In the world like we live in today, photo ID badges are no longer a novelty but a necessity seen in businesses across the country. Many of these badges feature full color photos and printing on both sides. Many include smart card chips, magnetic stripes, bar codes and other pieces of technology that allow employees to access buildings, sign in and out of work and more.

Many businesses pay thousands of pounds to have these photo ID badges created.

Could this be done in-house to save money?

As with just about anything done in-house, creating photo IDs on location will save you money. Although a little overwhelming at first, once all the pieces are put together, creating a photo ID is relatively easy and requires little time. ID card printers are now compatible with all PC systems running Windows XP and Vista.

The first thing any business will need to create photo identification badges in-house is a photo ID card printer. There are several models available from a variety of manufacturers including Zebra Card Technologies. Zebra Card printers all print edge-to-edge ID cards in full high-resolution color. A few options that can be selected in the printer range are the ability to print on both sides, encode smart cards and write to magnetic stripes. Printers also vary by printing speed, hopper capacity and other technical variables.

Almost all ID card printers manufactured today use a process called die sublimation, which uses a printer ribbon with four panels. These panels are yellow, magenta, cyan and black (YMCKO). The fifth panel called an overlay (O), places a clear panel over the printed card to extend the life of the image and prevent scratches.

Die sublimation printers use a thermal print head to burn the image onto a plastic PVC ID card. If full color printing is out of your budget, single color monochrome ribbons are available for most printers and are a fraction the cost of a full-color ribbon.

In order to layout, design and create a photo ID, you need to invest in some card creation software. The most popular ID card software is CardFive Vision from NFive which includes an easy-to-use template, making it easy to type text, paste pictures and create a base template for all your ID cards.

Along with the printer, software and ribbons, you will also need cards. Most ID cards used are known as 30 mil CR-80 - the same size and thickness of a standard credit card. The “80″ in CR-80 is the size of the card. Thirty-mil is the thickness of the card. Although less common, some businesses use a thinner 10 mil thickness for cards.

Businesses that use proximity cards will often use a 10 mil CR-80 card with an adhesive back. Once printed, a backing is removed from the pressure-sensitive card where it is then stuck to the proximity card. Many CR-80 PVC cards are also available with smart chips (integrated circuit card) and magnetic stripes.

Once printed, many ID cards are slot punched in order to be used on a lanyard, badge reel or badge strap clip. Many businesses will also use a badge holder, horizontal or vertical, to hold the ID card where it can then be attached to a lanyard or strap clip. Using lanyards, badge reels or strap clips makes it easy to present and access identity cards.

Maintenance on ID card printers is easy. A wide assortment of cleaning cards and ribbons are available, which help keep the thermal print head clean and running at top efficiency. Many printers will let you know when they need to be cleaned. If an older printer is being used, symptoms of a needed cleaning may include blurred text or irregular colors. Regular maintenance will keep the ID card out of the shop and will allow you to print ID cards on a regular and uninterrupted basis.

Whether you need an occasional ID card, replacement cards or need to print 100s of cards for a business, photo ID card printers save money and are convenient to use.

Feel free to contact Modulus Card Printers for more information on ID card printers.

CardFive Vision ID Card Software Major Release

On this release NFive have added some major functionalities, result of our continuous listening to the market needs.

Excel Spreadsheet direct management in CardFive Lite XL; CardFive Premier and CardFive Professional editions.
Link to an Excel spreadsheet in seconds; no need to create an ODBC data source; no need to create a named range of the spreadsheet; add and delete records; edit data directly on CardFive Vision database view; query your spreadsheet database.
A major addition to CardFive Vision generally; a must-have, considering it is available on low cost Lite XL edition.

Magnetic encoding back on the CardFive Classic edition.
By customers request we added back to CardFive Vision Classic the magnetic encoding capabilities, removed with the release of the Vision-Class version.

Auto Database Disconnect.
The long awaited functionality of disconnecting the fields on card from a Database, thus allowing to change the data source effortlessly.

E-Mail Card layout
Send an E-mail with the image of the card you’re designing for approval in seconds.

New image formats supported.
As technology evolves we follow and update ourselves.

Ability to use BitMaps on Overlay
Create security features using Bitmaps on Overlay.

And a lot of extra small improvements and all the corrections of reported problems.

