Creating professional ID cards
Proper ID card designs should help:
- Quickly and easily identify employees, contractors and visitors
- Enhance physical and logical security
- Increase efficiency and productivity
- Reduce vulnerability to counterfeiting
- Reflect the organization’s brand identity
Here are some best practices for creating employee ID badges.
- Background Design– Whatever background you choose, be sure to use something that will not detract from the actual employee information. Make sure that all information is clearly visible from a distance.
- Photo Size – The starting point is a color photograph. From a design perspective, the larger and more vivid the photo, the easier it is to authenticate the cardholder. The recommended minimum photo size is 1” x 1.25”. It is also important to crop all photos from the shoulders up. We recommend that you utilize a solid color backdrop for photo taking, no brick walls, or patterned backgrounds!
- Font Size – The larger the font size you utilize, the better. Due to the nature of direct-to-card printers, it is hard to reproduce very fine lines or small point font text. It is also important to utilize common block font types for easy legibility.
- Technology – Remember to leave adequate space for any technology you need to incorporate – i.e., magnetic stripe, barcode, prox etc.
- Slot or No – If your ID cards are going to be worn, be sure to accommodate an area for the slot punch so you do not slot through the printed information, or card technology. Standard slot punch dimension is .5625” x .125”. Bottom of slot is .3125” from top of card. Other attachments are available that do not require the card to be slotted.
- Additional Design Options –
- Use a color bar or different graphic to easily designate different departments, access levels, etc., from a distance.
- Use different badge orientations (vertical/horizontal) to identify groups such as employee or visitor, at a glance.
- Duplicate the front of the ID card on the backside so pertinent information is always visible even if the card flips while being worn.
- Incorporate fluorescing or holographic security elements that are easy to validate – choices available for every budget.
- Retire cards that are faded.
How secure is your campus?
Simply turn on your TV and chances are you will hear of some school-related incident that resulted from someone being on a school campus who did not belong. Securing your campus is a daunting task with high stakes.
Go to the Department of Justice online national sex offender registry website and conduct an advanced search by zip code, utilizing the location of your school. How many returned results identify offenders within walking distance of your campus? Would you know if any of them have visited your facility?
Going a step further, according to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, 700 children are reported abducted every day – most by a relative. All too frequently, this relative is a parent served with a temporary restraining order after a divorce. If one of these parents came to your campus to pick up their child, would you be able to identify them?
It is unfortunate that today the need to identify everyone has gone from faculty and students to all individuals entering your campus, including but not limited to visitors, substitutes, volunteers, parents, etc. The need to provide a safe learning environment has never been greater. Just how can this be accomplished?
Managing visitors is the first step to securing your campus. Visitor Management Systems are simple to implement and reasonably inexpensive. It allows you to identify everyone walking through the campus door.
Simply scan the individual’s driver’s license or state identification card. The system will automatically retrieve the data from the provided ID and populate the database. The data is then checked against a watch list. If a match results, the system operator receives an alert and can take the necessary action as pre-defined by your school’s policies. If no flag is triggered, the system will print a temporary expiring pass which will have to be displayed the entire time on campus. The temporary badge design can include visitor type, date, full name, photo etc., completely customizable to the pertinent data required on your campus. Since the badge expires, the visitor cannot reuse it PLUS when the individual is walking the halls, any faculty or student will be able to identify them, making anyone without a badge cause for concern and open to challenge.
Additional deterrents consist of posted signage warning that trespassers are subject to arrest, funneling all individuals through a specific designated entry and in some instances posting a guard.
IDentiphoto can help take your campus security a step further by the implementation of one of our automated visitor management solutions. These all- in-one solutions are easy to use and effective. Available in several flavors to meet your requirements, they allow you to start small and add-on as needs change or funds become available.
Are you ready to take your campus security further? Explore complete visitor management solutions here.
When will my order ship?
As part of our IDentiphoto pledge to you, all stock items ordered by 2 pm EST ship the same day during our normal business hours, Monday through Friday!
Stock items consist of PVC card printer ribbons, PVC card stock and accessories such as badge clips and badge holders. However, if the item is out of stock, delivery timeframe will be approximately 5-7 business days.
If you are ordering technology cards such as proximity or smart cards, as a general rule of thumb, our normal delivery timeframe is up to 10 business days from order placement for brands like HID Prox, HID Indala and AWID. However, some delivery timeframes may be a bit longer so be sure to reference your quote for exact timeframe details or contact an ID Expert.
Do you need cards fast? Consider our Value Line proximity cards for all of your 26 Bit, 125 kHz needs. Produced in-house, our Value Line cards provide you with the same functionality of the name brand cards with the added benefit of a considerable cost savings to you.
