Using ID Cards for More than Just ID

Most photo identification cards that are printed with our photo ID card printer systems are used for the purpose of identification. Printed plastic cards commonly have a company logo, card holder photo and specific custom information about the person carrying the ID card. The cards may be full color on one or both sides. This is determined by the type of printer you have and also the type of print ribbon that is used.

Small business typically use plastic ID cards as identification for their employees or group members. Larger businesses and government frequently purchase professional, security oriented ID card printer systems that allow the identification to be used for more than just ID.

Printed plastic cards are commonly known for identification. They also benefit businesses in the areas of physical and virtual access, debit functions, payroll and more.

When you know what you want to use your ID cards for and if you know your budget limit, there are ways to make your card produce information you want to benefit company outcomes. There are many ways to integrate custom data in plastic cards. Some of these methods can be developed with a standard entry level ID card printer and software while others need a specialized system.

Current top of the line identification cards that are used for more than one purpose are the contactless or contact smart card. These cards are more common in other parts of the world and are rapidly making entry into the United States. These cards have the capability to hold a large amount of data that can easily transmit to card readers. The card readers then submit that information to control systems for analysis and further use.

A more common way of storing data on a plastic card is through a magnetic strip that is found on PVC cards. Information can be encoded into the tracks of the magnetic strip. Mag stripe readers can transfer information to control systems when the stripe is swiped through the reader. A common example of this is a credit or debit card swipe at a retail outlet. This system can also be used for transfer, access, loyalty systems and more.

Another method of storing information is available. This is with the use of a bar code printed on the outside of the card. The bar code is not able to store as much information as a contact or contactless card or as a mag stripe card. It is useful for time and attendance or for debit card type functions. It is the most cost effective way of storing information that is not legible to a casual observer of the card.

ID Flow Software – Configuring Enrollment

The above video illustrates how to enter information for card printing and how to configure your workstation.

To start enrollment, there are three simple common steps:
1. Enter personal information
2. Capture the photo
3. Print the ID card by clicking on the Print Badge button.

How to Assign Global Settings for Cardholder Groups
1. Click the properties button on the main menu.
2. Select the enrollment tab

We can initialize default values in some software editions.
Initiate the date field with the current date and time.
Duplicate record checks can be performed.
a. Define the matching criteria
b. When a match is found you can add a new record, use the existing record or merge records.

3. ID Flow can use optical character recognition to scan a license, passport or business card.

a. Click configure.
b. Align the scanner fields with the database field.

4. Configure the photo acquisition.
5. Configure the signature capture and fingerprint capture.
6. Access control editions if ID Flow will allow you to configure access control and issues activated cards.
7. Set the card printing rules. Click the badge printing tab.

Name the rule. Click the parameters frame. Click the elliptical button. Create a filter.

8. Record fields can be updated after a card is printed.
9. ID Flow will let you know if you have left any configured features unconfigured.
10. Finished completing the process for the cardholder group.

Configure this workstation’s enrollment steps and devices
1. Click setup.
2. Select configure workstation settings.
3. Click enrollment task link.
4. Enable steps and configure.
5. Select your camera.
6. Download add on modules for the cameras and scanning devises from jollytech.com. This allows flash cameras and auto cropping features with some editions.
7. For pictures, choose the width – height ration and crop box tightness.
8. Select your printer.
9. Disable steps not used in this workstation.
10. You are read to begin enrolling members and issuing ID cards.
11. Find record, run enrollment for step by step process.

Additional ID Flow Training Videos:
ID Flow Software- Text Formatting
ID Flow Software – Working with Records
ID Flow Software- Adding Bar Codes and Magnetic Stripes
ID Flow Software- Working with Images
How to Network Jolly Products
Download ID Flow Trial Software to try before you buy.

For additional information about ID Flow or other ID badge software options, contact our ID card experts at 888-485-4696.

