Whether to "slot" is a design issue every organization faces when implementing their ID card and badging program. Besides all the other design decisions you must make like whether to print on one side or two, consider how your employees or students will carry their cards.
The answer to that question might require a slot.
What is a slot?
Think about ID cards or badges displayed on lanyards or badge reels. Sometimes they're connected with alligator clips or plastic attachments that require a "slot" be punched in the card to attach these accessories. Basically, it's a thin, rectangular hole someone punches in an ID card or badge so holders can attach badge accessories. Whether you print badges horizontally or vertically, you punch the slot at the top of the card.
Why use a slotted card?
You may wonder why someone would punch a slot in a brand-new ID card or badge. Consider how your employees or students will use their badges. For security reasons, do you need ID cards prominently displayed? If you don't slot punch your cards, cardholders won't have a convenient way to display them like they would with a lanyard.
While there are badge accessories like card clamps that can hold a card for display with no slot, they're not as secure. If you don't want to reissue lost cards, consider using a slot to more securely display your ID badges.
Are you using technology cards?
Depending on the technology, cardholders might need to either swipe their card or present it within proximity of a card reading device. Do your ID cards and badges control access, offer tracking information, or use technology for other purposes? If so, more than likely the cardholders won't keep them in a wallet or pocket.
Slot-punched cards make it easy to attach them to badge reels, which make it easy to swipe through readers or keep cards near a card reader. For example, if your facility has restricted access to various offices, labs, or locations, your cardholders may have to swipe their cards for access privileges. If you're moving many people through access points, you would create a bottleneck if cards weren't easily accessible.
On the other hand, you must handle technology cards that contain chips and antennae with care. Most smart cards come with guidelines (little dots on the card's surface) where it's "safe" to slot-punch your cards without interfering with or damaging a wire or chip.
Other considerations
Regardless of your ID card's material, you shouldn't punch the slot too close to the edge, either vertical or horizontal. If you put the slot too close to the edge of a PVC card or a synthetic paper one, you risk the card cracking or splintering. While synthetic paper cards are more resistant to tearing and cracking, you still want to avoid too close to the edge when considering where to place the slot.
If you're thinking about pre-punching your slots before printing, DON'T. Pre-punched slots offer an uneven surface for your ID card printer, which could cause damage to its printhead. Your printer's printhead is the most sensitive element of your ID card printer. Even a bit of uneven card surface can irreparably damage the printhead, requiring hundreds or even thousands of dollars in repairs and replacement.
Only slot-punch your ID cards AFTER printing them. While this may feel like an inefficient way to produce ID cards and badges, you'll extend the lifespan of your ID card printer by sticking to this consideration. There are a variety of slot punches from which to choose to make the process a lot easier and faster.
Final thoughts
You have a variety of badge holder options depending on your ID card needs and functionality. Whether your cards or badges must be visible or accessible, you may need to slot-punch them. If you expect your cardholders to carry their badges in a wallet because they don't need them often, you can get away without slot-punching. But if you have more immediate functionality needs, a slot punch lets your employees, students, and others display and carry their cards so they're easily available when and how they need them.
If you're still uncertain whether you need slots, contact an Idesco ID Expert at (212) 889-2530. We'll help you figure out the right option based on your organization's business and security needs.