for the plastic cards.
Lastly, decide on colour schemes and shape. These can display the organisation’s branding, or reflect colour-coded sections within the workforce or site, or be chosen specifically to appeal to the public – for example, brightly coloured animal-shaped plastic cards for staff working with children.
Here at ID Management Systems, we are always very happy to guide you through this planning and design process. ID systems are evolving, so guidance is often useful.
Tags: ID Cards, ID Systems, identification card, plastic cards
Posted in ID Systems | Comments Off
Wednesday, January 6th, 2010
Your ID cards are made to be durable and tamper-proof, but it makes sense to take care of them and keep them looking clean and fresh. Obviously, basic plastic cards need little more than an occasional wipe with a damp cloth. More sophisticated cards, though, perhaps with magnetic strips and holograms, need more thoughtful cleaning.
At ID Management Systems we urge that under no circumstances should you clean your ID cards with detergents, alcohol, chemicals, aerosols or other sprays. Neither should you wipe the cards with a cloth that has been exposed to any of these. These substances can seriously damage the card and affect its use and readability.
Do not keep unprotected ID cards in pockets, handbags or desk drawers, where they may get scratched by coins, keys, pens, paperclips and so on. Also, if the card has a magnetic element or fastener, do not allow this to come close to anything that may be susceptible to magnetic fields, such as credit cards. In addition, be aware that some health conditions can be adversely affected by the magnets. Anyone who may be affected in this way should not carry magnetic cards in pockets, and should seek medical guidance before deciding whether or not to wear a badge fastened by magnets.
It is also worth regularly checking the holding devices for your ID cards. Note any looseness of clasps or springs, any tears or cracks in plastic coverings or wallets, and any fraying, staining or stretching of lanyards.
These simple measures will keep your ID cards smart and effective long-term.
Tags: ID Cards, ID Systems, identification card, plastic cards
Posted in ID Cards | Comments Off
Monday, January 4th, 2010
In our security-conscious society, accurate identification is required for almost every public activity. Whatever the organisation, no matter how large or small, every employee, volunteer, student, club member, delegate – and often visitors, too – will need to be properly and clearly identified. Even out in the community, formal ID systems are now required for banking, travelling and even simple shopping. No matter what activity your organisation is engaged in, we at ID Management Systems recommend plastic cards to identify all your personnel.
Issuing well-designed ID cards has multiple benefits. Primarily, it boosts organisational security. Individuals and roles can be pinpointed, and access to specific areas controlled.
Additionally, there is an excellent customer care effect. Customers, service users and visitors feel reassured when dealing with named individuals, whose legitimate authority as part of the organisation is clear. It is also helpful when the card-wearer’s specific remit is indicated too. When customers or clients report complex problems, it is easier for them and for your own records if the various personnel involved are clearly identified. Should a complaint unfortunately occur, proper ID systems can avoid a great deal of confusion.
Furthermore, attractive ID cards can wonderfully strengthen corporate branding, both internally and in external profile-raising opportunities. They can also be used by your personnel for access to your in-house facilities (canteen, social club, gym and sports, library, parking, discount schemes, and so on.) With a little thought at the planning stage, these simple but effective plastic cards can have a wide variety of uses.
Tags: ID Cards, ID Systems, identification card, plastic card, plastic cards
Posted in plastic cards | Comments Off
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