Last week we spruced up our website AlphaCard.com with a bevy of additions and improvements that we're sure you'll enjoy. While not a complete makeover, there a few changes to the appearance of the site, and most importantly, we added a significant amount of content to assist you during your search for the right ID card solution.

Finding the right ID solution can be tough. To help speed up the search Alpha Card designed a variety of photo ID systems that meet the specific needs of a variety of industries including fire and police departments, construction, and ski resorts. We’ve created systems for each level of the industry, from started systems, right on up to systems including premium technology. Each are tailored to meet the needs of the specified industry. All systems include a professional ID card printer, ID card software for designing ID cards and storing records, a digital camera, and printing supplies and accessories.

Besides burning calories and toning muscles, gyms and health clubs offer a number of different benefits to their patrons when they implement an ID card program to print membership cards. These cards don’t just identify the people in the gym; they perform a range of functions to enhance any cardio experience. Creating a gym ID program has benefits for both gym owners and members because it centralizes and streamlines many of the important processes in a bustling and on-the-move industry.

After going through the time and effort to design and print ID cards, every ID card program needs a secure way to display the fruits of its labors. ID card accessories can be just as important as printing supplies and equipment for keeping an ID card program running smoothly. With ID Badge Accessory Packs from Alpha Card, it’s easy is issue photo IDs that recipients can wear and display at all times.

For over 20 years, Alpha Card has been providing top-quality ID card solutions for businesses and organizations across a broad range of industries. These customers put their faith in Alpha Card because of our experience and our ability to provide the best service, value and support in the industry. If you haven't checked out the AlphaCard.com Our Customers page, we encourage you to take a look. This is where we like to highlight some of our favorite customers to give you a better idea of what types of organizations rely on Alpha Card for their card-printing needs.

An ID card printer is an important investment for your business or organization. To protect it, and to keep it printing at the top of its game, there are five simple steps for card printer maintenance. Proper maintenance can mean the difference between an ID card printer that bows out early and one that performs like new far on down the line.

Alpha Card is making it easy to accent your ID program with our selection of ID accessories. While the printer may be the main feature of any ID system, the accessories play an important role in how the recipients of these cards wear and display them.

Alpha Card is giving you a chance to share your thoughts on the products that put your ID card program in motion. Take a trip to the Alpha Card online store and you'll see each product page now offers you the opportunity to post a review. Anyone who has spent time shopping online knows the value of customer reviews. First-hand accounts from those who've already used these products can really help new customers who are evaluating their options.

A gift card program is a great way to promote and market your business or organization. And if you already own a photo ID system, it's easy to launch a gift card program using your existing equipment. We love when our customers find new ways to utilize their ID card printers, and producing gift cards is just one of many ways you can get some more mileage out of your ID system.

Every now and then we like to shine the spotlight on some of our most popular ID card printers and systems. Taking the center of attention today is the Basic Secure Photo ID System, featuring the versatile Magicard Enduro card printer. This affordable system meets the needs of schools, small to medium-sized businesses, membership and gift card programs, and more. Along with the Magicard Enduro, the system includes Alpha Card Light photo ID software, a digital camera, and a full stock of printing supplies. It's also the Alpha Card Spring Special, which means it's a pretty great deal.

If your ID program requires cardholders to visibly show off their IDs, you've got a choice of accessories, and it often comes down to lanyards and badge reels. Both of these highly popular accessories make it easy for you to wear your photo ID and access it when needed. In the Alpha Card online store, you'll find a wide selection of lanyards and badge reels fit for any ID card program.

With the recent movement towards 64-bit operating systems, we'll occasionally get inquiries from customers wondering which ID card printers are 64-bit-compatible. In the past we've recommended customers continue using a 32-bit version of Windows in order to ensure compatibility. However, most ID card manufacturers are moving fast to provide drivers that support 64-bit computers and operating systems. In fact, Magicard just released new drivers for all of their most popular ID card printer models. If you're using a Magicard printer, the new drivers are available for download right now.

With the environment on our minds, it's important to always be on the lookout for ways we can help protect the planet. In terms of your ID card program, one of the easiest ways to go green is to start using eco-friendly ID badge supplies. Alpha Card carries a variety of supplies made from recycled and biodegradable materials that are easier on the earth.