As usual, pursuing our “life-time warranty” policy, the update is free of charge, proving NFive’s commitment to achieve maximum customer satisfaction.

To update your CardFive Vision ID Card software simply run update using RSS.

There are numerous plastic ID card printers on the market with purchase prices from a few hundred pounds to several thousand pounds. However, it’s not only the initial purchase cost you should look at - the day-to-day running costs of a card printer vary across the printer range, allowing for the blank cards, ink ribbons, cleaning kits, any overlay/varnish or lamination as well as staff time/cost should be considered. A few pence difference per card can make a big difference if you are printing hundreds or even thousands of ID or membership cards per year.

We explain below the general factors to consider when deciding which ID card printer package is suitable for your requirements.

Colour or Monochrome?
First decide whether you wish to print ID or membership cards in full colour or in monochrome.

Most monochrome plastic card printers support black ink as well as a few other individual colours such as blue or red. If your budget is limited, using a monochrome card printer to print onto coloured blank plastic cards or pre-printed cards can be a viable option. We supply a range of coloured blank cards. See our Blank Cards section.

Full colour ID card printers on the other hand will let you incorporate full colour text, logos, graphics with your own background design to a high quality professional standard.

1-sided or 2-sided Card Printing?
Choose whether you want to print on one side of each card or boths sides. Obviously single-sided plastic card printers are less expensive than double-sided plastic card printers and have lower ink ribbon running costs.

Some of the newer range of plastic card printers are field upgradeable, meaning you can purchase a 1-sided card printer, and then later on upgrade to the 2-sided card printer version.

Print Volume
Estimate the typical volume of ID cards you will print. If you will be printing several hundred ID cards a month, then a higher specification plastic card printer with a feeder and hopper will be both faster and more economical to run. If you will be printing smaller volumes of plastic cards (eg. a few dozen cards a week), then our entry-level single-feed ID card printers would be appropriate.

Other Card Printing Features
If you have any particular requirements such as magstripe encoding, smart card chip writing, lamination, holograms and other security features, check the plastic card printer specification to see if it supports those features. Also check the availability cost of any required card printer consumables.

Most ID card printers are provided with a USB interface to connect to the computer, but some also have other interface options such as Ethernet which allows them to be connected to your network. Check your PC has the required port, and choose the correct model of plastic card printer for your required interface.

 Card Printer Package Components
Once you have narrowed down the range of ID card printer packages which will suit your requirements, you will need to consider the various items to form the package. The minimum you will require is:

(1) the plastic card printer
(2) ink ribbon(s)
(3) blank pvc cards
(4) card design & print software

and obviously your own PC to connect the printer and run the software on.

Check the quantity of blank cards and the capacity of the ink ribbon that is included in the card printing system package, as you may need to purchase multiple packs if you will be printing a larger number of cards.

You may also need a digital camera for photo ID’s, a signature tablet to capture signatures, accessories such as card holders, lanyards or clips and tools such as a hole/slot punch. See our Card Printer Accessories.

Card Design Software
We recommend the nfive Vision range of card design software. The Classic Vision version of this Windows-based card design software package will allow you to design your own cards, including placing text, logos, barcodes, graphics etc onto the design. Upgraded versions of the software will allow you to maintain a database or link to an existing database as well as perform other advanced functions. Click Here for details of the nfive Card5 Vision software and a summary of the features on the different software versions.

You can choose from one of our standard ID card printer packages above, or make your own package choosing your own components and we will work out a special package price for you.

Contact Us if you require further assistance. You can order online or by telephone on 01298 83131.

Don’t make it easy for pickpockets. Carry your wallet in an inside pocket, preferably one which can be fastened, not your back pocket. If someone bumps into you in a crowd, see if you still have your wallet or purse. 

Cash is a favourite target for thieves, so try to avoid carrying large amounts. When on holiday abroad, take travellers’ cheques. 

If your credit card is stolen, tell the card company immediately. Keep the number handy. If you delay reporting the loss, it could lead to a crime being committed in your name, as a thief could make fraudulent use of your card. Thieves can use credit cards for over the counter and telephone purchases. 

Never carry the personal identification number (PIN) with your cash dispensing cards. Always memorise your number, and never disclose it, not even to bank staff or close friends. Sign new plastic cards as soon as they arrive, and cut up old ones when they expire. 

