You might not realize it, but ID card software is one of the most integral parts of any photo ID system. ID card software is the brains behind the whole ID printing operation and allows you to design your ID cards, manage and store cardholder records, communicate with databases, and add enhanced functionality to your card program.

1) Design

ID software comes with pre-defined templates that you can use to design your ID cards. You can also opt to create your own design. Basic ID software also includes rich text editing, which allows you to combine regular text with multiple database fields, serial numbers, and dates and times while always maintaining proper spacing and alignment. With conditional layers and objects you can use ID software to design your ID badges in layers so that specific design elements can be set to print only when designated database conditions are met for an individual record.

ID card software also allows you to import images directly into your card design in a variety of formats. You can pull images from any digital camera or scanner that supports TWAIN or WIA. Images can be manually or automatically edited, formatted, and placed into a card design using ID card software. Some versions of ID software also include support for signature and fingerprint capture devices, which allows you to introduce additional elements into your card design.

2) Encoding

With ID software you can add encoding such as barcodes, magnetic stripes, smart card encoding and proximity encoding to your ID cards and badges. For example, AlphaCard ID Suite software supports over 20 industry standard 1D and 2D barcodes. You can also encode magnetic stripes to add more functionality to your ID cards.

3) Manage and Store Cardholder Records

One of the most important functions of ID software is to provide an easy-to-use platform for storing data about cardholders. With customizable record screens and multiple options for viewing records you can easily manage and store your cardholder records. Comprehensive search options make it easy for users to quickly locate records within specific fields or all fields. Some versions of AlphaCard ID Suite software offer centralized management, allowing you to manage multiple groups, users, and locations centrally.

4) Communicate with Databases

AlphaCard ID Suite software users an open data architecture that allows you to quickly connect to any existing data source. AlphaCard ID Suite card software supports live connectivity to file-based data sources such as Microsoft Excel, Access, FoxPro, dBase. Depending on the edition, you can also connect to ODBC/OLE DB databases such as Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, and MySQL. AlphaCard ID Suite also includes pre-configured databases for education, corporate, government, healthcare, and membership organizations, all of which can be easily modified and edited.

5) Security Features

Password protection, individual user and group accounts, and a variety of security features built into some versions of ID software help to prevent unauthorized access to deign files and records. Designs can be given a digital key, for instance, that can only be recreated by an authorized user.

6) Visitor Management

Visitor management ID software is also available. Visitor management software allows you to create ID badges and set up a program that allows your organization to verify credentials at the point of entry, track visitors, create time and attendance reports, and control facility access.

7) Time and Attendance

ID software with time and attendance tracking capability makes it easy to manage employee data in a centralized location. You can do away with outdated punch cards, and easily keep track of your employees with time and attendance badges.

ID software is an integral component of any ID card program, and choosing the right software for your photo ID system is an important decision. If you're not sure where to start when it comes to selecting ID software, consider the following questions to help you narrow down your choices.

How many cardholder records will you be storing?

Some basic ID software editions hold limited cardholder records. For example, AlphaCard ID Suite Light, our entry-level software package, has a limited database that only holds up to 200 cardholder records. If you aren't planning on printing that many cards per year this may be more than enough.

If you need more room in your database for cardholder records, then ID software with larger databases like AlphaCard ID Suite Standard, Professional, or Elite is the way to go.

What kind of encoding will your cards need to have?

Encoding is any easy way to add functionality to ID cards and badges. Depending on your edition, ID software is capable of adding encoding like barcodes, magnetic stripes, smart card encoding, and proximity encoding.

Do you need visitor management or time and attendance tracking capabilities?

If the answer is yes, then you'll need special visitor management or time and attendance software. This type of software comes with additional design and database functionality that allows you to do things like verity credentials at the point of entry, track visitors, create time and attendance reports, and control facility access.

What type of database will you be using?

ID software like AlphaCard ID Suite uses an open data architecture that allows you to connect to an existing data source. AlphaCard ID Suite software supports a variety of database sources. Depending on your card software edition you can connect to file- based data sources such as Microsoft Excel, Access, FoxPro, dBase or ODBC/OLE DB databases such as Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, and MySQL.

Do you need fingerprint or signature capture?

Some ID software supports electronic signature and fingerprint acquisition. These elements can then be incorporated into the design of your ID cards as an additional security feature.

Do you need additional security features?

More advanced versions of ID software come equipped with additional security features such as password protection, individual user and group accounts, watermarks, user permissions, and digital keys that can only be recreated by authorized users

In addition to designing your ID cards, you can use your card software to encode cards to give them added functionality. This makes them useful for membership or rewards programs, cashless payments, check out systems in libraries, or access control.

Before you purchase ID card software, you'll need to know how you plan to print and use your cards — this will help you zero in on the features that are most important to your card program. When it comes to AlphaCard ID Suite v11 software, here are the main differences between editions.

AlphaCard ID Suite Light

Entry-level software for small organizations:

• Built-in database holds 200 records
• 1D barcode & magnetic stripe encoding
• Easy-to-use card templates

AlphaCard ID Suite Standard

Mid-level software for small to medium-sized organizations:

• Built-in database with unlimited records
• 1D & 2D barcodes, magnetic stripe encoding
• Custom drop down lists & promoted data entry
• Advanced data filters
• Copy, import, and export card templates

AlphaCard ID Suite Professional

Fully featured software for medium to large organizations:

• Built-in database with unlimited records
• MS SQL, MySQL, SQLite, Oracle, ODBC/OLE DB connectivity
• Multiple layouts per card template
• Fingerprint & signature capture devices supported
• Fully integrated biometrics support

AlphaCard ID Suite Elite

Advanced software for large organizations:

• Built-in database with unlimited records
• MS SQL, MySQL, SQLite, Oracle, ODBC/OLE DB connectivity
• Updated MIFARE encoding & HID Proximity (read only)
• Digital ID camera, fingerprint & signature capture devices supported
• File password protection & user authorization
• Ability to connect multiple external databases