Starting an ID Card System

The thought of implementing an identification system in the workplace can see like a daunting one. If you are completely new to this technology, the different methods and supplies can be overwhelming. This handy guide will cover a range of points you need to consider before making any purchasing decisions.



What is the Purpose of the ID cards?

When you first make the decision to utilise ID cards you need to decide exactly what the purpose of those ID cards will be. This can be a basic photo ID card to a fully integrated, multifunctional card that can also be used for access control, time and attendance systems and cashless vending situations. Understanding the purpose of the card at the outset is vital to ensure that you get what you want from the card.


How and Why Will the Cards be Used?

How and why the cards will be used by the card holders in normal daily use is very important to consider. Do the card holders have to open a access controlled doors, car park barriers, pay for lunch in the canteen or use vending machines are all points to think about to maximize the use of the card? Integrating multipurpose cards can help to simplify and streamline your entire operation.


What are the Procedures for Lost and Stolen Cards?

Having a proper procedure in place to deal with lost or broken cards is very important to the security and operations of the system. All card holders should know what to do in the event of loss of their card and the people who issue the cards need to be up to date with this information and log this re issue. Preventing identity theft is also an important consideration if the cards hold personal information.


Are you Issuing Multipurpose Cards?

If you are issuing a multipurpose card that can be used in different locations, the card holders need to be fully aware of how to use the card and where it can be used. When a card is given to a card holder they need to know who to ask for help should they be unsure of its usage or if a problem occurs.


Do You Need Help Designing Your Cards?

Designing your ID cards to suite your purpose can be a daunting process for some organizations due to the wide variety of cards available. Some designs require special consideration due to the placement of magnetic stripes, barcodes, smart card chips, security holograms, dual sided cards etc. The sample ID card designs can help you make that decision by showing the most common designs used for this purpose.


How Will Future Cardholders Obtain Cards?

Understanding and planning for the amount of cards that you will need to produce is an important factor to ensure that you purchase the right equipment for the job. If you only need to print a handful of cards a day, then you can opt for one of the hand fed card printers to reduce costs. If you are intending to issue large batches of ID cards on a regular basis, you would be advised to get a more robust printer than can use a card hopper to hold the cards to speed things up. Whilst several of the card printers offer field upgrades for this purpose, it is far better to get it right at the outset. Planning for your future requirements is very important.


Are there Different Classes of Cards?

Within most organizations there will be different classes of card. Some will have general usage rights for the general staff, but others will allow greater access to some more secure parts of the operation. Making this class of card visibly different can help security and CCTV operators to identify those who should not be present in a particular area.


What are the Cardholder's Responsibilities?

Explaining to the card holders how they are expected to use and display the card is very important, so that they all understand and adhere to the rules of the  implemented ID card system. Perhaps they will need special types of card holders or card hangers needs to be decided also. Reporting lost cards, understanding that the card is their responsibility and agreeing to pay for replacements lost cards if that is the case is all important to ensure that the system functions properly


How Will ID Cards be Displayed?

Choosing the right ID card accessories from the huge variety of items that are available is an important factor, so that card holder can use the card in a way that best suites their purpose.

If displaying the card at all times then a lanyard or clip and card holder may you preference. If the card holder uses the card to gain entry through access control doors, then a yo-yo card holder may be the answer so that the card is kept out of the way when not being used to open doors.