The Benefits of Using Employee ID Cards

Maybe you’ve seen them jangling on the hip of a morning commuter, or attached to a lanyard around the neck of someone walking down the street – ID cards are becoming more and more ubiquitous in businesses, and for good reason. There are businesses out there that get along fine without using ID cards, but they really are necessary in this day and age if you want a thriving, safe and profitable enterprise. They’re versatile, easy and provide a good return on investment.

 

Beyond the obvious benefit of managing who can and can’t enter your place of business, ID cards can also be used to promote employee accountability, boost productivity, reinforce your brand and help your customers identify with your employees. It’s strange to think that something as small as a plastic card can greatly benefit a business, but it’s true. This post will expand on a few of the benefits of employee ID cards.

 

First, the most obvious: ID cards allow you to restrict and manage access, preventing unauthorized people from either entering your place of business, or entering certain areas of the business. Even within a business, not everyone has access to everything, and ID cards are crucial if you want certain areas or information cordoned off to a select few. For this kind of sophistication, make sure you get your printer from an accredited seller of security products, and don’t be afraid to ask questions – you can find info at https://www.avonsecurityproducts.com or ask them questions about what kind of setup you might need. 

Another benefit of ID cards, and this one’s a byproduct of the above benefit, is that since you’ve taken measures to ensure that no unauthorized people are allowed in your place of business, you’ve created a safer space for your employees. When people feel safe at work, the morale is just better; and when the morale is better, the output is better. ID cards that track location also keep employees safe in case of an emergency, like a fire. Employee whereabouts are so crucial in these cases, and can help firefighters or other first responders immensely.

 

But beyond safety benefits, they promote accountability and productivity at work. Recording entry and exit times using an ID badge ensures that employees don’t leave before they’re supposed to, which in turn creates an environment of better work standards. It also gives employees more of a sense of belonging when they see a card with their name, their face and the company’s name on it – it connects them with the business. And when they head home at the end of a workday, swinging their ID on their lanyard or their belt, they become brand ambassadors, promoting your business to everyone that sees it.

 

 Finally, if you own a business that deals with the public, like retail or hospitality, an ID card can really help customers connect with employees, putting a face and name to the business. This advances   customer service, which creates return customers and boosts ROI. That’s a lot of good you can fit in a little card. If your business isn’t using ID cards yet, it’s never too late to start!

 

The Best Proximity Card Brands

As a highly specialized service, proximity cards are made by companies that know how to create a product that is difficult to duplicate, secure, and easy to use. It is also important for proximity cards to be customizable since different industries have different needs. You may need to have various types of access for employees, visitors, departments and administrators. Here are some top brands that stand out from their competitors as being significantly higher quality:

Allegion

This brand does an exceptional job of providing minimalist proximity cards that are easy to use. When you want badges and fobs to be unobtrusive without being easy to lose, Allegion has some interesting solutions.

SecureASP

SecureASP offers a secure solution without an excessive price, which is why it is one of the most popular brands. If you need your cards customized, this can be done relatively easily and without a lot of hassle. It gives you a great idea of what you can expect from the best proximity cards brands.

Keyscan

Offering a few simple solutions at an incredibly reasonable price, this brand tends to be taken for granted. From normal license-sized cards to small fobs, Keyscan consistently provides reliable solutions to accessing different buildings, areas, and equipment.

HID

Perhaps the most recognizable name in its industry, HID is a top leader in high-quality proximity cards. Customers can purchase one of several different types with varying degrees of durability and access. Users can also choose from a good selection of layouts to create proximity badges that offer nearly unrivaled security and a minimized look.

RBH Access

Like many brands on this list, RBH focuses on functionality instead of appearance. With several options in badge types and keys, you can find a basic design that gets the job done without costing a lot for it to look a certain way. You can also choose a keytag if you want something that is easier to carry.