On custom orders or any order that has an imprint, like all custom lanyards, badge reels, ID Badge Backers or custom cards, delivery timeframe is approximately 3-4 weeks after proof approval.
Rush services are available for an additional fee. Simply inform us of your necessary in hands date when placing your order.
We are committed to providing you with the best ID solution and products for your needs and look forward to providing you with outstanding service. Read our current customer testimonials to see what they have to say.
IDentiphoto Launches E-Commerce Website
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Consumers Can Now Purchase ID Related Products Directly from IDentiphoto.biz.
Willoughby, OH, IDentiphoto Company, LTD., the provider of choice for all things ID related, today announced the launch of its newly operational e-commerce website, www.IDentiphoto.biz.
The new site boasts easy navigation with search capability that allows consumers to easily find ID card printers, ID system bundles, ID and tracking software and visitor badge systems. Plus IDentiphoto.biz is a complete source for supplies for all major ID card printers, blank PVC and PROX cards, and the largest array of ID holders and accessories. Consumers can explore and shop IDentiphoto’s complete line of products.
“We are excited to announce the launch of our e-commerce site, as we believe it will provide our customers with just another avenue of access to IDentiphoto Company and the products and services we have to offer,” said Pam Johnson-Acey, Chief Operating Officer. “Expanding our web offering to include e-commerce gives our customers the flexibility to view and order products whenever and wherever it is most convenient for them. We pride ourselves on our great customer service and extensive product knowledge and look forward to bringing our innovative expertise into the e-commerce marketplace.”
In operation for 40 years, IDentiphoto is a Certified Female Business Enterprise, an authorized Fargo® repair facility that supports/repairs all Fargo® units and a proud member of Identification Systems Dealers Association (ISDA). For more information visit www.IDentiphoto.biz.
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About IDentiphoto Company
IDentiphoto is the provider of choice for standalone to enterprise-wide identity management systems, mobile tracking and verification solutions. Our team of ID system experts can build custom software for your mobile applications/requirements as well as advise your team on the best ID card printer, ID system bundles, software, ID supplies, ID cards and badge holders for your needs.
Contact:
Pamela Johnson-Acey, COO
IDentiphoto Company, Ltd.
440-306-9000
pam@identiphoto.com
Maintaining a Successful ID Program
ID Badging equipment has become commonplace in the corporate world. For those responsible for maintaining their company’s ID badging equipment and producing the identification cards, here are six tips to follow to help minimize down time, plus six tricks on capturing the perfect employee photo every time.
Six tips on the upkeep of your equipment.
- Be sure to save all original packing materials in case equipment has to be shipped back to manufacturer for repair.
- Record serial number(s) of all hardware and software in one place such as on the invoice for easy reference should the need arise.
- Familiarize yourself with all manuals. We suggest saving a copy to your desktop for easy reference.
- Train all staff members authorized to utilize the equipment. Walk them through image capture, data entry, ID card production PLUS regular equipment maintenance.
- To ensure your hardware works properly and produces the best output quality, maintain it regularly including printer cleaning after each ribbon change.
- Back up data regularly to make certain no data is lost.
Six tricks to capturing the perfect employee photo.
- It is best to use a dedicated camera for photo ID issuance. Keep the camera on a tripod and connected to the PC at all times.
- Capture employee photo while the individual is sitting.
- Always use a backdrop for consistent professional photos. Blue or gray work best.
- Digital cameras should be set up approximately four to five feet away from the individual. If you are utilizing a webcam, no more than two feet (24 inches) from the subject is recommended.
- Lighting plays an important part when capturing digital images. When possible, place your chair between fluorescent lights, as they tend to produce a green/yellow tint.
- After image capture, we recommend you crop the image at approximately the shoulders and over the top of the head and allow room for a small border surrounding the face without giving the subject a crew cut, cropping ears or chin. The goal is to be able to identify the employee easily.
Being proactive and following these easy steps will help ensure that your equipment works properly when needed. Did we miss a step? Share it with us by leaving a comment now.
Set yourself FREE – go mobile!
Organizations are always trying to discover ways to decrease redundant tasks and improve workflow, while maintaining their customer service standards. Today, accurate and timely information is king. A delay in data entry, by even a day or two, may no longer be acceptable.
Why go mobile?
Increase productivity – collect accurate data in the field. No longer does somebody have to interpret illegible handwriting, greatly reducing data errors.
Quick reports – information at your fingertips allowing you to make informed decisions fast and accurately.
Reduce data errors – simply scan the technology of your choice for fast and accurate data collection or retrieval.
Improve customer experience – fast and easy task processing.
Going mobile instantly extends organizational knowledge into the field. You can now take charge of your environment with mobile devices for your identification, verification, and tracking needs. Accomplish what is needed from anywhere, anytime.