There's nothing quite like receiving an A+ on your report card. It's the mark of a job well done. That's why we're extremely proud to announce that the Better Business Bureau (BBB) recently issued Alpha Card Systems an A+ rating that reflects our commitment to strong customer service and support. The BBB A+ rating is the highest grade available, and represents the degree of confidence customers can have that Alpha Card operates in a trustworthy manner, and works hard to quickly respond to any and all customer concerns.

While a slot punch is probably not the first thing that pops to mind when you think about ID card printing supplies, it is certainly an essential component for programs where ID cards must be visibly displayed. A slot punch, as its name suggests, punches a slot in your ID cards so they can be easily connected to lanyard attachments, strap clips, badge reels, etc. Alpha Card carries a variety of slot punches to meet the needs of ID card programs both large and small.

Depending on your sense of humor, a bad ID photo can be cause for great hilarity or pure unbridled embarrassment. We're going to safely assume most people prefer to look good in their ID photos. After all, an ID photo is something that will likely be seen every single day. There's nothing worse than having a permanent reminder of a less-than-photogenic moment. So how do you go about making sure your subjects are photographed in the most flattering manner?

Reverse-transfer printing is an innovative technology available with high-definition ID card printers such as the Fargo HDP5000, Zebra ZXP Series 8, and the Magicard Prima. The reverse-transfer printing process produces vivid photo IDs with enhanced color clarity and crisp imaging.

Sometimes it's hard to know which ID card printer is right for your organization, especially if you see your card program possibly growing or evolving down the road. Alpha Card carries a number of card printers that can actually be upgraded in-field to meet those changing needs. From the innovative modular design of the Fargo HDP5000, to the unique upgrade capabilities of the Magicard Enduro, many printers now provide users with quick and easy ways to enhance functionality without having to buy a new machine.

It's no secret that PVC card printers produce high-quality photo IDs, but did you know many customers also use these machines to print professional business cards? It's a great idea if you want to find a second use for your card printer.

When it comes time to choose badge accessories for your ID program, there's a good chance you'll consider lanyards as an option for displaying IDs. Lanyards are extremely popular for a vast range of ID programs. They're affordable, easy to wear, and offer a simple solution for environments where ID badges must be visible at all times. Lanyards are available in standard or breakaway format. The breakaway design offers an important safety feature, in that the lanyard will snap off and quite literally break away if it gets pulled or snagged on something.

Ribbon breakage is one of the more common issues faced by users of ID card printers. Thankfully it's a problem that can be easily avoided with some simple routine maintenance.

While most ID card systems come with standard PVC cards, it's important to realize that there are times when composite cards are the preferred choice. There's a reason composite cards cost more than regular PVC cards. Composite cards are stronger and more resistant to heat. So while ordinary PVC cards work great for most applications, if you're laminating your IDs you'll want to use composite cards because they can withstand the heat and pressure involved in the lamination process.

Badge accessories are a key component of any professional ID card program. While a lot of attention is paid towards designing and printing the cards, it's also important to factor in how those cards will be displayed once you issue them. That's where the badge accessories come into play. Thankfully Alpha Card offers a wide selection of badge accessories that are perfect for ID programs requiring cardholders to visibly display their IDs.

Did you know Alpha Card carries a full selection of time-expiring badges that can help you run a more effective visitor management system? These low-cost temporary badges are super simple to use and come in a variety of styles. Most include a special pattern that fades over a certain amount of time. This makes it easy for you to spot visitors and quickly see whether or not their badge is current.

Alpha Card is proud to be working closely with non-profit organizations providing earthquake relief in Haiti. If your organization requires ID cards, supplies or equipment as part of the Haiti recovery effort, please contact us to discuss special offers and pricing. Alpha Card is committed to helping those who are assisting in this important cause.


Please call 866-945-6801 to learn more.

We're pleased to introduce our new and improved Supply Locator tool, designed to help you quickly find the supplies you need to keep your ID program up and running smoothly. The Alpha Card Supply Locator is a super-convenient web tool that allows you to enter your specific printer model, then instantly view a complete list of supplies, including replacement ribbons, blank cards, cleaning kits, laminate films, and printheads.

