Just when you think it's easy to set up an ID card program for your employees, students, or others, you discover there are different types of ID cards from which to choose. How do you know what you'll need for your program today and for your future needs?
Blank cards come in a few different materials, varying sizes and thickness, and offer different functionality, so having a good grasp of what you need your ID cards for and what you want them to do will help you decide which card to choose. Let's look at each type of ID card to give you an overview.
PVC cards
These are the standard, blank plastic cards around the size of a credit card that most companies use today. Perfect for basic photo IDs and adding a bit of functionality, PVC cards comes in several sizes, thicknesses, and even colors.
The standard size is a CR80 model that all credit cards use. If you want something a little different, you can choose the CR79 cards which is a touch smaller. You can also get standard PVC cards with additional functionality like magnetic stripes, or you can print your own QR codes or bar codes on the cards.
Consider using different colored PVC cards to help visually identify cardholders between security groups or other delineations.
Proximity cards
These are the workhorses of the ID card programs. They have a small embedded chip that stores limited data on the cardholder. You can use them for access control and other functionality. If crowd control is important for your business or organization, proximity cards can handle high volumes for a small cost per card. The cardholder only needs to come in close range to the card reader for the functionality to work.
A lot of corporations with restricted areas find proximity cards to be the most secure and cost-effective choices. As long as you have a card reader at any entry point, you need no extra security personnel because the card either allows or restricts access.
Smart cards
Smart cards have both an electronic chip with a microprocessor and an antenna embedded that stores a lot more information. If you need a single card that can provide and restrict access while storing personal information and other values to make it more functional, choose a smart card. For example, you can encode smart cards with multiple credentials, making security stronger thanks to the card's larger memory.
Pre-printed cards
Pre-printed cards are cost-effective options for loyalty cards, membership cards, and others that only need a simple name and made a barcode printed on site. You can have the card designed and pre-printed from the vendor at a reduced cost and personalize each card on site for an affordable per-card cost.
You can also add other functionality to your proximity cards like a barcode. If you need an ID card program that offers multiple features, but don't have the personnel or space to set up your own ID card program, consider using pre-printed cards that you can personalize simply and quickly on site, one card at a time.
Encoding options
Encoding simply means you're storing cardholder data on the card in specific components. ID cards can hold data in a few different ways such as simple bar codes or more complex smart chips that hold much more data. Encoding includes bar codes, QR codes, magnetic stripes, proximity cards, and smart cards.
Each encoding option accommodates certain data types, contains a limited amount of data, and some need special printing modules or software to produce. Basic ID card software can handle limited encoding options like bar codes, but the more sophisticated you want your ID cards' functionality, the more complex software and encoding modules you'll need.
Final thoughts
Questions you should answer before choosing a specific ID card are:
- What card thickness do you want? The vast majority of ID card printers print on 30mil cards (the thickness of a standard credit card). You may decide you want something thinner or thicker, so check the specs of your printer.
- What size card do you want? Again, standard credit cards are CR80 cards (3.375" by 2.125"). Your organization may need something smaller or larger, especially if you're printing cards for a corporate event. The size card you choose will depend on what your ID card printer can handle.
- What card material do you need? PVC is the standard material for ID cards that most printers handle. But if you have a retransfer or laminating printer, you need something that can withstand higher heat, such as a composite card made of 60% PVC and 40% PET.
- Are you using a magnetic encoder? If you're using magnetic stripes, you need a printer with a magnetic encoder. The trick is deciding if you need high coercivity (HiCo) or low coercivity (LoCo) cards. LoCo cards are less expensive for short-term applications like hotel room keys, while HiCo are very resistant and hard to erase but can handle frequent usage.
If any of this sounds confusing, know that the ID Experts at Idesco are ready to take you call to discuss your options. Every ID Expert is well-versed in all card types. Our mission is to help you find the most cost-effective solution for your security and operational needs. Call us today at 212-889-2530.