Handheld devices such as the Motorola ES400 or the Unitech PA690 have never been more affordable. So what is holding you back?
The Healthcare ID
In response to HSPD-12, the FIPS 201 (Federal Information Processing Standard Publication 201) was released to standardize the credential that is required for all government employees. The question is, will guidelines similar to FIPS 201 be required in the healthcare industry?
Bill H.R. 451: Healthcare Truth and Transparency Act of 2011 was introduced into congress on January 26, 2011. This bill prohibits any individual from misleading or deceptive acts regarding their education, training, degree, license, or clinical expertise.
Prior to issuance of any employee ID badge, that employee should first be vetted to verify their identity. In addition, it should be verified that they do indeed retain the appropriate license for the job function they will perform, where applicable. Going a step further, once an employee has their badge, verification should be performed every time that employee reports for duty, to prevent misuse.
In response to the bill introduction, individual states such as Pennsylvania and Colorado have already passed legislation to increase transparency within the healthcare industry. The legislation contains guidelines stipulating that all healthcare professionals who deliver direct care to consumers must wear an ID badge that contains a recent photo, employee’s name, employee’s title and the name of the employment agency. Some even stipulate that the expiration date of the license be clearly visible.
Larger medical facilities such as hospitals, medical centers, etc. already have some type of ID card in place that follows this format, at least closely, and may require only minor modifications to become compliant. However, the passed legislation requires this type of identification for any professional that deals directly with their customers, so it now includes your family doctor. Those who do not comply may incur fines.
Do you see these standards or something similar being implemented in your organization? Share your experiences by leaving a comment using the link above or simply email us.
How do RFID and Contactless Smartcards differ?
The confusion between RFID and Contactless Smartcard technology lies in the fact that they both use RF (radio frequency) to communicate between card and reader but differ greatly in the security each technology offers and in their common applications.
Technically, both RFID and Contactless Smartcards are considered RFID (radio frequency identification) because they use radio waves to communicate with a reader and transfer data to identify objects or people. The best way to differentiate RFID from a Contactless Smartcard is by the application.
RFID is a wireless automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) technology that includes tags, antenna or coil electronics programmed with unique information, reader and software. RFID tags can be either active or passive and are used mainly for supply chain management, due to the greater read range.
Contactless Smart cards are utilized in applications where greater security needs to be achieved such as payment/banking, mass transit, identification and access control. They contain an IC (integrated chip) and communicate with a reader but afford a higher level of security. The data can be encrypted to work only with specific readers. In addition, the read range is limited to four inches.
RFID Enabled Technology Card
Keep in mind, the longer the read range, the more susceptible the radio frequency signal is to interception. However, depending on the application and the security measures needed, one technology may be better for your needs than the other. Contact an ID Consultant to discuss your application in greater depth.
Get Students Back to Class Fast!
The 2011/2012 school year has begun and you can make your job easier with our PockeTracker K-12 student accountability solution. School administrators love PockeTracker K-12 because it makes tardy processing and detention management considerably more efficient and enforces your school policies in a fair manner.
As a result, you can clear hallways fast, correct bad behavior, decrease tardiness and reduce detentions so the focus of your campus can remain on learning.
Imagine automating the behavior management of your students by scanning a barcode on a student ID. Imagine scanning all your tardy students and printing class passes in seconds, not minutes. Imagine giving positive points to a student for a project well done or good behavior. Imagine issuing a detention instantly while walking the halls using your handheld PC and printing a pass from your wireless portable printer.
Modular in design, you can start small and expand. Learn more about all of our Education Solutions here.
Customize your attachments for pennies!
The common perception is that custom ID card holders and attachments are too expensive. The word “custom” has a negative connotation that is immediately associated with expensive and cumbersome.
But in fact, that is not the case. You can purchase customized ID card holders and attachments such as lanyards, badge reels, badge holders, etc. for only pennies more!
The perfect medium to convey:
- Corporate Message – Safety is our #1 Goal
- ID Unique Groups – Emergency Staff, Security, VIP
- New Product Launches – Xcom 2 – The Power to Communicate
- Fund-Raising Campaigns – I’m walking to stamp out hunger
Whether your audience is potential clients or your own professional staff, custom attachments solidifies your brand and increases awareness by:
- Projecting consistency throughout your organization
- Matching corporate colors maintaining your brand
- Increases and/or promotes employee awareness or charitable organizations
Custom printing can also be taken into consideration for your visitor management products, payment card sleeves, employee reference material, such as call off cards or important procedures etc. The limit is only your imagination.
In addition to conveying your brand or passions, they can also add another layer of security since they are unique to you.