Jolly Software Upgrades Announced

Jolly has announced an updated version of their software ID Flow, Lobby Track, Label Flow and Asset Track to version 5.03. There are many highlights and features of this new version that will provide premium features that will enhance user experience. Updated features include:

Features Added:
– Support for S2 Access Control System
– Support for DSX Access Control System
– Support for Topaz optical fingerprint scanners
– Link Lobby Track user accounts to Active Directory user accounts
– Improved Oracle support
– Populate record forms by scanning the 2D barcode or magnetic stripe on a North American driver’s license or ID card

Enhancements:
– Configure multiple Active Directory searches for Host Lookup
– Improved support for non-western languages and fonts including Arabic, Cyrillic, Greek, Hebrew and Turkish
– Improved the automatic image reduction feature to support bitmap images
– Enhancement of Topaz signature cropping
– Improved image path support for certain TIF and JPEG images
– Display a results summary after record import
– Support for a 15 digit UID default value
– Attendance log fix for PCs configured to use a comma character instead of a decimal point

The Jolly software upgrade, including ID Flow version 5.03, is available to all supported customers at no additional charge. Customers with earlier releases should contact one of our ID card experts for upgrade details. Assistance with this and other ID card software products is available toll free at 888-485-4696.

HID Access Cards – How They Work

An HID proximity card is a card with embedded information encoded inside. The information transmitted can allow door activation or login to a networked computer system. With access card systems, reports can be generated to provide specific details as to which card holders have attempted access and which cards have activated entry.

The HID Prox card holds information embedded inside and has capability within an access system to activate a door or log someone into a computer network. The proximity card does not have the capability of accessing an area within itself. The card within the framework of an access system will provide security and appropriate access to a controlled area.

The card is combined with a card reader, access control panel and a computer to form a complete access system. In combination, the system is able to function as a security officer that allows card holders into specific secured doors at certain dates and times.

The card holds an embedded binary code, which is a sequence of ones and zeros. These are used in a specific sequence to identify a card holder. The coding format is transmitted from the card reader to the control panel for deciphering. The card may or may not have additional code embedded in the card. The access control panel normally does not use extra coding, but reviews the formatted code utilized in the system.

When the controller receives the data, it begins the steps to verify if the cardholder has access to the building. The length of the data string is analyzed prior to proceeding. If the format is different, the control panel will not be able to process the request.
Once the format is verified, the controller can then check the facility code and site code for a match. If this is true, the controller moves ahead to match the card number. A matching card number will move the analysis forward. The information is then reviewed to see if the card holder has authorization to access during the date and time the access request is made. If so, the lock relay will activate and the door or network will unlock for access.

If the HID prox card is not able to successfully move through the above steps, access is denied. The system may provide a specific response from the controller or there may not be any response at all.

The software application processing authentication transactions can be accessed by authorized personnel to updated cardholder information, configure hardware and to generate reports of access attempts and successes.

ID Flow Software – Importing Card Designs

If enabled, the configure workstation screen will show at startup. Select launch set up wizard.
or Select setup and then click run set up wizard.
Click Next.
Name the card holder group.
Say yes to import ID design. Browse and select the template you created in the ID Flow Card Designer.
Click the open button. You have the option to use the database the card was designed with or you can use a different database.
Note that if the database is changed, the fields in the template may be affected if they are named differently.
A copy of the design has been imported. Note that if the original is changed, it will need to be re imported for changes to take effect.
Changes can be made to the imported design within the ID card issue center.
Advanced settings globally applied to all work stations accessing this card holder group.
Preview of the design can be used to represent the card holder group by clicking the generate button.
You may import any other graphics or you can leave it blank.
The Record Lookup Tab – allows you to define lookup fields
Enrollment Tab – Define the enrollment steps. Here we can enable the photo step.
Badge Printing Tab – Create print rules and update fields after a record is printed in some editions. Select edits to make changes to the card design .
Logs and Reports Tab – Select in which database the fields are logged.

Workstation Configuration You can designate tasks specific to this workstation. You can configure your workstation settings.

Main Menu – can change the back ground image
Enrollment – select camera and printer
Find Record – provides lookup options. Click ok once your changes are completed and click finish. You may set up unlimited designs and configure unlimited databases.

Additional ID Flow Training Videos:
ID Flow Software- Text Formatting
ID Flow Software – Working with Records
ID Flow Software- Adding Bar Codes and Magnetic Stripes
ID Flow Software- Working with Images

For additional information about ID Flow or other ID Card Software, contact our ID card experts at 888-485-4696.

