What is ID Card Software and How to Choose the Right One
Selecting the right ID card software is key when you are hoping to elevate the security standards within your business. The right ID card program makes your operations more effective, from card design to final lamination and every step in between. Putting time and consideration into your choice will lead you to the most correct fit for your business, your team and your unique security standards. As a premier supplier of ID card printers, accessories and related software as well as suppliers, Identity People is your destination for knowledge and guidance before you reach your final decision. Keep reading to discover the important features that should be factored into your decision-making process to find the best ID card software for your organisation.
What is ID Software?
ID card software is the computer program used to design identity cards. It can also be a tool for creating card templates and individual ID cards. Choosing the right software is just as important as finding the right ID card printer, as these two systems will work together. A member of your team will be hands-on, operating the software throughout the ID card printing process.
There are some significant differences to consider when it comes to ID software. Therefore, it is important to select software that is best suited to your individual needs. All types of ID card software can create and print cards, but some offer different features, more advanced technologies, and nuances. You can easily categorise software into three levels: entry, mid-level, and full-featured.
Entry-Level ID Card Software: This entry-level software enables you to design and print basic identity cards. It may have some layout limitations, such as caps on the number of images, details, or text that can be included on the card. Entry-level design software is ideal for small-scale operations that want to print simple designs with clear yet minimal details.
Mid-Level ID Card Software: This software has more capabilities than the entry-level alternative. This means you can create a database of card data that has already been entered into your system, which comes in handy when you need to reprint cards or create duplicates. You can also batch print cards for large production rates and password-protect your software for an additional layer of company security. Mid-level software is perfect for small to mid-scale operations with the need for a database or a high volume of card production.
Full-Featured ID Card Software: Full-featured software offers a user-friendly system that can integrate lots of different details including pictures, text, branding, barcodes, fingerprint scanners and more, some programs also offer encoding systems for the creation of smart cards and proximity cards. This is a great fit for companies of all sizes looking for a sophisticated and technologically advanced security system that yields significant results.
How Do I Choose the Right ID Card Software?
Below, discover the major factors that you should consider when you are choosing from the three different types of ID card software on the market.
Database Functionality
As touched on above, some ID card software can retain a card database. This internal system is very useful as it enables you to save card designs as well as cardholder details for effortless reprinting of cards.
Network Connectivity
Network connectivity enables multiple workstations to share the same software database. This is usually found with full-featured ID card software. This is a feature that is often sought after by larger-scale operations.
Encoding Capabilities
Some companies may need to encode and print smart contact, proximity, radio frequency, magnetic and contactless ID cards. For this, you need to select software that supports your encoding needs.
Security Features
You can add security to your cards in many different ways, some of which include watermarks, unique card designs, holographic and password protection. It is important to select a software system that has this capability if it is a priority for your ID card design.
Operating System
Ensure that your ID card software is compatible with your company’s operating system.
Consider these factors to find your way to the right ID software for you. Whether you are a small-scale operation or a multi-conglomerate corporation, the correct card design software will help you to elevate your security standards and streamline your systems. Contact the safety software and ID card printing experts at Identity People to discuss your options for a tailor-selected in house system that is perfect for your business and your needs.