Kantech

This brand offers a much wider range of options than most of the competitors, giving you a lot of room to make something that better meets your company’s look. It does tend to be more expensive since it takes aesthetics into account, but it doesn’t sacrifice security to achieve that look. Take the time to review their selection to determine if this is the right brand for your needs.

AWID

The name stands for Applied Wireless ID, and this is something that the company offers with numerous customizable styles. From keychain tools to more common badges to little wafers, you can choose something that will make accessing secured locations easier. Whether you want the card swiped or scanned, AWID has some pretty inventive ways of meeting proximity security needs.

Indala

Offering four solutions to your proximity card needs, Indala strives to provide customers with the right solution for various types of security needs. From badges that can be scanned to cards with stripes for swiping, Indala has earned a great reputation for reliability and durability. 

Ready to pick out the best proximity card brand for your company? Contact us at Avon Security Products today!

The Benefits of a Magicard Printer for Your ID Cards

Have you made the decision to complete the ID card printing process in house? That’s a great idea linked to a lot of flexibility and convenience. In order to get the best results, however, you’ll need to choose a reliable printer.

When doing a bit of research about such appliances, you’ll probably come across a number of popular brands. Magicard printers are a favourite for many companies because they’re easy to use and they come with an excellent price to quality ratio.

Many Options to Choose Among
The range of Magicard printers is truly diversified. Chances are that you’ll find at least one appliance by the brand that will correspond to all your needs.

Magicard has many solutions – from highly cost-efficient printers to more expensive printers that are ideal for larger enterprises. The Prima 4 Uno ID Card Printer, for example, is a top-of-the-line professional reverse transfer and single-slide printer that makes printing on uneven surfaces possible. It’s also got a high output for larger companies, high-print quality and enhanced wear and tear protection.

Those looking for a more cost-efficient solution can opt for a Magicard printer like the Pronto ID Card Printer. Very compact and user-friendly, Pronto allows for on-demand printing. It’s a single-sided printer that’s very easy to set up and operate even by individuals who don’t have a lot of experience with such appliances.

Guaranteed Quality
ID cards are very much capable of contributing to the brand image. Every single detail matters when you’re trying to establish your professionalism and leadership role in the respective niche. A Magicard printer will give you the finest output every single time, regardless of the model that you choose.

When it comes to quality, retransfer technology is one of Magicard’s innovations that allow for an excellent outcome. Many of the company’s printers can also produce ID cards on materials other than PVC, and provide text and visuals that are crisp and long-lasting.

Security Features
Magicard has taken ID card printing to a whole new level with the numerous safety features that the company’s ID printers are equipped with.

The company’s HoloKote technology is one of the most impressive in terms of guaranteeing security. With this technology, a watermark can be placed on every single ID card. The coolest aspect of this process is that the watermark gets placed on the card during the normal printing process, which makes it quick and efficient.

Optional magnetic stripe encoding is another possibility. Data can be stored on the cards while printing is taking place. Thus, each card will carry a lot more information about its owner than a simple photo ID.

Smart card and contactless encoding are two other possibilities that come with various Magicard printer models.

Intuitive Interface
An intuitive and user-friendly interface is another common characteristic, regardless of the Magicard printer you’ve chosen.

Most models have numerous automatic processes that the user doesn’t have to worry about (automatic cleaning prompts and ribbon detection are just two examples). Usually, the printers come with a functional LCD panel that provides information about some of the most important printing parameters. 

The rule holds true even for the professional Magicard printers that are intended for enterprise use. While these appliances are capable of achieving a lot, getting the job done will simply be a matter of acquainting oneself with the options and choosing the right settings.

For more information on Magicard printers, contact us at Avon Security Products today!

How Visitor Management Software Can Work for Your Business

When visitors arrive at your business, you want them to have an incredibly positive experience. With today’s technology, it’s very easy to make that first impression favorable, especially with the right visitor management software. Receptionists are nice to have for human interaction, but visitor management software makes it easy to streamline the process. The software can make it so that visitors get what they need quickly, and all necessary documentation is easily squared away for your records. 