The Association for Payment Clearing Services (APACS) offers practical advice on how to look after your plastic cards:

Plastic’s fantastic unless you lose it 

• Guard your cards. Don’t let them out of your sight when making a transaction 
• Don’t carelessly discard receipts from card transactions. 
• Check your receipts against your statements carefully. If you find an unfamiliar transaction, contact your bank or building society immediately. 
• Never write down your PIN and never disclose it to anyone, even if they claim to be from your bank or the police. 
• Report lost or stolen cards to your bank or building society immediately. The 24-hour emergency telephone number is on your last statement or you can call Directory Enquiries. 
• Sign any new cards as soon as they arrive. Ensure that you cut up the old cards immediately the new ones become valid. 
• Don’t keep your cheque book with your cards. 
• If you use a bag, carry it firmly with the clasp towards you. A money belt, bum bag or secure inside pocket is best for valuables. 
• Don’t leave cards unattended in a bag, briefcase or jacket in a public place - and keep your bag or briefcase on your lap. 
• At work, keep your bag and other personal belongings locked in a cupboard or drawer. 
• When on holiday, don’t leave valuables unattended in your accommodation, on the beach or by the pool. Use a hotel safe if available. 
• Consider registering with a card protection scheme - particularly if you have several cards. Contact your card issuer for details.
• Don’t use a cash machine if you notice anyone behaving suspiciously around it or you spot anything suspicious on the cash machine itself - and report your suspicions to the bank concerned or the police. If your card is retained by the cash machine contact your card issuer immediately. 
• When entering your PIN use your free hand or your body to shield the number from prying eyes or hidden cameras.

Compulsory ID Cards were first issued in the United Kingdom during World War I, and abandoned in 1919. They were re-introduced in World War II, but were abandoned seven years after the end of that war, in 1952, due to widespread public resentment culminating in a court case of Willcock v Muckle, where Clarence Henry Willcock refused to supply his card after being stopped by a policeman for a routine driving infraction. Although he lost the case, the court concurred with his view that ID Cards had become inappropriate.

Nevertheless, several Home Secretaries have since proposed reintroducing ID Cards, under various pretexts and, in 2003, the then Home Secretary David Blunkett stated that the British government intends to introduce a national ID Card scheme based on biometric technology, together with a database to track the resident population, to be made compulsory by 2013. To that end, the ID Cards Bill was introduced in the House of Commons on November 29, 2004; the bill failed as it was not passed before the UK general election, 2005, but was reintroduced soon after.

The Home Office argues the card will frustrate international terrorists, 35% of whom travel under a false identity. More recently, the government also claims the cards will help to prevent illegal immigration; “health tourism”, benefit fraud and identity theft, and that biometric passports will make it easier for British citizens to travel to the US.

Critics oppose the bill on the grounds of: civil liberties, spiraling costs; issues with the database and audit trail (unprecedented amounts of personal data linked by one number and tracked on every use of the card, an unwarranted invasion of privacy leading to a “surveillance society”); potential for discrimination (stop and search already targets and marginalises ethnic minorities) despite government assurances to the contrary; inability to stop terrorism, illegal immigration, or identity theft (which could be aided by linking all the information to one number); the risks involved (eg. inconvenience of errors and mismatches, government history of IT failure). Thousands of people have signed a pledge stating that they will refuse the register for an identity card if 10,000 other people also make the same pledge.

The TGWU (Transport & General Workers Union) has said that ID Cards have the potential to become Labour’s Poll Tax!

ID Cards in the United States

There is no true national ID Card in the United States of America, in the sense that there is no federal agency with nationwide jurisdiction that directly issues such cards to all American citizens. All legislative attempts to create one have failed due to tenacious opposition from libertarian and conservative politicians, who regard the national ID Card as the mark of a totalitarian society.

ID Cards worldwide

According to Privacy International, as of 1996, around 100 countries had compulsory ID Cards. They also stated that “virtually no common law country has a card”.

For the people of Western Sahara, pre-1975 Spanish cards are the main proof that they were Saharaui citizens as opposed to recent Moroccan colonists. They would be thus allowed to vote in an eventual self-determination referendum.

Some Basque nationalist organisations are issuing para-official ID Cards (Euskal Nortasun Agiria) as a means to reject the nationality notions implied by Spanish and French compulsory documents. Then, they try to use the ENA instead of the official document.

Countries with compulsory ID Cards

The compulsory character may apply only after a certain age.