If your ID program requires the use of multifunctional magnetic stripe cards, you have two options: HiCo or LoCo cards. What separates HiCo and LoCo cards is not the amount of data they can carry, but rather how secure and durable they are.

Visitor management is one of the most effective ways you can increase safety in and around your facilities. By controlling access at the point of entry, you can keep a thorough record of all those who come and go throughout the day. In the days of yore, most visitor management systems consisted of nothing more than a ball-point pen and a sign-in sheet. But now you have much more sophisticated and effective options at your disposal, including Alpha Track visitor management software, a powerful platform that provides tools for secure badge design, employee and visitor tracking, and access control.

Does your ID program require cardholders to frequently scan or swipe their ID cards? If the answer is "yes" then you're a prime candidate for heavy duty badge reels. Alpha Card carries badge reels built specifically to hold up against the wear-and-tear of everyday use. Our heavy duty badge reels are made from highly durable materials and feature reinforced straps and cords that guarantee long-term performance.

Recipients of the Alpha Card email newsletter already know about our special year-end discount on ID card accessories. Now it's your turn to get in on the action. Simply head on over to our Holiday Discount page where you'll find a promo code good for 10% off all ID card accessories. This is a great deal for those looking to stock up and save on accessories such as lanyards, badge reels and strap clips. But you better act fast because the offer expires on January 1st, 2010. Want to be the first to hear about exclusive deals and other exciting promos such as this one? All you have to do is sign up for our email newsletter and we'll keep you in the loop.

If you're looking for a budget-friendly way to increase the visual authenticity of your ID cards, you might want to consider hologram stickers and overlays. Alpha Card offers an assortment of self-adhesive stickers that can help you enhance ID card security. These self-applied stickers and overlays are a great option if your budget is too tight for card printers featuring holographic lamination.

When we think about high-definition card printers, the first thing that comes to mind is the enhanced print quality. High-def printers such as the Fargo HDP5000 and the new Zebra ZXP Series 8 are know for their ability to produce photo-quality cards with vivid colors and sharp images and text, but that's not their only benefit. These printers are also built to last, and they offer the flexibility to print on multiple card types.

While the ID card printer is the most glamorous component of an ID card system, software is equally important. Photo ID software provides the tools that allow you to design your cards and manage the ins and outs of your ID card program.

Recently we introduced you to the new Zebra ZXP Series 8 retransfer card printer, Zebra's first foray into the world of high-definition card printing. We're pleased to announce that the Zebra ZXP Series 8 is now available for purchase in the AlphaCard.com online store.

Did you know that almost all Magicard printers come with a special feature that lets you apply a secure watermark across the face of each printed card? It's called HoloKote, and it's a great way to increase the level of card security and visual authenticity for your ID program.

It's no secret that lanyards are the most popular accessory choice for displaying photo IDs. While generic lanyards certainly do the trick, going the extra mile and customizing your lanyards helps you to further promote and brand your company or organization. Plus, they look so much cooler. Custom lanyards are commonly used for student and employee ID programs, for sporting events, conventions, and countless other applications. Now Alpha Card is making it easier than ever for you to order your own custom lanyards.

If you're looking to launch a professional ID card program, but don't quite know where to start, try giving our new ID System Selector a whirl. We created the ID System Selector tool as a way to quickly present you with the most suitable ID card solutions for your specific needs. All you have to do is enter a few key requirements for your desired system, and the ID System Selector will produce a list of the best available options.

Looking for a way to make your cards more vibrant and eye-catching? Consider color PVC cards. They're perfect for applications such as membership and loyalty programs, gift cards, reward card programs, name tags, employee badges, and more.

For many ID programs, keeping cards protected from illegal duplication is extremely important. You don't want people to be able to forge or copy your IDs. There are a number of ways to prevent this from happening, and one such method is the use of a secure watermark. At Alpha Card, we recently released a pair of budget-friendly ID card systems that make it easy to enhance card security. Our Ultra Secure ID Systems include everything you need to design and print secure IDs featuring a custom HoloKote watermark that ensures your cards can't be illegally duplicated.

We're very pleased to announce a new member of the Alpha Card software family. Alpha Card Light is an easy-to-use software platform geared towards smaller ID programs and basic card applications. The software is very affordable, and gives users powerful tools for card design and management in an intuitive interface. If you're looking for a smart photo ID software solution that won't break the bank, we strongly recommend Alpha Card Light. In fact, we now include it with many of our all-in-one photo ID systems.

