you end up with the wrong one. Plus, if you settle on a printer that can't meet your needs, you might find yourself stuck with inadequate ID badges, prohibitively slow print speeds, jammed up machines, or other frustrations. That is why it's so important to consider your options before making a selection, and know what to look for in an identification card printer. These are the 5 key features to focus on:

1. Number of Sides

Identification card printers typically come as either a single-side printer, or a dual-side printer. The only difference is that dual-side printers can print onto both sides of a card in a single pass. It is entirely up to you which type of printer you pick, just make sure you tailor your choice to your ID printing needs. If you plan on printing a lot of cards, or particularly complex cards, having the enhanced capability of the dual-side printer will save you time and hassles. If you needs are more basic, spend less on the single-side printer. Just make sure to account for both your present and future needs.

2. Print Speed

Most organizations end up using their identification card printer to print off a large number of badges at once, and then it largely sites idle until the next big print job. That is why print speed is such an important consideration. If your printer can't handle the volume of you require of it, you might face annoying backlogs, missed deadlines, or degraded equipment. Be sure to research the print speed for both color and monochromatic print jobs.

3. Office Fit

This is a feature that often gets overlooked when shopping for identification card printers, but ultimately it might be the most important consideration of all. Unless you have a lot of space to work with, you are probably going to set your printer up wherever you have room. Make sure that the one you select is the right size to fit into the space available, has access to the necessary power sources, and it not so loud that it creates a disruption around your office. Basically make sure you known the dimension of the machine you are purchasing, and find out what it looks/sounds like in operation.

4. Warranty

Identification card printers are complex machines with lots of moving parts that get put through a lot of use. Even the best ones are susceptible to problems because of all that wear and tear. Look for a printer that comes with a warranty that covers both the printer itself and the printerheads - the most sensitive component. That way, if you ever do have a problem, you can get it resolved quickly, cost-effectively, and by a qualified technician.

5. Security Features

As part of your interconnected office, you will almost certainly want an identification car printer with a USB port and Ethernet connectivity. These features are an asset, but also possibly a liability if you plan to have your printer connected to a network. If malicious entities can tamper with your printer from offsite, you might be inviting exactly the kinds of threats your ID badges are meant to protect against. Plus, emerging federal regulations are mandating that these printers have certain security features built in, and if you are non-compliant you could face a penalty. The best policy is to look for a printer that has the most advanced available security features built in already. The extra cost you pay is far less than the cost of a replacement printer down the road.

One strategy that is helpful when selecting between identification card printers is to make a list of all the features that you require from your entire ID card program, and then look for the printer that can deliver the largest number of them. And if you have questions or concerns, it is always worth it to speak directly to an expert. Contact the team at Evergreen ID Systems to get all the information you need. 

How Do Proximity Cards Work?

The technology behind proximity cards is deceptively simple. The vast majority have an antenna made from a coil of wire, a capacitor, and an integrated circuit. These three component are sealed inside the card, meaning that these cards are slightly thicker than a traditional ID card, but not by much. When the card is held close enough to the card reader – typically within 2 inches – the technology inside the cards transmits a specialized ID number to the reader. If that number matches a number in a database, the user is granted access. These are typically know as passive cards, because the distance between the card and the reader needs to be relatively small.

A technology called active cards allows for more distance between card and reader, and offers a number of advantages in select situations. These proximity cards contain an internal lithium battery that boosts the signal sent from card to reader and allows the card to remain operational as much as 500 feet away. The battery inside typically needs to be changed every 5-7 years.

5 Benefits of Using Proximity Cards

In ways both predicable and unexpected, proximity cards offer a number of advantages over traditional ID cards.

1. Maintenance – Proximity card readers have no moving parts, meaning that they last much longer than traditional card readers. The same is true for the cards themselves. There is also less risk of tampering or damage since the readers have no opening. The readers can also be integrated directly into the wall for added security and aesthetics.
2. Convenience – Traditional card readers require the user to put down a load and engage with the reader in order to gain entry. This can be both frustrating and time consuming, particularly over the long term. Proximity cards provide the same level of security but allow users to gain entry without having to engage as much with the reader. In the case of active cards, users can gain entry to secured roadways without having to stop at a security checkpoint.
3. Security – Proximity cards allows for a deeper level of encryption. In extremely sensitive areas, this provides an extra level of security that further ensures only authorized parties are allowed inside.
4. Cost – The cost of proximity cards is not significantly more than traditional ID badges. And considering the money saved on maintenance, the costs can even be rough equivalents. That means you can increase your level of security and make things more convenient for users without inflating your budget.
5. Future Applications – Many experts predict that all ID cards will rely on some sort of proximity technology in the near future. The capability of these cards is expected to increase as they also become more secure and more flexible. Switching over to a proximity-card based system now rather than later allows you to take advantage of this quickly-evolving technology.