The following are some of the most noticeable benefits of using visitor management software:

Accurate and Immediate Record Keeping

The old-fashioned way of checking in visitors, where they sign and wait, can take a considerable amount of time. It also runs the risk of inaccurate data entry when the visitor’s information is entered. Visitor management software allows the visitor to do all their own data entry.  This means it’s far more likely to be accurate and your records will immediately update with required details. It also ensures that data entry does not fall behind on days when there is a large group of visitors or a steady stream of visitors over the course of a day.

All-In-One Solution

Depending on your business and field, there can be a lot of required information and tasks required for each visitor. Visitor management software gives you a way to initiate each required task at the same time. The login is taken care of as the badge is being generated with specific details about each visitor, and it notifies the host that the visitor has arrived. By managing all necessary tasks at one time, your visitors will spend less time waiting.

Customizable Check-In Process

Most software gives you the ability to customize the experience. From information recorded to visitor-friendly functions – you can highlight the items you want your visitors to know and provide them the ability to get the info they require (such as a map of the area).

If legal information needs to be recorded at time of check in, you can add any necessary disclaimers, waivers and warnings as part of the process. The system will then save each visitors’ signature agreeing to the terms of the visit. 

Different Levels of Access

You can establish various levels of security based on a visitor’s purpose and needs. For example, if you’re working with investors, they aren’t going to need access to everything, usually only a few strategic locations and information. However, when you work with inspectors and auditors, their access will likely need to be similar to that of your employees.

Easy Use with Tablets

Visitor software management has increasingly moved to being readily available on tablets (usually iPads), making it easy to offer something simple to use without having to invest in several work stations for visitors. You can determine the average number of visitors a day and have several tablets ready for their use so that several people can be entering their information at a time. Removing the waiting period can really give your visitors an incredibly positive first impression of your business.

                For more information or to purchase visitor management software, contact the pros at Avon Security Products today!

How to Select the Right ID Card Rental Printer

Renting an ID card printer can be a great idea for your business. Whether you have a high-volume job you need to complete or you have ongoing printing that needs to be done, renting a printer is an economical, efficient option. However, selecting the right rental printer can be overwhelming. With all the options available, how do you know which one is right for you? Here are a few tips to help you select the right printer for the job. 

Short-term or Ongoing

The first thing to look at is whether you’re going to need your printer on a long-term basis or if you’re using it for a short-term job to help with the workload. If you only need am ID card printer that’s capable of making cards for a one-time event, you’ll be looking at very different options than if you require a long-term solution for high-quality, full-color ID card jobs. Additionally, knowing whether you need your rental printer for a short while or long-term can help you decide which option will be most economical. For instance, ink and ribbon purchases can add up quickly, so you might want a model that has less expensive supplies if you’re looking for long-term solutions. 

Color or Black and White

Knowing whether you need color or black and white ID cards doesn’t just guide the choice of printer, it guides your decision on the model, the ink quality, and other facets of your rental printer, as well. Make sure to note the quality level and color needs of your project or business before you shop for your rental printer. 

Number of Users 

The technology surrounding printers is advanced, and entire networks can be digitally supported and orchestrated around a single printer or set of printers. Before you shop for your rental printer, make sure you know how many people will be using it. If you only need one printer that an administrative assistant and a few other people will be using, you might be able to get a budget ID card rental printer and be okay. However, if different teams will be printing from your rental printer, you’re going to need one that can handle that level of volume and that can digitally support a network of that size. 

Compatibility 

Finally, you probably already have a printer system in place, which means the software and wireless set up is already installed and taken care of. When you go to add a rental printer to your lineup, make sure you’re choosing one that will be compatible with the system you already have in place. Make note of your software program and version, the kind of network you have set up, how many people are on the network, and any other details about your current setup before you rent an ID card printer. 

