Using Identification Software to Improve Security
By: Jennifer Clancy
The safety of our children in school has never been more at issue than it is today. In response to incidents over the past several years, schools across the country are implementing security initiatives to help improve student safety. Along with crisis preparedness plans, technology is coming to the forefront in the effort for schools to maintain a safe environment, with the most secure schools integrating a combination of security technology such as cameras, metal detectors, and photo ID badges.
While photo ID badges can’t prevent a student from bringing a gun to school, they are at the heart of a school’s security plans. Photo ID cards allow schools to manage the security issues most schools deal with, such as knowing who is in your building at all times and controlling entrance to your facility, as well as being an integral part of systems that track student information, attendance, and school policy infractions.
The basic security provided by requiring everyone who enters your school to wear visible ID badges is verification at-a-glance. Many types of organizations have used employee ID badges for years. Requiring a visible photo ID to be worn at all times makes it very easy to identify people who may not be authorized to be on your premises.
Expanding Your School ID Cards Beyond Simple ID
In addition to photo identification, a single school ID card can be used as a multi-purpose card by incorporating technology right into the card. Using your staff ID cards along with an access control system allows you to easily control entrance to faculty-only areas of your facility. Or, use a single student photo ID card to track lunch account balances, library check-out, and attendance—all with one card. Using cards with built-in technology, such as RFID or proximity cards, will even allow you to control and track entrance to your building by staff, students, and vendors.
Examples of technology to consider in your cards include barcodes, magnetic stripes, smart chips, and proximity technology. Each of these technologies allows you to track information. Some store information directly to the card; others are scanned and read by a computer. Your school’s needs, now and in the future, will help determine which type of technology is right for you.
Don’t forget that there are two sides to every card. Along with printing a photograph and basic cardholder information on the front of your school ID badges, take advantage of the real estate on the back of your cards. Consider using the back of the card to print information such as who to contact in an emergency, allergies or other medical information, class schedule information, and a barcode for school lunch account tracking. Faculty ID cards may include class schedule information, emergency contacts, and a magnetic stripe used to control access to your building or faculty-only areas.
Where to Start?
So how do you go about implementing a school ID badge program? The first step is to evaluate your needs. At this stage, it’s important to not only think of your immediate needs in a school photo ID, but also think about how you may use your cards a few years from now.
When you have an understanding of what your card will need to do for you, determine whether you’ll produce your ID badges on-site or work with a vendor to produce them. Oftentimes, printing your badges on-site provides a variety of benefits.
So, what will you need in order to print your own school ID cards? A photo identification system typically consists of a digital camera, a computer, a card printer, photo ID software, and PVC cards. Once you’ve determined the specifications of your ID cards, you can begin shopping for a card printing system that will suit your needs.
Photo ID card printers are specially designed to print on PVC cards and, like desktop printers, are available with a variety of features. Likewise, photo ID software also offers varying features. The specifications of your ID card will be important in determining what features you’ll need in both a card printer and card printing software.
Find a Reputable Photo ID Retailer
When you’re ready to look for a partner to guide you through choosing the card printer and software that best suits your needs, finding a retailer knowledgeable about photo identification is a priority. Working with specialists is especially important in niche industries such as photo identification; retailers that sell a broad range of products typically don’t specialize in any of them. A professional ID retailer will have the knowledge to ask the appropriate questions about your needs and will be able to offer a handful of solution options.
When you’re searching for an online photo ID retailer, apply the same retailer qualifications you would when shopping for anything else online. Look for signs of a reputable business by reading their privacy policy, reading their return policy, and making sure they have a phone number and other contact information clearly listed.
Try to make sure your potential vendor has all of the products you’ll be looking for—not only a card printer and software, but that they can also provide you with PVC cards, printer supplies, and all of your chosen badge accessories, like customized lanyards for your school. A retailer that is knowledgeable in their industry and is easy to do business with is sure to earn the highest grade.
Providing a safe learning environment for our children is a goal of every school today. If required to be worn and displayed, photo ID cards for your students, staff, faculty, and visitors are your first line of defense to prevent unwanted persons from walking the halls of your school. Using your photo ID cards, along with an access control system and security cameras, will give your school an “A” in security.
Jennifer Clancy is the marketing manager at IDWholesaler.com. Serving schools nationwide, ID Wholesaler is a leading online retailer of photo identification products.
