ID Badge System Startup – Choose Your Product Wisely

You have made a decision to have an id badge system in your organization. Important decisions will need to be made at this time to get started. Specific features of your badges may require a specialized module or software version to make sure that your requirements are met. There are prepackaged systems and the typical small company will find that the turn key systems are everything they need. It is wise to take a look at options and make sure that you are preparing your organization for not only today, but also for your future.

Software- Choosing software is one of the most complex decisions in the process. There are many options and manufacturers. The current and future needs of the organization will drive the selection decision. Some basic software may not produce high security badges needed in some organizations. Other organizations may purchase a high security software to find out that the purchase is really overkill for the badge printing needs that they have.

The printer- Also an important decision is the id card printer. There are a number of high quality manufacturers that can produce a wide spectrum of badges-from simple to extremely high level of security. You do not need to over purchase in this area, but you do want to ensure that the printer has the capabilities to meet your card printing needs both now and in the future. Many current printers come with the option to add features through purchase of a field installable module at a future time. These printers are worth considering if your budget does not allow you to make a printer purchase currently with all of the bells and whistles you will need for your future needs.

The camera – The camera is important if you wish to have a professional looking photo on your badges. Some photo id badges are completed with black and white pictures from less costly cameras. A good digital camera from your integrator or local camera store may be all that is needed to provide a professional looking picture that will allow visual identification of the cardholder.

Cards and Consumables – Although standard PVC 30 mil cards are used for most badges, there are situations that call for a specialized card. Depending on the requirements of your card, a specialized card may be needed for payroll, door access or other function. Specific print ribbons will be needed for the specific printer selected. You may also consider whether the card will be worn. If so, the card may need to be punched with a slot punch so that a badge attachment can be used. There are numerous badge attachments that can provide a specific secure way to display badges when on the job.