sThe Benefits of Using Plastic Card IDs for Security Purposes

The Benefits and Uses of Plastic Card ID Systems

The use of plastic card identification systems has revolutionized most industries, offering countless advantages such as increased data security, fast access, and high convenience to cardholders. Plastic card Identification Systems are make up of 2 major components - the physical card itself as well as the infrastructure needed to operate the system. In this article, we will look at some of the major benefits and uses of a plastic card ID system, as well as some of the common mistakes people make with them, and best practices for using them.

Plastic card ID systems have exploded in popularity among businesses and organizations in the last few decades, offering a secure and practical way to manage identification and sensitive data. Plastic card ID systems come in two types: magnetic cards and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) cards, each offering specialty features and capabilities tailored to particular requirements.

For example, magnetic cards work perfectly in activities requiring information to be transferred and processed quickly, while RFID cards are renowned for their extremely low security risks. As such, the actual type of technology to use is highly dependent on the needs of the user.

Plastic card ID Systems have a number of attractive features which make them invaluable to businesses, corporations, and other entities. These features include, but are not limited to:

  • Secure access: The card can be used to restrict entry to authorised personnel and cardholders.
  • System flexibility: The card can be used to access various information systems, depending on the settings.
  • Easy tracking: The card can be used to quickly and easily track employees or individuals.
  • Data storage: The card is able to store data for multiple uses, such as medical information, bank accounts, and passwords.

Plastic card ID systems offer numerous benefits to business and organizations, including the following:

  • Improved security: The cards offer increased security, restricting access to authorised personnel and cardholders.
  • Increased convenience: The cards save time and money by consolidating identification and information storage onto one convenient card.
  • Reduced costs: Since the cards are reusable and durable, they reduce operational costs in terms of replacement over time.
  • Flexibility: The cards can be used to access various information systems, tailored to the individual needs of the organisation.

In 1989, the US Navy started to use plastic card ID systems as a secure and cost-effective alternative to traditional identification cards. The Navy adopted a two-part system, using both magnetic and RFID cards for their personnel, providing increased security and convenience for both sailors and staff members. Each card was equipped with a unique identifier, allowing the Navy to quickly and accurately track and control access to sensitive areas. Additionally, the cards were durable, reusable, and able to be replaced or updated easily, reducing costs and administrative headaches for the Navy.

Many organisations and individuals make some common mistakes when setting up or using plastic card ID systems. These mistakes can be avoided with careful planning and research, as follows:

  • Choosing the wrong type of cards: Making the wrong choice of card can lead to problems with compatibility or security issues.
  • Not researching all the options available: There are many types of plastic card ID systems available, and it pays to do some research and select the one that is best suited to your needs.
  • Failing to set up the system correctly: Improper setup can lead to security issues, data breaches, and other problems.

Following best practices when handling plastic card ID systems is essential for keeping them safe and secure. These best practices include:

  • Checking for updates and security patches on a regular basis.
  • Keeping track of the cards and updating the system when personnel changes occur.
  • Verifying all cardholders and ensuring they have been checked and approved.
  • Ensuring the system is secured with an appropriate level of encryption.

There are a number of frequently asked questions about plastic card ID systems. Here are some of the most common ones:

Q1. How secure are plastic card ID systems?

Plastic card ID systems are highly secure, especially when the right type of card is chosen and the system is properly setup and maintained.

Q2. What type of cards should I choose?

The type of card you should choose depends on your needs and the kind of data you wish to store on the cards. Magnetic cards are generally used for quick processing of data while RFID cards provide increased levels of security.

Q3. How long do the cards last?

The cards are generally durable and can last up to 10 years or more, depending on the usage.

Plastic card ID systems offer numerous features, benefits, and uses, ensuring convenience and security to cardholders. The right type of ID system should be selected based on the needs of the organisation, and best practices should be followed in order to ensure the cards are kept secure. With the right plastic card ID system, businesses and organisations can reap the rewards of increased security, faster access, and lower operational costs.