ID Works Software – Trial Download

ID Works Software v6.5 – Free Trial Evaluation

Datacard invites you to test drive their ID Works® identification software, to simply and securely create high-quality ID-cards. This software will facilitate card design and production, as well as required reports. Easy to use, ID Works® offers many powerful features. And, because it has a flexible, modular design, you can select the edition containing just the right features to best meet your needs.

ID Works – Available Editions:

ID Works

Click to launch download page

ID Works® is available in four separate editions, suited for use by small organizations through multi-national corporations, or in large government applications.

These editions are:

  • ID Works® Intro
  • ID Works® Basic
  • ID Works® Standard
  • ID Works® Enterprise

ID Works Add-on Modules:

Additionally, ID Works offers add-on modules to meet specific requirements of many organizations, including:

Datacard® Tru™ Signature Solution/Software
To easily capture signatures electronically for application to photo ID cards.

Datacard® ID Works® Visitor Manager Software
Register and monitor visitors automatically just by scanning a government-issued credential.

Datacard® ID Works® Designer Software
Design professional-looking cards and reports from scratch, or choose from a library of templates to get started.

Datacard® ID Works® Production Software
Integrate existing databases to capture text and images, and eliminate redundant data-entry and related typographical errors.

Datacard® ID Works® SDK Software
Customize ID Works® software better meet unique requirements with an easy-to-use software-development kit.

Smart Card Designer Tool
Create and smart card designs quickly with this wizard-like tool, saving time and frustration.

Capture Server Software
Integrate Datacard data-capture solutions with your enrollment software.

Print Server Software
Create device-specific printer and encoder plug-ins to use with ID Works software, maximizing platform flexibility.

Download your evaluation copy of Datacard ID Works® identification software by clicking on the ID Works logo above, or with THIS LINK.

Need more info?

For additional information about Datacard’s ID Works, and other card design and printing software, check our ID software page, plus our on-line store. Of course, if you would like personalized service in selecting the best software for your organization, contact our ID-card experts at +1 888.485.4696 (US & Canada), or +1 704.535.5200 (elsewhere).

ID Flow Software – Working with Images

ID Flow Software is capable of designing quality, custom ID badges. This video illustrates how to work with images when using the software to design a card.

 

How to Insert Images Into your ID Card Template

Insert a Fixed Image from a File.

Click the colored image tool.

With your mouse, draw the approximate image area.

Select fixed image from the file.

Then, browse to select your image. More than 20 image file types are supported.

Click the select button.

Click OK.

Add A Background to Your Card

Double click off to the side of your template or click the document properties icon.

Check background image. 

Then, browse and select the file.

 or

Import the background image as a seperate layer to use blending effects.

Click show layers.

Click the plus button to add another layer.

Then, click the down arrow to move the layer under other layers.  Design layers stack like sheets of paper.

Click the image tool and draw an image box.

Select the fixed image from file.

Browse and select the image  file.

On the properties tab, uncheck the maintain aspect ratio.

Click ok.

Use the stretching tool to stretch the image to the borders of the template.

The opacity of the image can be controlled in the layers dialog.

Variable Image from the Database

Hold the shift key down while you draw the image area and you will draw a perfect square.

Select variable image from the database.

Select your image field. In this instance it is photo.

Select the live data checkbox to see the template with the database record.

If the image background is reasonably consistent, it can be removed.

Double click on the image.

On the properties tab, check remove background and give the feature a tolerance.  About 10 usualy works well.

Background removal works best with images are take with a blue or green screen backdrop.

Hold the shift key down to resize while retaining aspect.

Alignment tools help you place your objects

Repeat the background removal process to remove the background from the logo.

Alternatively, variable images may be pulled from a file. Select variable image from file or internet.

Click insert folder path and insert folder.  Insert the database field or fields by which the image is named. In this case the image was named by first and last name.

Lastly, be sure to include the images file extension.

Images Obtained at Print Time.

Draw the image place holder.

Select image captured or  selected at print time.

To preconfigure a capture device, select advanced options and select the camera or capture device.

The placeholder will appear on the template.  You will be prompted to take a photo during the print process.

The photo will not be stored anywhere and will not able to be reprinted.

