Today, ID cards are used for much more than basic photo identification. New technology has enhanced the level of security and functionality of ID cards, and made them ideal for applications ranging from student IDs and employee badges, to cashless payment cards, access control, and much more.

ID Card Applications

The first line of defense against unlawful use or entry is the human inspector. Several levels of visual security for ID cards may discourage counterfeiting and increase assurance of validation. A person checking ID cards would need to understand exactly what to look for as it commonly done by a guard checking security photo ID badges..

Additional features will add both durability and validity to ID cards including ID card overlaminates and holograms.

Rather than rely on just a visually recognizable identification clues - a photo printed on a plastic card with official looking seals - more secure ID card systems would use encrypted data that can be read only by special equipment. That way, while forgers may be able to copy an ID cards appearance, it would be much harder to actually copy how it would work in an ID verification system.

Photo ID Cards Overview

Crisp, full-color images and so much more

ID card systems have come a long way. Today’s ID card printing technology delivers superior image quality and exceptional card durability at a suprisingly affordable cost. And that’s only the beginning.

You also get remarkable functionality. You can save time and money with an ID card system by integrating multiple operations into single multifunctional ID cards:

• Employee, visitor and vendor identification cards
• Time and attendance
• Physical access control (facilities and parking areas)
• Logical access control (networks, databases and PCs)
• Cashless vending and food service ID cards

Access Control Overview

A simple way to increase security and efficiency

Today’s access control technology with ID card software offers tremendous benefits to organizations of every size and scope. You can save money and improve security by automatically managing access at entrances with the swipe or scan of ID cards. You can also safeguard critical information stored in your networks and databases.

In an era of high security, you need advanced measures in place to protect this new functionality from internal and external threats.

Smart Cards Overview

A dramatic advance in card security and functionality

Smart ID cards hold, transmit and encrypt massive amounts of data. And they fit neatly within the surface of digital ID cards.

In an age with increasing security threats and data-transmission privacy requirements, smart ID cards are fast emerging as a preferred technology around the world. The International Card Marketing Association states that the smart card market is growing at an annual rate of 28%.

Encoding ID Cards

Companies, hospitals, and schools often use credit-card sized plastic ID cards that contain a thin magnetic film similar to the material used inside computer hard drives. This is often referred to as a "mag stripe".

Encoding devices that are either freestanding or incorporated in ID card printers can store additional information such as an identification number, a name, additional identifying data on the thin magnetic film on the plastic card. The card can then be swiped through a mag stripe reader at a security desk to verify identity and record the transaction for security, time-keeping and other purposes. Proximity cards, bar codes and smart cards work in a similar way, but they store more information and incorporate features to make them more versatile and secure.