How To Increase Site Security With Identification Cards

By Author: Daisy McCarty
Total Articles: 138
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ID cards used for site security can be as simple or as complex as the end user requires. At the low-tech end of the scale are plain plastic cards printed with an employee's name, department, and photo. These provide a sense of openness and accountability in the workplace (especially for large facilities) since everyone is easily identifiable. A quick glance at a person's badge lets security and management know if someone is an employee on the job or a visitor who may need to be accompanied.

Companies sometimes change the background color of their cards and issue current employees a new one every year. This makes it obvious even from a distance if a person is no longer using a valid ID and cuts down on terminated employees using old cards to access the property. Plastic cards come in a variety of pale shades such as beige, gray, and light blue that allow printed images to show up clearly against the background color.

Magnetic stripe ID cards are the next step up the ladder and bring a wealth of options to the table. These are commonly used to control access to different locations and even to specific offices ...
... within each building. Cards are often used with an accompanying keypad that requires workers to type in a code for verification. Software linked to the card reader can be used to track and record any employee's movement throughout the facility.

Businesses can also encode these cards to be used in on-site vending machines. This sidesteps the risks involved in maintaining cash based units and keeps vandalism to a minimum. Cards used in time clocks are another favorite since they offer an easy way to track attendance and discipline tardy employees. Having a closed circuit video camera at each clock location can provide back up for addressing suspected "buddy swiping" (the practice of one employee clocking in for his friends using their cards).

Plastic cards embedded with RFID transmitters can be used anywhere in close proximity to a reader and don't have to be run through a slot. They are a great choice for controlling gate arms on multiple lanes of traffic. An employee with a valid card can just hold it up to the scanner and pass through. Programs are even available that allow the cards of terminated employees to be turned off immediately preventing them from re-entering the property. With this technology in place, security personnel no longer have to sit and push a button for each car to enter and can spend their time on more productive work.

Card printers such as the Datacard RP90 can print images for transfer onto RFID cards and many other types of smart chipped cards for sensitive applications. This type of printer can accommodate a wide variety of materials and formats. Lamination can be added to provide an extra layer of protection to the body of the card and the printed transfer film making them both more resistant to wear. For high tech data storage and processing cards on the pricier end of the market it makes sense to go the extra mile and make sure they will last.

Check out ID Superstore for low prices on plastic cards and plastic id card printers. We have a wide selection of card printers, including Evolis printer models.