Buying ID Card Printers vs Outsourcing Your Card Printing
30. Oct, 2010 
4 Comments
There are a lot of companies that have chosen to outsource their ID card printing needs and for some it might be the best choice. However, if you look at what ID card printers cost over the long term as well as some of the benefits that they provide, it becomes clear that this is one area in which outsourcing might be hurting your business. In order to determine which option is right for your company, there are a variety of factors to consider in order to reach an informed decision. Here is a look at some of the most variables that the average company will need to consider.
The first thing that most companies will consider is the cost. If either option is obviously going to cost too much, then it is probably a poor choice regardless of the benefits. One of the primary reason that some businesses choose to outsource is because the initial investment is relatively small compared to purchasing the equipment necessary to produce their own cards. However, once the initial investment of purchasing ID card printers is covered, the cost of outsourcing is much higher than printing ID cards in-house. Additionally, basic ID card printers are becoming more inexpensive as technology continues to advance. Currently, you can get a quality, durable Fargo printer for only several thousand dollars. If you print a lot ID cards, then this is probably less than what you spend in a year outsourcing.
Another thing to consider is what need your company has for ID cards. In general, the more people that need them, the better it is to purchase ID card printers and create them in-house. This is because whenever you outsource ID cards, it will take anywhere from several weeks to several months before you receive them. This quickly becomes a problem when you consider how often a card can be lost or damaged by your employees. Additionally, if all of your employees need ID cards on a daily basis, your employees cannot afford to wait several weeks to get a replacement. Plus, you must consider how often you hire someone new, who will a card of their own on their first day of work.
A final advantage of using ID card printers in-house is that they allow for complete customization. Once you decide what security features are needed or what design you want, you can purchase a Fargo printer that fits your needs. If you outsource your ID card printing, then you will often be limited in both design and available security features.
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The major components in any ID Card System, ID Card Printers are many and varied. An ID card printer can perform many functions while printing an ID Card, and this is what makes them so useful. For example, while printing an image, an ID Card Printer could encode a magnetic stripe, a proximity card, or a smart card.
The printer comes with software that manages the data that is printed or encoded on each card. The software handles all the functions and provides the printer with the necessary tools to perform all its functions at once.
Before deciding which printer is right for your needs, consider what capabilities you want the printer to perform. You have to think about both the physical and technological properties of the printer and decide accordingly. As a rule, heavier ID card printers with a larger footprint have more abilities and are more durable. Lighter printers are usually better for less intensive uses, and may have fewer capabilities, though this isnt always the case.
More properties you should take into consideration when choosing a printer are the following:
Do you want a single or double sided card?
A single sided ID card is excellent for simpler uses, like a student or school employee ID card. A double sided ID card can add more security to your company and can be better for a larger company or corporation that wants enhanced security.
Do you require color images or monochromatic images?
You should decide if you want a multi colored image on your card or a simple monochromatic (one color) image.
Is encoding like magnetic stripes, proximity cards, or smart cards required?
Institutions like Government buildings, schools, banks, and hospitals all benefit from the quickness and hassle free efficiency of proximity cards, contactless smart cards, and magnetic stripes. Contactless smart cards and proximity cards use Radio Frequency technology that allows for higher security, greater efficiency, and easier use (no swiping involved).
Do you want other security features, like holograms?
Besides basic encoding, there are also more complex forms of security for ID cards like holographic cards. A holographic card is created by transferring holographic over laminates onto cards. This minimizes the risk of the printed image being altered and forged. Make sure you request a custom holograph if you go this route, as the ones you buy online can be bought by many others, including counterfeiters.
These are some of the most basic questions you should answer before purchasing an ID card printer. Check with your provider if you have other questions and make sure you ask any questions you have. Youre investing in the security and organization of your company or facility, and having the right components can make all the difference in the type of Photo ID card you end up with.
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