If you are interested in learning more about the logistics of proximity cards, contact Evergreen ID Systems. Our experts can explain the details of implementation and help you find card production supplies that meet the specific needs of your organization. Contact us today to explore your options further.

ID Card Printers: The Basics

The principle behind ID card printers is essentially the same as any other kind of printer. The primary difference is simply that these printers print on plastic rather than paper or other materials, and they can handle functions like lamination in addition to printing. The card dimensions are typically 85.60 × 53.98 mm as standardized under international regulations, and most printers rely on a single-feed orientation, meaning that only one card is printed at a time.

The actual printing process is relatively simple. A card is simultaneously passed under a thermal print head and a color ribbon. The heat transfers the color onto the card according to a design created by the user. Resolution can vary, but it is typically 300 dots per inch. ID card printers can also add features like a magnetic stripe or a florescent print depending on the needs of the user.

Operating ID card printers varies depending on the make and model, but they are typically hooked up to a computer and operated using a proprietary software. This software gives the users the ability to customize a number of features of the ID card, but in most cases the interface will be familiar to anyone that has used a regular printer before. Other supplies involved include specialized cleaning kits and fresh color ribbons.

Selecting the Right ID Card Printers

In order to get the most out of your investment, it is important that you select the ID card printers that are best equipped to meet your needs. There are a couple of factors to keep in mind:

1. Cost – The cost of ID card printers can vary significantly, from less than $1,000, to close to $10,000. Before selecting a model, consider how often you will use the printer, and what kind of capabilities your printing needs require.
2. Volume – Different makes and models of ID card printers have different printing speeds and volume capacities. If you expect to print large numbers of cards, or to print a bulk batch of them, make sure the printer you select can keep up with the load.
3. Type – There are three basic types of ID card printers: single-side, dual-side, and laminating. Single-side printers print on one side of the card each pass, dual-side print on both sides simultaneously, and laminating printers print both sides and add lamination in a single pass. Select the printer that is best equipped to handle the design of your ID card.
4. Size – You don't want your ID card printer to be just another machine cluttering up your office, so take into account how much room you have to work with and how often you will be using the printer. You might also need a printer that is easily portable.
5. Modularity – The ID cards you use today might be totally inadequate to meet you needs tomorrow. Look for ID card printers that offer a modular design which allows you to add or subtract capabilities and print cards with varying levels of complexity.

If you would like to speak to an expert directly about ID card printers, contact a representative from Evergreen ID systems. 

college campuses. These cards make it easier for students to access services and restricted areas while also making it easier for administrators to provide this access while maintaining security, cost-controls, and auditable records. Schools of all types and sizes have begin issuing student ID cards to help manage the challenges of education in the 21^st century. If you are thinking of issuing cards, be sure that they contain these 5 essential elements.

Student ID Card Pictures

All student ID cards should have a picture of the student's face that is large enough and clear enough to be easily scrutinized. Including a picture is an important step, because it creates a clear link between the person using the ID and the proper owner of the ID. Using the most direct kind of visual shorthand, anyone who examines the ID can tell if it is being used by the rightful owner.

Identifying Information

Student ID cards contain varying kinds of identifying information. Some simply include a student ID number and a name, while others have phone numbers, addresses, ages, and personal details. It is important for the institution issuing the ID to consider this issue carefully. If too much information is included, it raises concerns about privacy and security. But if too little is included, it could diminish the utility of the IT. Consider the makeup of the student population and the purpose of the IDs to help you determine what is appropriate and necessary to include.

Careful Layout and Design

The goal of student ID cards is to provide an authoritative document that can quickly and easily be examined. In some instances, a person may have to inspect dozens or even hundreds of these IDs in a very short span of time. That is why the layout of the card should be clear and uncluttered, and the design should use easy-to-read fonts and appropriately sized text. The goal is to make the essential information contained on the card simple to understand and quick to comprehend regardless of who is looking at the card.

School Colors and Mascots

Using your school colors and even including a picture of your mascot in the corner serves two functions. First, in a small but significant way, it can help to promote school spirit and create a feeling of solidarity amongst the student body. Second, it clearly identifies your school as the issuing organization. That makes it easier for outside parties to verify that the card is real, and makes it easier for students to find the card in wallets or purses that might contain multiple cards and IDs.

