Many companies, when setting up an ID card program or upgrading an existing one, discover they need to store unique information about the cardholder. How do you decide between a card with a magnetic stripe or one with a simple bar code? Well, it depends on your business and security needs and your budget as well. Let's look at the differences between magnetic stripes and bar codes to help you decide which will better help your company achieve its goals.
Ease of use
You see magnetic stripes everywhere nowadays. Common uses include credit cards, gift cards, hotel room keys, etc. While widespread, magnetic stripes aren't as easy to use as those with barcodes. Here are a few drawbacks:
- Scratches happen, and they can cause issues with your card readers. We've all been in line behind the person whose card refuses to be read easily. Scratches on the magnetic stripe reduce the efficiency of your card program.
- Demagnetized cards happen, too. If your ID cards become demagnetized, they're non-functional, bringing your company's system to a standstill.
Bar codes, on the other hand, are hard to scratch and can't become demagnetized. In fact, it's very hard to scratch off a bar code on an ID card. They're also easier to use; people scan barcodes every day at the self-check-out lines at retail stores or on the library card kiosks at public libraries.
Bar codes can potentially save you time and frustration, but they're not the safest option. They're easy to copy with the right printer.
The next section discusses the security differences between the two technologies.
Security
Security is a top concern of most organizations today. If safeguarding personal or sensitive information is paramount, bar codes offer more risk. Consider how the information is in plain site on a card with a bar code. All someone nefarious needs do is copy the bar code and print it out on a new PVC card. While most card readers will catch duplicate cards eventually, there's still enough time to use the copied card to get access to equipment, assets, your facilities, and more.
With a magnetic stripe, the information is encoded by a special module on an ID card printer, making counterfeiting or duplicating these types of cards almost impossible. The best way to determine if you need the extra security of a magnetic stripe is to answer the question: "What would happen if the card's information was compromised?"
Often, the answer to that question depends on the purpose and type of information and how sensitive it is. Take, for instance, a company loyalty card that accrues points. If someone forged a copy of an individual's loyalty card, using the card only racks up more points for the original cardholder. But if what's encoded on the stripe includes personal identifying information, magnetic stripe cards are more secure.
If the information you need to contain on your cards isn't incredibly important, bar codes can hold information and make using the card as easy as possible. Plus, there's a cost saving.
Cost
Most companies have a budget for their ID card solution, and the cost difference between the two technologies is something to consider.
Think about how bar codes are printed. They're not colorized and don't require additional technology to produce. You save money by not needing special color ribbons and encoding modules for your ID card printer. Supplies for a regular printer are less expensive.
Now consider the printing process of a magnetic stripe card. You need special supplies like cards and ribbons and an encoding module for your printer to encode the information on your cards' magnetic stripes. The supplies cost a bit more, and adding a technology encoder module to your printer increases its cost.
Final thoughts
Each type of ID card has its benefits and its drawbacks. The first determinant depends on the security needs of your cards. Next, you should consider ease of use and how you expect cardholders to use the cards. Finally, analyze the cost difference between the two options. Like a Venn diagram, where all three determinants meet is the answer to which card is best for your organization.
If you still have questions or would like an in-person demonstration of each card type, visit the Idesco show room. Hands-on experience with both cards and how they print helps you make better business decisions. And with Idesco's over 75 years in the industry, you can rely on our ID Experts to guide you to the right card that meets your business, security, and budgetary needs.