Additional ID Flow Training Videos:
ID Flow Software- Text Formatting
ID Flow Software – Working with Records
ID Flow Software- Adding Bar Codes and Magnetic Stripes
ID Flow Software- Working with Images

Safe-Card ID provides photo ID card systems, ID card printers, ID card software, PVC cards and ID badge holders and other ID card supplies. Contact us at 888-485-4696. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

What Software Is Best for ID Card Printing

If you are looking to print ID cards for your organization, you are likely asking yourself: “What software will work best for my specific needs?”

At Safe-Card ID Services, we recognize that requirements can and do vary from client to client. Our experts are trained to assist clients in making the best choice possible, paying special attention to each unique situation. To this end, it is helpful to know a bit about the options prior to talking with us regarding the available choices. Your choice would then be driven by some combination of features and costs.

Some typical product requirements and features to consider include:

  • Do you need to retain data for each card printed, so that it can be recalled and updated and/or reprinted on-demand?
  • Would you need connect directly to an existing data-source, to eliminate the need to maintain data in two places, and reduce the time and potential for keystroke errors if entered manually?
  • Will you need any special encoding on your cards, such as mag-stripes, bar-codes, QR-codes, or the encoding of access-cards or SmartCards?
  • Will you operate on a Windows or OS-X platform?
  • Will multiple users need to access the software and printer, possibly including simultaneous access?

If you are looking for the absolute least-expensive way to make ID cards, and are technically adept in the advanced use of program such as Adobe Photoshop(R) or Acrobat(R), or even Microsoft Word(R), you can design ID cards and templates within them. This is true, whether you are using a Windows-based PC or Apple’s MAC/OS-X line. The drawback, or course, is that these programs are not purpose-built or optimized for the design and production of ID cards. That usually means many additional minutes or hours of work are required when compared with the use of a dedicated ID card software package. This then becomes both an initial cost, and and ongoing expense.

To simplify the ID badge making process, Safe-Card ID recommends using one of the various ID card software programs available in the market. These products are specifically developed to make it easy to design and print standard-sized ID cards. Being purpose-built, these programs include simple tools that users access to add static or variable elements to their ID card designs, including text boxes, photo fields, logos, background images, barcodes, and more. Static items (those items that will be the same for every card printed) are set such that all cards will have a consistent look. The variable fields would represent information that is unique to each card-holder, including things such as names, titles, individualized photos, and .

The software programs carried by Safe-Card ID are compatible with nearly any of the currently available card printers. They are also generally backwards-compatible with printers made within the last 5 years.

Basic Software Options: The entry level software for most ID card software is able to accommodate ID card needs of low volumes. Full color capabilities, photo imports, bar-code set up options, and more are generally found in this software. In some instances, a basic software packaged comes bundled with the purchase of a new ID printer. Basic versions often include some limits or restrictions including, for example: the number of data fields; the number of data-records stored, the number of available fonts, and/or the ability to add encoded items.

Mid-tier Software Options: Upgraded software options include all of the features included in the basic  ID card software, and then add benefits, such as inclusion of an internal database, unlimited record storage, and some basic encoding abilities. Including an internal database allows users to quickly search, find & reprint cards, including printing in batches. It also facilitates the production of business reports. Often the database can be imported and exported for use in other software programs.

Advanced Software Options: Advanced versions of ID card software have capabilities typically needed in larger organizations. These might include the ability to share the database across multiple users, establishing direct links to data-sources, such as .txt, .csv,. .xls, flat-files, SQL and MSAccess databases, or even direct ODBC links. Additionally, more recent releases include the ability to directly encode access cards, SmartCard (on supported printers). These added features make advanced software versions perfect for high-volumes, and high levels of security.

The current ID card software applications that we recommend most often are Asure ID v7 (from HID Global), ID Flow 7 (from Jolly Technologies), and cardPresso v1.x (from cardPresso). Each company has a demo version available at their respective websites. We recommend that you download them and test out the feel of the interface and the options available. You can find links to the downloads below:

Asure ID Trial Software Download
cardPresso (same as production download; operates in demonstration mode until activated)
ID Flow Download (30-day trial period)

If you would like to speak with our ID card experts, they are ready to help you at 888-485-4696.