Technology

It is up to you to decide if your student ID cards need to have technology like a magnetic stripe or a barcode built in. If students won't be suing the cards to open doors or gain entry to the cafeteria, it might not be necessary. But the benefits of linking a card to a broader technical system are significant, and they solve a lot of common problems with one simple solution. As you are evaluating your needs, investigate the total cost of this kind of technology, and be sure to think about the way your needs will evolve in the future.

The final thing thing to emphasize is that the cost of making quality student ID cards is less than ever, and the technology to do it can be mastered by even a technical novice. There is no compelling reason not to do it, and you could be missing out on exciting advantages and possibilities if you resist it. Partner with the team at Evergreen ID Systems to find the equipment and expertise you need to begin issuing outstanding student ID cards. 

Healthcare ID Cards in Europe

Most European countries issue their own nation healthcare ID cards, but in order to ensure that everyone on the continent has reliable access to medical services, a broader system is also in place that exists outside of national borders. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is issued for free to residents of 32 countries and entitles the card holder to free or reduced-fare healthcare in any of the participating countries. Users can download a smartphone app that explains crucial details about the program in 24 different languages.

Healthcare ID Cards in Taiwan

As many as 97% of the citizens of Taiwan use a Health IC smart card. The card contains only 32 kb of information – relatively small by today's standards – enough to contain provider and patient profiles. The cards were initially issued to cut down on instances of insurance fraud, overcharging, and duplication of treatment and services. In spite of some early problems, both patients, providers, and the administrators of Taiwan's single-payer health system now view the cards as an indispensable tool.

Healthcare ID Cards in Kenya

Kenya relies on Medismart cards to improve service deliver and expand access to healthcare coverage. The smart technology contained in the cards is ample enough to contain a patient's entire electronic medical record. Allowing patients to carry this information with them ensures that providers have complete access to vital information without having to rely on a more complex, national health IT infrastructure. This program has been particularly effective for expanding healthcare services to the working poor.

Healthcare ID Cards in Algeria

More than 7 million people in Algeria now use healthcare ID cards. When the system was implemented in 2007, Algeria was one of the first countries to used advanced smartcards to improve healthcare delivery. Today, Algeria has one of the most complete health IT infrastructures in the entire world. That has led to decreased costs, increased access, and expanded options for service delivery. And since so much of this system is integrated with and accessible through healthcare ID cards, patients can reap the benefits with relative ease.

Healthcare ID Cards in Japan

The Japanese government passed a bill in 2013 to expand its existing national ID system and integrate more of the country's social services under one umbrella. Although details of the bill are still being worked out, and the first round of integration won't happen until 2015, it is widely believed that the cards will be used to access health benefits. This would put Japan on the forefront of healthcare ID cards, essentially creating a single system through which all citizens would access essential services.

In this article we have discussed national healthcare ID cards, but keep in mind that many places, including the United States, are already using healthcare ID cards to help administer private insurance plans. The scale may be smaller, but the benefits are the same. Patients can use this simple, portable tool to take essential medical information with them anywhere. Providers can use this same tool to instantly access information that will affect care and billing. Compared to the strategies of the past, and alternative solutions being explored at present, healthcare ID cards are a cost-effective solution that benefits all parties involved. Learn more about the technology involved and begin exploring the feasibility of this strategy by partnering with Evergreen ID Systems. 

Would you be surprised to know that the first ID cards date back to the time of King Henry V, and that they were not much different than the ones we use today? They may not have had pictures or magnetic stripes on them, but they served the same purpose – to be a highly portable and reliable means to separate one person from another. We have put together this brief history to show you how much, and how little, ID cards have evolved.

Paper ID

References to identity papers of one form or another have been found as far back as 450 BC. But it was King Henry V of England who is credited with inventing the first true passport. References to the documents appear as early as 1414, but it was not until 1540 that those documents were actually referred to as passports. ID cards were also issued by Napoleon to help identify workers. Though many people had a passport, and a limited number of workers were required to carry some form of official identification, ID cards remained rare throughout the 19^th and early 20^th centuries. This was partly due to the fact that there was not much need for them, and partly due to the fact that paper ID cards could be easily forged, making them an unreliable source.

Photo ID

ID cards took a big leap forward in the early 20^th century thanks to advances in photography. Once it became technologically feasible and cost effective to pair a person's identifying documents with their photograph, the efficacy of these documents multiplied. Both France and England took steps to issue national ID cards, and they became increasingly common in the workplace. Use multiplied again following the invention of the magnetic stripe in the 1960s. Now that cards could store data, the physical limitations of their small size became irrelevant. This gave rise to credit cards and hospital ID cards. But exploding use of ID cards created an unexpected problem – countries and companies were issuing cards in wildly different shapes and sizes. The International Organization for Standardization fixed that when they created a universal standard for ID cards in 1985.