When shopping, bring these details with you and show it to whoever is helping you make your decision. An informed and experienced printer professional can tell you exactly which one would be right for you and can help you implement the new printer into your existing environment and network.

Have more questions about ID card rental printers, contact us today, or shop our wide-range of printers online.

How to Select the Right Badge Clips for Your Employees

ID cards have become a very popular way for companies to identify who has permission to enter versus who does not. The use of badge clips is the most logical way to avoid having to whip out your wallet before going into a restricted area. As well, while you could potentially misplace your wallet, the use of badge clips on your clothing means you are unlikely to simply set down your ID card. Of course, the right badge clips make a lot of difference versus the wrong ones.

Holders

Sometimes the best type of badge clip is the kind that does not involve clipping onto the ID card itself. A clear, flexible plastic ID card holder is often best because it allows you to change out your ID card periodically without having to make changes to the card or go through a complicated removal process. Slide out the old card, slide in the new card, and you are ready to go. This differs from many other kinds of badge clips because you can use virtually any kind of card, as opposed to only kinds that have notches in them. This is also the most secure way to attach a plastic card to your clothes, because the card is not secured by merely a small strip of its own plastic. Further, this is compatible with metal detector security.

Strap Clips

If you are able to punch slots through your ID cards, strap clips are excellent methods of securing a card to clothing. All you have to do is take a strap of fabric and loop it through the slot to secure your card. This is metal detector compatible, and is the most physically flexible kind of ID securing device because of the fabric itself. There is usage flexibility in addition to physical flexibility. This also has a longer amount of length available, based on personal preferences, so your employees can scan in or be allowed in visually by guards.

Adhesive Back Clips

In cases where the ID badge does not need to move and simply needs to be seen, adhesive back clips are an excellent way to attach the ID. There is no need to weaken the structure of the card itself through punching notches in it this way, and the card stays secure better than any other method. Unless the attachment mechanism is a pinback of some kind, this is also generally a method that is compatible with metal detection.

Plastic Clip Attachments

Plastic attachments can clip onto the side of the card itself without a notch, or a notch can be used for more flexibility in a “keychain” style. Plastic attachments are the least expensive option available, as they are simply a piece of plastic that clips onto the card and then onto a shirt pocket or collar. This type of attachment is also the least likely to have any metal pieces due to its simplicity, making it the most likely type to be completely metal detector compatible.

Magnetic Attachments

Magnetic attachments are obviously not metal detector compatible, but they are generally the easiest method to remove and re-attach for scanning purposes. They are simple, reasonably inexpensive en masse, and can be attached to shirts that do not have a pocket on which to clip the mechanism. The magnets can attach directly to the card itself, or to a plastic sleeve such as the one mentioned above. These also have the advantage of being convenient for your employees to keep on their fridges the night before, and are harder to lose by extension.

To shop a wide selection of badge clips for your business, contact us at Avon Security Products today!

Why Skimsafe Cases are the Perfect Case

These days it seems almost everything you carry with you is connected to your identity in a fundamental way. While this can be convenient, it can also put you at risk for hackers who would love nothing more than to get your information and use it for their purposes.

Modern credit cards, driver’s licenses, work IDs, and even passports all contain chips that broadcast information about your identity and anyone with a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader can access this information, whether you want them to or not. To combat this, you need a case with RFID-blocking technology.

Protect Your Sensitive Information

SkimSAFE RFID-shielded cases provide the protection you need to keep your sensitive information from would-be hackers. All cases feature GSA-approved RFID blocking technology. This technology renders you completely invisible to RFID hackers. With a SkimSAFE case, you get the ultimate protection in an easy to use package. 

Walk Safely, Sleep Soundly

The physical and electromagnetic protection offered by an RFID-blocking card holder allows you to walk the streets at ease, even when you’re carrying around sensitive information. Made with thin but durable materials, you simply slide your card into the case and your information is instantly protected. In addition, these cases are a snug fit, so you don’t have to worry about anything sliding out. You simply can’t put a price tag on peace of mind.