Note: the term “compulsory” may have different meanings and implications in different countries. Often, a ticket can be given for being found without one’s identification document, or in some cases a person may even be detained until the identity is ascertained. In practice, random controls are rare, except in police states.

• Belgium:
  First issued at age 12, compulsory at 15)
• Germany:
  Compulsory at age 16 to possess either a “Personalausweis” or a passport, but not to carry it
• Hong Kong, China:
  Children are required to obtain their first ID Card at age 11, and must change to an adult ID Card at age 18
• Israel:
  First issued at age 16, compulsory at 18
• Poland:
  18 years
• Romania:
  14 years
• Singapore:
  15 years
• Spain:
• Also Spain, Croatia, Estonia, Italy, Egypt, Greece, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Portugal and Thailand.

Countries without compulsory ID Cards

Australia (”citizenship certificate”), Austria, Canada (”Certificate of Canadian Citizenship”), Finland, France, Japan, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Switzerland have non-compulsory ID Cards.

United Kingdom, Denmark, Norway, the United States, the Republic of Ireland and Iceland have no official national ID Cards.

Note: As noted above, certain countries do not have national ID cards, but have other official documents that play the same role in practice (e.g. driver’s license for the United States). While a country may not make it compulsory to own or carry an identity document, it may be strongly recommended to do so in order to facilitate certain procedures.

Non-national ID Cards

Some companies and government departments issue Employee ID cards for security purposes, they may also be proof of a qualification. For example, all taxi drivers in the UK and Hong Kong carry ID cards.

Controlling access to a facility can be difficult; authorised staff, contractors and visitors must be given access to the appropriate areas of their facilities whilst keeping unauthorised people out. It is also important to monitor and record which staff members have accessed which areas of the facility and when.

The choice of system is complex and it is often difficult particularly for businesses who may not have a dedicated security manager with the necessary experience.

Choosing a system should not require a great deal of expensive installation, and the system should have the ability to be increased in size according to future requirements.

With the right system ongoing costs can be kept to a minimum without compromising security.

Physical access control can utilise a variety of authentication methods such as Smart Cards, PINs, biometrics or a combination of these solutions.

Choosing the right Smart Card is vital. It should be:
- A card that can be personalised.
- A card that is easy to use.
- A card that is easy to manage.
- A card that can be implemented on current applications and supports future requirements.
- One card that is capable of being used in many ways such as access control, time and attendance, computer and application logon or storage of personal data for e-cash payments.
- A card that is secure.

Contactless smart cards or proximity cardsfrom manufacturers such as Mifare, Paxton Access, TDSi, PAC and HID allow a user to present their card to the reader and the system will read the cards’ credentials and, if authenticated, pass this information to the back-end system, which holds that individuals access rights.

There are no contact surfaces to wear or get damaged on the card or reader; this means a longer life for both card and reader adding further savings.

As these Proximity cards have no contact plates for data exchange, communication with a reader is achieved using wireless technology, commonly referred to as RF. The energy to power the card is transmitted via a high frequency signal from the reader to the card, sending encrypted data bi-directionally and providing a fast and very efficient data exchange. Proximity is a close read range technology, up to 10cm, and is ideally suited for security applications.

It is important to ensure that when choosing a card/system, it complies with existing ISO standards and the cards used are genuine products.

Well, essentially it’s a free plastic card that you can collect from a retailer. Hand it over every time you make a purchase and points will be added to your account. Collect enough points, and you can use them as money off your shopping.

However, a more lucrative method is to use them to take advantage of one of the many offers available to loyaltycard holders.

For example, points can be used to pay for tickets to theme parks, DVD rental, dry cleaning, furniture, jewellery or meals out, to name but a few. A large number of retailers now offer loyalty schemes, which can differ greatly in their usefulness.

Of course, we all know these schemes aren’t really free - we pay for them through increased prices in store.

For this reason, you may prefer to use shops which can keep their prices low by not offering a loyalty card.

Loyalty cardholders are also subject to having their shopping choices analysed by the supermarkets/retailers, which can be quite annoying.

However, if you can put up with this and regularly use a shop offering a loyalty card anyway, you might as well take advantage of it after all, you’re paying for it anyway! Clever use of the money off shopping vouchers regularly sent out can boost your point totals and reduce the cost of your shopping, too.