Digital ID

The magnetic stripe inevitable gave way to more advanced technologies, and we now have ID cards capable of carrying vast amounts of information, allowing entry and exit through a number of access control systems, and with sophisticated safety measures built in making forgery next to impossible. When paired with certain types of scanners, it is even possible for these cards to be read simply by standing close enough. The technology has come a long way, and it continues to develop at such a rapid pace because the necessity of ID cards is greater than ever. Organizations of all types, from governments, to private companies, to clubs and membership societies are looking for a way to manage the logistics of access. ID cards are small enough to carry anywhere, smart enough to carry reams of important information, and affordable enough that issuing them is not a burden. Don't expect this solution to go away anytime soon.

At Evergreen ID Systems, we help extend the benefits of printing ID cards to everyone. Find the equipment, supplies, and expertise that you need by working with our professional team.

The Major League Baseball All-Star Game festivities recently wrapped up, and it got us talking about all the access control challenges involved with running a major league sporting event. Just think about it - you have tens of thousands of fans that need to park their cars, get inside the stadium or arena, and get to their designated seat, and not someone else’s. At the same time, you have all the logistical challenges that come from protecting the biggest stars in the game, and keeping fans out of unauthorized areas. It's a lot to manage, and there could be serious consequences if something goes wrong.

Every facility relies on its own configuration of access control systems. The only real constant is that they must be expansive, reliable and flexible. These are the most commonly used technologies.

Online Building Access Control Systems

These systems allow users to access entries and exits using smartphones. They essentially take a traditional key and recreate it in digital form. In addition to being cost-effective compared to normal locking systems, this evolving technology offers new ways to expand access, and to monitor this access. Since everything happens over a network, there is an auditable record of everyone that goes in and out. And if entry is ever blocked unnecessarily, or needs to be extended temporarily, a remotely located party can quickly unlock the door. Considering the sheer number of access points in any stadium, and the necessity of central management, this solution is quickly growing in popularity

Biometric Access Control Systems

For the most sensitive area's of the stadium, teams are increasingly turning to biometric access control systems, even at the college level. Just think of the consequences if an unauthorized party was to gain access to a locker room or an owner's booth. These systems use fingerprint and handprint analysis to create a nearly impenetrable wall of security.

Advanced Turnstiles

If you have been to any kind of major sporting event in recent years, you have probably been through some kind of advanced turnstile. Even though turnstiles are one of the oldest kinds of access control systems, they are still in use because they are still effective. When the traditional turnstile is paired with advanced technologies for authenticating the validity of a ticket, it provides a powerful way to manage the logistics of a crowd without slowing down the flow of people.

Parking Management Systems

The Truman Sports Complex, home of both the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals, has 19,200 parking spaces. When there is a big event, that parking lot can go from empty to full in a matter of hours. Controlling the flow of that traffic so that things remain safe and organized while all the necessary revenue is collected is the responsibility of parking management systems. They have come a long way in recent years, allowing traffic to flow faster while giving visitors new options to pay.

ID Badges

Go to any major sporting event and you will notice that everyone there in an official capacity wears an ID badge. Most of these badges include the person's picture, their full name, their responsibility, and a magnetic strip linked to a variety of access control systems. With so many people streaming around, ID badges remain a tried and true method for separating fans and staff.

Access control systems used in major league stadiums and arenas get more sophisticated every year. The goals is to keep everyone safe and honest without detracting from any aspect of the fan experience. That is why locks and keys are so quickly being replaced by cameras and scanners. If you need help managing access control systems in places with huge crowds, contact the experts at Evergreen ID Systems.

These days, ID cards can have many different uses beyond simple identification or building access. As public transportation becomes an increasingly popular way to get around in urban areas, more and more customers are looking for ways to simplify the ticketing process—and that’s where ID cards come in.

The average public transit rider has to fumble with change, tokens, transfer slips and paper tickets when boarding. By switching to one of our Evergreen ID Card Personalization Systems, however, this process can be drastically simplified. Using ID cards allows for cash-free transactions, which can reduce the amount of time riders have to spend waiting in line at tollbooths or turnstiles before boarding a bus, train, subway or ferry.

“Smart” ID cards can be encoded with a magnetic stripe or smart chip, allowing customers to pre-load funds or ticket purchases onto their cards ahead of time. In addition, personalizing the cards to include the rider’s name and photograph will help prevent misuse or theft.

As an employer, consider providing your employees with cards that serve a dual purpose by offering ID badges that track time/attendance and provide access control while also operating as convenient public transit passes. Doing so will make it possible for you to maximize your financial investment in an ID card personalization system.