Something for Every Industry

A SkimSAFE case can help you no matter what industry you’re in or what kind of information you need to protect. Credit cards, passports, public or private sector ID cards can all benefit from the RFID shielding offered by these cases. 

Hassle Free Identity Protection

ID card sleeves come in a variety of styles and colours to fit specific uniform or project needs. These sleeves are opaque and come in single or dual-card models. Using them is easy, simply slide your ID card into the case, lock it into place, and slide it slightly downward when you need to transmit information.

Payment Card and Passport Sleeves

SkimSAFE passport and payment card sleeves are simple and functional, just slide your passport or card into the holder and you’re protected. The ultra-thin sleeve easily fits into your wallet or purse.

Avon Security Products offers a wide selection of SkimSAFE RFID-shielded sleeves for ID cards, passports, and payment cards. You can browse our selection online today, or contact us with any questions.

Why Customer Loyalty Cards Work

Today, many retailers have adopted loyalty programs as a means of differentiating themselves from their competitors. Loyalty cards work because they are an easy, inexpensive way to keep customers coming back, week after week.

Rewarding Customers

From grocers to electronic retailers to big box stores, retailers opt to offer their customers loyalty cards which give back anywhere from 1 to 2 percent of their total purchase.

Typically, the rewards to customer come in two forms. Customers either receive benefits such as money back, or they receive tailored coupons, coupons which fit their shopping patterns. These tailor-made coupons and their benefits to individual shoppers build over time. As a customer shops more with the retailer, the retailer begins to understand the customer’s shopping habits, rewarding them with coupons better fitting the customer’s needs.

Customer loyalty cards, which offer these tailor-made coupons often work better than those which simply offer a small percentage of cash back, because coupons ensure the customer will keep shopping within the store. The more a consumer spends in the store, the more information the store can collect regarding consumer shopping habits. This, in turn, allows the store to provide customers with more relevant rewards. The more relevant the coupons, the more likely it is the customer will return.

Increased Dollar Spent

Often, the better the rewards, the more a customer spends inside the store. Loyalty cards are an inexpensive way to put a rewards program in place and gives store owners a chance to reap the money benefits too.

Another way to get the most out of customer loyalty cards is to create a tiered system. The more a shopper uses the card, the better their rewards. With some retailers, this may mean high dollar coupons, or it might mean rewards such as discounts on flights, spas, restaurants and more. In this way, tiered systems can motivate customers to increase their spending to help them reach the next rewards level.

Manufacturers Buy-In

Manufacturers tend to invest significantly in retailer promotions, and targeted coupons/points programs via customer loyalty cards are a great way retailers can get manufacturers to help fund promotional ideas. A rewards program basically encourages customers to purchase specific brands.  

Overall, customer loyalty cards are a simple, effective way to inspire customer loyalty while increasing profits. They benefit the customer and the retailer. It’s a win-win! This simple tool will keep customers coming back week after week to save money or achieve tiered rewards. 

Ready to shop for your own ID card maker, or have more questions on customer loyalty cards? Contact us at Avon Security Products today!

Five Ways to Clean a Printhead

Cleaning a printhead is a necessary process for anyone in business. Without a clean printhead, your images will end up in poor quality and your printing process will be slower. If you go too long without cleaning, you could also end up with an ink blockage inside your printer. Fortunately, there are several ways to clean a printhead that don’t require outside service or expensive specialized equipment.

Use the Built-in Cleaning Program

Every printer that interfaces with a modern operating system can make use of the operating system’s diagnostic function. Some printers have a built-in cleaning program that only require you to follow a few simple instructions to auto-clean your printhead. Often, you’ll have to choose which ink reservoir you want cleaned, but this method is easy to do and it works. By far, this is the best way to clean a printhead as other processes can use harsh chemical mixtures, too much pressure or end up causing you to improperly remove and re-install your printhead.

