Alpha Card Systems Blog

The safety benefits of breakaway lanyards

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 18:56:27 +0000

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.

Zebra releases updated firmware and driver for P330i, P330m, and P430i card printers

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:38:35 +0000

Zebra's Performance Class card printers are getting an upgrade, thanks to new firmware and driver versions that offer a number of key enhancements. These updates apply to all Zebra P330i, P330m, and P430i card printers. New printers will include these enhancements, while those of you who are already using one of these printers can immediately download the firmware and driver straight from Zebra.

How to prevent ID card printer ribbons from breaking

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 18:19:26 +0000

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.

American University tests student ID cards with SmarTrip technology

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:35:20 +0000

Students and staff at American University may soon be able to ride DC trains and buses using their school ID cards. A pilot program is in place to test American University student IDs that are compatible with the SmarTrip tap-and-enter technology currently used for Washington DC Metro riders.

VA Hospital ID cards go high tech

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 18:23:50 +0000

VA Hospitals across the country are rolling out a high tech employee ID badge program that aims to reduce identity fraud while protecting personal information. The VA Hospital in Big Springs, Texas is the latest to hop on board. Each card features an encrypted chip that holds important info such as fingerprints and government employee verification. The cards also certify that the employee has received a full background investigation.

Using composite cards for ID applications requiring lamination

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 19:36:05 +0000

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.

Choosing the right badge accessories

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 19:45:02 +0000

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.

Transit passes get special Super Bowl treatment in Miami

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 17:45:25 +0000

Several thousand transit riders in Miami were lucky to get their hands on special commemorative Super Bowl cards last week, good for trips on local-area buses and trains. The collectible cards work just like normal smart card transit passes, only with a colorful design featuring the official NFL and Super Bowl XLIV logos.

Expiring badges offer an affordable solution for visitor management

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:22:04 +0000

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.

Student ID cards good for off-campus dining at Indiana State University

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 19:49:22 +0000

University ID cards often perform a variety of functions beyond simple identification. One of the more common applications is integration with meal plans and cashless payment. Indiana State University is just one of many schools now providing students with the ability to use their school ID cards for not only dining hall meals, but also off-campus feasting.

Special announcement for Haiti relief organizations

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 19:39:31 +0000

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.

Alpha Card Supply Locator helps you quickly find supplies for your ID card printer

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 18:42:42 +0000

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.

MTA considers smart card transit passes for NYC subway

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 19:57:53 +0000

New York City's Metropolitan Transit Authority has long considered a switch from paper transit passes to contactless smart cards, and now it appears the change could take place within the next two years. In the current system, riders of NYC subways and buses use temporary MetroCards which feature a low-coercivity magnetic stripe. The cards are good for a specific number of rides, and once those rides are all used up, the cards are worthless. With a smart card system, riders would be able to use the same card over and over, and could add funds directly from their bank accounts online or at special kiosks.

What's the difference between HiCo and LoCo magnetic stripe cards?

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 17:42:02 +0000

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.

Skate park uses photo ID cards to curb vandalism and enforce rules

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 17:00:44 +0000

Lawnwood Skate Park in Fort Pierce, Florida has been steadily growing in popularity since its grand opening a year and a half ago. Skaters flock to the park in droves to shoot in and out of its winding concrete bowl, and grind effortlessly (or not) down a myriad of ledges and rails. Because the park draws such a crowd, county officials began requiring all riders to have photo ID cards in order to help them enforce rules and prevent vandalism.