Simply put, some of the advantages of using an Evergreen ID Card Personalization System include the following:

• Multiple uses. Personalized ID cards can be used as fare on city buses, subways, trains, toll roads and ferries. At the same time, they can be used for access control at building entrances and in secured interior areas. Last but not least, they can even be used as phone cards or discount cards at local retail outlets!
• Enhanced security. Our personalized ID cards can be encoded, which help prevent counterfeiting. They can also be used to track information about customers’ high-volume travel times and routes.
• High quality and durable. Our ID cards are made to be durable for wearing or carrying and feature edge-to-edge printing for bright, colorful cards. Depending on your company’s needs, we also offer the option to create oversized badges for quick visual/face recognition.

Evergreen ID offers a complete customer satisfaction guarantee for all users. If your company is interested in simplifying your identification and transit options, contact us today to discuss our unique Card Personalization Systems. 

At Evergreen ID, we understand that facility owners and managers need to prioritize visitor management. On any given day, hundreds of visitors may come and go through the lobby of your facility. The most effective security solution requires having a system that lets security officers know who is visiting and why.

Our visitor management systems provide the most comprehensive visitor solutions available for any type of organization, including government agencies, health care organizations, multi-tenant buildings, schools and enterprises of all sizes. Using our visitor management systems, your company will be able to gain total control over your visitor security, registration, verification and visitor badging.

Visitor management systems offer a variety of benefits for businesses large and small. Establishing a visitor management system sends a clear message to all employees and visitors that your company views safety as a priority. This sense of security will boost employee morale and productivity. Many visitor management systems allow visitors to pre-register electronically or register very quickly in person, which will help visitors feel expected and welcome at your facility.

Using a visitor management system, your facility will be able to establish the lobby as your first line of security. Here, visitors’ pictures and other information can be obtained, ID cards can be verified, single-use ID badges can be created, security checks can be performed and visitors can be registered and signed in upon arrival.

Visitor management systems can also provide automated reports, which are incredibly valuable tools capable of letting you know when/how often a particular visitor comes to your building, who is hosting them, how many visitors are processed daily or hourly and how many people pass through each station. This information will make it possible to monitor different aspects of your visitor management system and allow you to audit the reports and make any changes necessary to improve your building’s security.

Evergreen ID Systems makes it easy to address all of these security needs and more. We have formed a strategic partnership with STOPware Inc., a company that creates visitor management and lobby security software, and offer their PassagePoint products for enhanced lobby security. We have also partnered with Jolly Technologies, offering their LobbyTrack solution. With this suite of visitor management solutions at your fingertips, ranging from sophisticated tracking solutions to simple event registration systems, your company will be well equipped to take care of your unique visitor management needs.

No matter the size of your company, we have the perfect solution for you. Should you have any questions about visitor management solutions for your company, please don’t hesitate to contact our Evergreen ID customer service team.

ID cards have become a crucial part of the business world, making it possible to simultaneously simplify employee and visitor identification and enhance a company’s integrity and security. ID cards typically include an employee’s name, photo, job title and department, making quick personal identification a snap. As technology advances, however, ID cards are now being used in a variety of ways to help businesses protect themselves, build relationships and streamline their operations.

  Increased Security

ID cards can increase building security in a number of ways. Using photo ID cards makes it easy for security personnel to quickly identify each employee or visitor, minimizing the risk of impersonation and theft. By restricting access to a building to allow only those with ID cards to enter, each company will be able to lower the possibility of unauthorized visitors entering the building. Many ID cards also include extra security features, such as holographic overlays or magnetic stripes, to further enhance building safety.

Greater accountability

Affixing a magnetic stripe imprinted with a pass code onto each employee’s ID card can do more than simply increase security by restricting access. By assigning each card its own pass code, a company will be able to easily keep track of each employee’s in and out times, equipment and facility usage, which will encourage employee accountability.

Better customer and employee relationships

For businesses that provide service to members of the public, ID cards can improve employee-customer relationships by putting a face to a name, which helps to build rapport and accountability. Within mid- to large-size companies where phone and email communication often precede or replace face-to-face meetings, providing each employee with a photo ID card can help employees get to know each other.

Local benefits and brand recognition

If a company chooses to offer discounts or special deals on restaurant visits, gym memberships or tickets to local events, each employee’s ID card can also serve as a way to gain entry to the event or take advantage of the deal. In addition to building employee morale, giving employees the opportunity to show their badges at various locations has the extra advantage of building brand recognition.

Contact us today at Evergreen ID for more information about business identification cards for your organization! We are pleased to answer any questions that you have and to work with you to give your organization the business ID solutions it requires.