Vacuum

Typically, a vacuum can tend to the issue of removing excess ink from a printhead. However, keep in mind this can be an easy way to cause damage to the inside of your printer. Use caution when removing the head from your printer and follow your instruction manual. Determine if your printer has a “curtains regulator”, if so use this regulator, otherwise the level of suction may be too great.

You might also find that using something to keep some space between the vacuum hose and your printhead will partially diffuse the suction, so you’re less likely to cause damage to the head itself. As a precaution, only use the vacuum force for a few seconds at a time.

Screw Driver

In cases where there’s large amounts of ink stuck on the printer head, you may want to employ a screw driver. What’s important to realize here is that the screwdriver isn’t a chisel, nor is the intention to chisel away the ink as if you’re carving a statue.

In order to remove the excess ink, you want to pull the screwdriver across the head instead of pushing it. A main advantage to using a screwdriver is that it gives the ability to get into crevices carefully. You can also address several areas at once and when you notice that you’re ink is black again, this signals the area is clear and that your printhead is good to go again.

Soak

Soaking your printhead is a way to very gently remove any dirt and stuck on bits of ink that may be clinging to the head. You can start off by placing your printhead in a bowl of warm water overnight, then wiping off the heads in the morning. If this does not work, you can use something stronger, such as isopropyl rubbing alcohol.

Dab

Dabbing is a faster approach due to its directness, but it’s also gentler than many of the other manual methods. To start, take some rubbing alcohol or cologne and a cotton swab, then run this over the areas with build-up. You can usually tell how well the technique is working by the thickness of what you pull off.

                Have more questions, or looking to replace a printhead? Contact Avon Security Products today!

What to Look for When Choosing a Card Slot Punch

A slot punch is a very simple contraption, yet choosing the right one can give you best possible results. Since card slot punches are used to punch holes in plastic cards, this makes them a great tool for creating ID badges. Currently, the market features multiple slot punch varieties. Before purchasing one, you’ll need to examine a few of characteristics that best suit your needs:

Handheld or Automatic


Generally, there are two types of card slot punches to choose from, handheld and automatic. Operated manually, a handheld slot punch tends to be less expensive and is suitable for processing a smaller number of ID cards. The user simply squeezes the arms of the punch together to create a hole in the card.

Automatic punches on the other hand are better suited to larger companies, where a greater number of cards need to be processed. These slot punches end up saving time and provide the convenience necessary, however they do cost more than manual options.

Edge Guide Availability


The next factor to examine is the availability of edge guides. The edge guide is used to make accurate measurements, and can be adjusted for both horizontal and vertical ID cards. The guide is used to make sure the card is always centered ideally. Having a manual slot punch that features edge guides assures all company ID cards are centred and professional in appearance. Keep in mind, most options on the market do feature edge guides, but there are some exceptions.

          Consider Alternatives

Apart from handheld and the automatic slot punches, there’s also a few additional specialized options that might appeal to the needs of certain businesses. A tabletop punch is one such example. Usually, this contraption comes with a metal body and is great for average volume card processing.

If you’re interested in this option, you’ll need to check the technical specs prior to buying. Most tabletop slot punches can work through cards up to 60 millimetres thick, but there could be some variances, depending on the brand.

The final variety is the heavy duty electric punch. This is a most effective option to choose for corporations that have extreme card volume. Typically, this punch comes with a foot switch for effortless operation, while processing many ID cards in a short period of time.

           What is it Made of?

Regardless of the punch variety you’re opting for, make sure it’s designed to last. The materials a slot punch is crafted from will have a big affect on durability and quality. The best slot punches out there are rugged and crafted from metals like stainless steel. These kinds of slot punches can last for decades without sustaining any damage.

Look out for plastic or flimsy components as these kind of slot punches might contribute to a lower price, but you’ll end up with low quality results, especially if you’re processing a larger number of thicker cards on a regular basis.

Purchase the right slot punch for your business today. Contact us at Avon Security Products.