What database should the ID card issuing software connect to or sync with?

Most campuses choose to connect to the student information system database, as that is typically the more accurate and up-to-date. Most have a field for student photo, but it may not be populated. Connecting the ID card issuing system directly with this database allows the photo to be stored for other uses, such as faculty/staff being able to view images. Any fields stored in the student information system, like photo and card number, can be sent to the campus one card system.

What other systems need to be updated when an ID card is activated or replaced/de-activated?

This is a key consideration. Think about everything on your campus that uses the ID card. Door access control, library, food service, attendance systems and many other applications may need to receive new or modified ID card information. If the syncing of data to your various databases is not automated, it creates a huge security and accuracy problem.

Integration is key

Data integration can often seem daunting to colleges and universities, especially smaller campuses with less available IT resources. Implementing a system with customizable data integration tools allows these institutions to work with their campus card system provider and ensure that data needed from the student information system is automatically imported into their badging and card privilege management system on a schedule or immediately upon update.

Even more importantly, integration with the institution’s database allows for automatic deactivation of users and credentials when someone is removed from the system or deactivated, eliminating unnecessary, time consuming and costly deactivation steps.

Another campus that has been on board with BadgePass’ TotalCard solution for a number of years is Decatur, Mississippi’s East Central Community College. “When we started with the system we only implemented bookstore management, then meal plan management and point of sale,” explains Derek Pace of East Central Community College. “However, we know the system offers us the flexibility we need to gradually expand as our needs grow down the line.”

“One of my favorite things about the TotalCard system is being able to offer customers of all sizes all of the features and functionality they need, including customized data integration capabilities, at an affordable price point,” says Lindsay Martin-Nez, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Indirect Sales at BadgePass. “We work with schools with student populations of over 30,000 and others with student bodies of less than 500. That diversity in a customer base allows us to better understand the needs of all campuses, no matter what the size.”

BadgePass solutions are available to colleges and universities through the Identification Systems Group (ISG), a nationwide dealer channel focused on delivering quality on-site service and support. There are 32 ISG dealers that together cover the whole of the US and Canada. Combined, ISG maintains 90 locations and some 200 field-service technicians.