The Importance and Utlity of Having an Identification Card

Introduction

Many companies and organizations are using plastic cards for a variety of identification purposes. This article will explain how plastic cards are used for identification, the benefits and challenges associated with them, as well as two case studies that illustrate how they're being used in different scenarios.

Plastic Cards

Plastic cards are typically used for identification purposes such as employee cards, student IDs, public library cards, airport security ID cards, and more. Identification cards are used to confirm the identity of the holder, and the card itself serves as a physical representation of your identity. Plastic cards offer several advantages over traditional identification such as increased security, convenience and cost-efficiency.

Features

Plastic cards are designed to be secure, durable, and easily identifiable. They often feature a single-sided or double-sided design with unique serial numbers printed on them, making them difficult to counterfeit. The cards can also come with holograms, RFID tags, barcodes, or other security features to provide additional security. Additionally, they are also designed to be water-resistant and scratch-resistant, which ensures the card will not wear down or become damaged over time.

Benefits

The primary benefit of using plastic cards for identification is increased security. Because plastic cards are more difficult to counterfeit, organizations are able to ensure they are admitting the correct people, and that they are not giving access to unauthorized individuals. Additionally, plastic cards are durable and can last a long time, ensuring organizations do not have to frequently replace them. Plastic cards also provide convenience, as they are small and portable, and can be easily carried in wallets or purses.

Moreover, plastic cards are much more cost-efficient than traditional forms of identification, as they are one-time purchases that do not require frequent replacements.

Pros Cons

The primary pro of using plastic cards for identification is the increased security they provide. Organizations can be certain they are controlling access to their premises and allowing only the correct individuals entry. The primary con, however, is that they are not fool-proof, and can still be counterfeited using sophisticated methods. Additionally, implementing a plastic card system can involve added setup costs such as purchasing the cards, as well as customer service costs associated with managing the card system.

Case Studies

There are several case studies highlighting the use of plastic cards for identification in different scenarios.

One example is a study published by the University of Dayton, Ohio, which detailed how a plastic card system was used to track student attendance at the university. The University used plastic ID cards to monitor and record student attendance at classes, reducing the amount of time and money spent administrating the system.

A second example is a case study conducted by the US Department of Health and Human Services. The Department implemented a plastic ID card system in 2013 to help streamline their processes and increase security, specifically for patients receiving health care. The system allows patients to easily identify themselves and provides healthcare providers access to their medical records.

FAQs

Q: What are plastic cards used for?

A: Plastic cards are typically used for identification purposes such as employee cards, student IDs, public library cards, airport security ID cards, and more.

Q: What advantages do plastic cards provide?

A: Plastic cards offer increased security, convenience, and cost-efficiency over traditional forms of identification. They are more secure, durable, and easily identifiable, and they can save organizations money in the long term.

Mistakes People Make

One common mistake people make when using plastic cards is failing to keep them up-to-date. Since organizations may change their security protocols over time, it is important to make sure the cards are up-to-date with the new protocols. Another common mistake is forgetting to update the cards when personnel change, or when people leave the organization.

Best Practices

When using plastic cards for identification, it is important to ensure that they are secure and up-to-date. Organizations should also review their security protocols regularly and update the plastic cards accordingly. Additionally, organizations should ensure they are keeping their cards up-to-date when personnel change, and that only authorized individuals are issued cards.

Summary Review

Plastic cards are being used by many companies and organizations for identification purposes. They offer several advantages over traditional forms of identification, such as increased security, convenience and cost-efficiency. This article has outlined the features, benefits, pros cons, as well as two case studies of how plastic cards are being used, FAQs, mistakes people make, and best practices for using them.