Campus ID News
Card, mobile credential, payment and security
FEATURED
PARTNERS
slider Evolutioncard 1

The evolution of ID card printing software

Gina Jordan   ||   Aug 15, 2016  ||   ,

As security or business needs increase, the user can upgrade to a more sophisticated edition while maintaining the information already in place. Datacard works with local and international network partners to assist customers and help ensure their success.

“We are trying to leverage some of the technology that is emerging in the broader software area, but a key factor is certainly end user ease of use,” Datacard’s Connell Smith says. “When you talk about software and card programs, it can be as simple as needing a corporate badge for a small company and there’s nothing electronic about it. It’s what we call a flash badge. I show it to the security guard, it has my picture on it, and I get in. You need something that’s very easy to use at that entry-level end because it may be someone who is not deeply IT savvy.”

The other end involves much more sophisticated tools that can accommodate the likes of a government installation. “Over the long haul, I’m sure there’s going to see increased leverage of these higher security applications. Biometrics are certainly an obvious direction,” Smith says.

HID and Asure ID

HID Global was going for functionality and simplicity with its Asure ID 7 card personalization software suite. The suite’s four packages range from entry level, with pre-defined templates, to smart card management with biometric enrollment, says HID’s Wahlander.

The level of vendor support depends entirely on how comfortable the client is with the implementation. “Often times, the customer will use their own internal resources to build the background of the image. They’ll import that using the software, and somebody will have to add the data fields, set up the card so that it’s reaching out to the external databases and then pull in the biometric stuff,” Wahlander says. “If they’re not comfortable doing that, their next step will be to go to the channel partner. The manufacturers train their channel partners to help with the setup of the software, the design of the card, and other components that go to the initial set up,” he explains.

HID provides tools within the application, like sample cards and templates, instructional videos and tutorials. A team can do all of the setup work for clients if needed. “Having an easy to use product is really something that they gravitate towards,” Wahlander says. “The core aspects of the product are going to be capturing a photo, capturing information and reaching out to various databases. From there you start getting into the higher-level functionality like adding biometrics and managing smart cards. Those are pieces that we, and others, will use to differentiate.”

Non-bundled software options

Though many printer manufacturers offer their own card printing software packages or bundle a partner’s package with new printers, there are many independent options available as well. Each package has its own menu of features and options, and most support a laundry list of manufacturers and printer models.

Some of these packages include:

  • CardExchange from CardExchange
  • CardStudio from Zebra
  • Epi Suite from ImageWare
  • IDFlow from Jolly
  • PremiSysID from Identicard
  • TrustID from UltraID
  • Xpressi from NBS

Card production software levels, features

Most producers of ID card printing and issuance software offer different variations or levels of their products. Think of it as a multi-tiered product where the company lets users try the software with little or no risk, but limits certain desirable features in hopes of upselling a higher price, higher performance package in the future.

Entry level or basic package

An entry-level package is often available free of charge, bundled with a new card printer purchase or offered for an extremely low cost. While these packages typically enable the production of a full color badge with photo and custom designed graphic elements, they may limit the quantity of cards that can be produced or the number of data elements on the cards. They also typically will not support encoding of magnetic stripes or smart cards. Often these entry-level packages do not support storage of cardholder records in a database, offering only basic data entry and printing.

Mid-level package

One step up is a mid-tier package that builds upon the features of the basic package and removes restrictions by enabling unlimited card printing and adds database options for storage and management of unlimited cardholder records. These packages typically include support for bar code printing and encoding of magnetic stripes and smart cards. Additionally, reporting features are often available.

Enterprise-level or top-tier package

At the highest level, all previous functions from the basic and mid-level packages are complemented with additional database and networking capabilities. The ability to connect to external ODBC compliant data sources or share data elements from the internal cardholder database for use in other systems is common. Additionally, the ability to network multiple printers and support dispersed issuance locations is a frequent addition to the enterprise-level ID production package. In some cases, higher end encoding capability for issuing and enrolling contact smart cards, contactless smart cards or proximity cards is only included at this package level. Similarly, the inclusion of advanced visual security features during the print process may only be supported in this level.

Pages: 1 2

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter

RECENT ARTICLES

Apex OrderHQ Array modular lockers
Jul 02, 25 /

Modular locker solution streamlines campus order pickup

Apex Order Pickup Solutions launched a new modular system of automated order pickup lockers that can be stacked or setup in custom configurations. The OrderHQ Array Series lockers work in any floor plan without expensive remodeling. In an interview with Food On Demand, Kent Savage, founder and executive chairman of Apex Order Pickup Solutions, compares […]
Amy Surprenant, HID Global
Jun 26, 25 / ,

Effective project management key to GWU mobile credential launch

In a recent interview, HID Global’s Amy Surprenant discusses the project management component of the mobile credential launch at George Washington University (GWU). With 26,000 faculty, staff, and students, the project marked a significant milestone for the institution and its partners, including HID, CBORD, and various on-campus departments and vendors. The deployment of HID Mobile […]
replace allegion reader module
Jun 26, 25 / ,

FIT and Denison both go mobile, but with very different starting points

Denison University and Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) rolled out mobile credentials to students and staff across their campuses. The projects were very different, however, because of the existing reader infrastructure on the two campuses. Each partnered with Allegion and Transact + CBORD to deliver the new digital IDs – stored in Apple Wallet or […]
CIDN logo reversed
The only publication dedicated to the use of campus cards, mobile credentials, identity and security technology in the education market. CampusIDNews – formerly CR80News – has served more than 6,500 subscribers for more than two decades.
Twitter

Attn: friends in the biometrics space. Nominations close Friday for the annual Women in Biometrics Awards. Take five minutes to recognize a colleague or even yourself. http://WomenInBiometrics.com

Feb. 1 webinar explores how mobile ordering enhanced campus life, increased sales at UVA and Central Washington @Grubhub @CBORD

Load More...
Contact
CampusIDNews is published by AVISIAN Publishing
315 E. Georgia St.
Tallahassee, FL 32301
www.AVISIAN.com[email protected]
Use our contact form to submit tips, corrections, or questions to our team.
©2025 CampusIDNews. All rights reserved.