Q: Can I get bar codes printed on our cards?

A: Yes. There is no additional cost to print a bar code on your cards on either the front or back of the card. Simply use the card design module of EPISuite to define where you want the bar code printed, what data you want encoded (i.e. employee number), and the bar code size.

Q: Different departments in our organization have their own ideas on how employee cards can be utilized…i.e. security access, time-and-attendance, etc. How can I be sure that the system I purchase and subsequent cards I produce will work with our existing infrastructure?

A: This is probably the number one issue we address when implementing a new ID Card System in any organization. It is always our goal that you maximize your return-on-investment in an ID Card System by maximizing the benefit the cards provide you and your card holders. This is often done by performing an analysis of your current infrastructure to assure that the cards you make will work with all systems currently in place and under consideration for the future.

Q: There’s been some talk about “smart cards” in our organization. What are they?

A: Smart Cards are simply ID cards with imbedded technology (i.e. a “chip”) allowing data to be written to and read from the card. Some the Card Printer/Encoders that we offer can be ordered with a “factory installed” docking station allowing connection to an encoder and can also include the smart card encoder itself. Types of smart cards available and the technology involved is too extensive to cover here but we have vast resources available to us so please give us a call to discuss your interest in Smart Cards in more detail…1-800-990-0777.

Q: We’re a small company and we want to badge all of our employees. Our turnover is fairly low so I don’t expect to use the system much after our initial print run. Can we “rent” a system or have someone create cards for us or do we have to purchase a complete system?

A: Purchase a complete system…so we can sell more systems! All kidding aside, if your projected usage of a system is low, then it might make more sense for you to outsource your card creation. But we can do that for you, too! We can create a card design of your liking and then print cards for you, using digital photos of your employees taken by you or by us. Cards we produce for you range in price from $3 - $8 each depending on your needs plus some setup/design costs. But it still may be more cost effective to purchase an entry level system so let’s discuss it… 1-800-990-0777.

Q: We already have a security access system and have been provided proximity cards for all of our employees. Can we print on these cards?

A: Possibly. Proximity cards are generally provided in two designs. The thinner 30 mil cards can certainly be used with all of the card printers we offer. The thicker style proximity cards (often called “clam shell”) can be used with only our most expensive printers. However, for clam shell proximity cards, special card stock (CR-79) with an adhesive backing can be used in all of our printers. These cards can be personalized, printed, and applied to card holder’s proximity cards.

Q: Our school photographer provides ID cards for all of our students. Why would I need a system in-house for producing student ASB cards?

A: Some school photographers do provide students with ASB cards. However, the advantages to having your own in-house card system (either in-addition-to or instead-of photographer provided cards) are many…

• Cards can be produced and given to students immediately – no more waiting for photographer cards to arrive.
  
• You have complete control over card design and the ability to create different card designs (i.e. Seniors, Juniors, Staff, Faculty, Visitors, etc.)
  
• Cards for new students or replacement cards can be created immediately and easily with only a few mouse clicks per card.
  
• On-Site ID Card System can be used for other card types such as Visitor Badges, Fund Raiser Cards, Team Schedule Cards, Activity Passes, etc.…you’re only limited by your imagination!

Q: By surfing through your web site I can get some cost estimates on complete systems. But what are the supply costs for making cards?

A: Card production costs consist of the ribbon, cards, and laminate you use to create your cards. These costs vary depending on what you want on the card…i.e. dual-sided, magnetic stripe, protective laminate, holographic laminate, etc. Basic card costs start at around $0.50 per card.