One of the easiest and most effective ways to keep your card printer running properly is to clean it on a regular basis. Cleaning your card printer is a simple procedure that prevents many of the most common difficulties experienced by users, including broken ribbons, streaky printing, and card jams. You can easily avoid these problems, and any expensive repair costs they might entail, by staying on top of printer maintenance. In other words, treat your card printer like your car. You take care of it, and it will perform up to its best capabilities.

When we speak with new customers who are in the market for a photo ID system, one of the first issues we like to address is the choice between single-sided and dual-sided ID card printers. Single-sided printers cost less, but it's possible that your ID card program will require a dual-sided printer. How do you know which solution is best for your needs? Let's take a look at some key factors that should clear things up for you.

If you're in the market for card supplies or badge accessories for your ID program, head on over to the Alpha Card online store, where we recently expanded our already-impressive catalog. Our new product offerings include everything from custom badge reels and pre-printed lanyards, to heavy-duty badge holders and eco-friendly accessories.

If your company or organization is looking to launch a new ID card program, you've got a lot of choices when it comes to ID printers, software, and supplies. Sorting through the different printer models and other components can be a challenge, especially if the technology is all new to you. That's why Alpha Card has assembled complete photo ID systems designed to meet the needs of ID programs of all shapes and sizes, from low-volume card programs, to large-scale high-security applications. These systems eliminate the guesswork when it comes to choosing the right equipment for your ID card solution.

Here at Alpha Card, we're extremely proud of the lasting relationships we've formed with our customers over the years. We've supplied professional ID card systems to a wide variety of end-users in industries ranging from schools, police departments, and membership groups, to health care facilities, government agencies, and Fortune 500 companies. Recently we added a new section to our website that spotlights some of our top customers in an assortment of industries. The Alpha Card Our Customers section is designed to give you a closer look at the ever-expanding list of customers we serve.

Alpha Card is ringing in the holidays by offering a Holiday Special on our Basic Secure Photo ID System. This Holiday Special is the ideal solution for small to medium-sized businesses, schools, membership programs, and any organization in need of a high-quality photo ID system that comes at an affordable price.

Alpha Card has released two new photo ID systems featuring the Magicard Enduro ID card printer. The Magicard Enduro is an affordable and extremely versatile card printer that can upgrade in-field from single-sided to dual-sided printing with a simple drop-in upgrade kit. Another unique feature of the Enduro is its ability to apply a secure HoloKote watermark across the surface of each printed card at no additional cost. Users can choose between four HoloKote designs selectable from the printer driver. This feature separates the Enduro from other printers of its class, because it allows for cards with increased durability and resistance to tampering.

Alpha Card has just announced a series of photo ID systems geared towards the needs of police departments and law enforcement agencies. Police departments have strict security requirements for their ID cards. These cards play an important role by identifying officers and help to ensure that they have proper access during critical situations where every moment counts. Because of the importance of police ID cards, they often contain security elements that work to prevent tampering and illegal duplication. Alpha Card's Police ID Card Systems make it easy for police departments to design and print ID cards that are durable, secure, and tamper-resistant.

Alpha Card is pleased to introduce a new series of photo ID systems that work to improve security at construction sites. Alpha Card's Construction ID Systems are geared specifically towards the needs of constructions sites wishing to issue photo ID cards as a way to control access and prevent theft of materials and equipment.

Alpha Card now offers complete ID systems for ski resorts looking to print ski passes, snowboard passes, and employee ID cards. For years, paper lift tickets were the norm on the slopes, but now many mountain areas are providing skiers and riders with durable PVC ski passes. These passes hold up much better than paper lift tickets and can include a variety of elements including the cardholder's photo, personal info, and a barcode for scanning purposes.

Alpha Card has released a new suite of ID systems geared towards the specific needs of fire departments wishing to print secure photo ID cards. Fire department ID cards play an important role in identifying firefighters and emergency personnel during critical situations, and can also perform a variety of functions, such as access control, around the workplace. Alpha Card's Fire ID Systems are available in three different versions: The Entry Fire ID System, Standard Fire ID System, and Premium Fire ID System.