Organizations that Use ID Card Printer Systems

Photo ID card systems produce custom printed cards similar to your driver’s license or your credit card. The majority of cards printed on a card printer are for member or employee identification purposes. Other applications such loyalty cards or discount cards can also be printed on these systems. Many types of industries print ID cards on a daily basis. Although reserved for large organizations and governments a few years back, plastic ID card printer systems have become more reasonably priced and smaller organizations are finding the benefits of the systems a worthwhile expense.

Although almost any organization can find a beneficial use for printed plastic cards, some types of organizations find that card printing is a critical need for the success of their business. Popular business types that commonly use plastic cards are corporations, educational institutions, government and membership organizations.

Corporate – From complex Fortune 500 companies to the smaller mom and pop businesses, all organization are concerned with the preservation of their property and the protection of their employees. Based on company size and reach, various security processes are put in place to ensure safety of all aspects of an organization. Employee, contractor and visitor identification is often a required element for people that are onsite at a facility. Protection of both employees and assets are increased with the requirement of wearing or carrying valid identification when on campus.

Education – All educational institutions are filled with people who are working or learning. From the smallest preschool to large state universities, the verification of eligibility for someone to be on campus is important for the security of everyone involved. Some educational institutions require their faculty and students to wear their identification card while on campus. Many identification cards, especially for universities, are multifunctional and provide options such as access and debit.

Government – Security has increased dramatically in government offices. From federal offices to state and local departments, identification is a normal and is becoming more sophisticated with advanced security techniques. Due to current budget constraints, department heads are constantly looking for ways to increase the value of using identification cards by combining the cards with access functionality, debit options and more.

Financial – It is common for many financial institutions to be able to provide instant issuance of a printed card with personalization. With card printers in branch offices, financial institutions can satisfy customer demand.

Membership organizations – Fitness centers, spas, time share holders, homeowners associations and other membership groups often provide members with authorized membership card. Benefits for cards holders include discounts, access or verify specific information at member events. The possibilities of membership card uses are unlimited.

Popular ID manufacturers to review for your printer needs are: Fargo Printers, Evolis Printers, CIM Printers, Magicard Printers, Datacard Printers, and Zebra Printers

Tips for Card Printer Maintenance

When you are given the responsibility of operating a photo ID card system, it is good to know a bit about how to care for the printer and supplies. The following tips will help to provide quality custom printing results for years to come

Keep your System in a Clean Environment

Make a special place to store your printer ribbons and PVC cards. Both printer ribbons and PVC cards arrive in plastic wrapping to ensure cleanliness. It is best to store ribbons and cards in their original packaging until needed. This will keep the printing supplies free of dirt.

The process of handling the cards and ribbons is also important. If you touch the surface of the card with your fingers, it is possible to transfer oil and other residue from your fingers on to the card. The oil and dirt will often interfere with the printing process. It is often possible to see fingerprints and dirt on the completed card.

Understand your Card Requirements Prior to Printer Purchase

Compared to just a few years ago, purchasing an ID card printer is a bargain. Although you do want to be concerned with pricing, the more important question to answer is what you need on your completed card. Some printers are intentionally manufactured to handle high volume printing needs. Other printers provide extra security features. Some entry level printers are available for small organizations that are looking for a solid custom card printer for low volume basic ID card printing. Some printers can be upgraded after purchase, but it is best to review your needs and your options prior to purchase so that you aren’t disappointed in the printer performance as your organizations needs change.

Using Cleaning Kits

By reviewing the owner’s manual that comes with the card printer, you will understand the card manufacturer’s recommendations for printer cleaning. Specific kits are manufactured for each printer model and they contain swabs, pens and other needed items to clean the inside and outside of the printer as suggested in the manual. Some manufacturers will provide an initial cleaning kit with their printer in the original purchase to get the printer owner off on the right foot.

Using Dust Covers

If your environment is dusty, it is important to make a plan to keep the printer as clean as a whistle.
If your environment is a bit dusty, you may wish to consider a dust cover to protect the card printer when not operating. Covers are manufactured for specific printer models and assist in keeping the printer clean.

Benefits of ID card printing in house are many. With an understanding of basic printer maintenance, the results of your printing will be pleasing for a long time.