Choose the Right Type of ID Card for Your Business

With all the different types of ID cards available to use, it might be challenging to decide which one your business needs. All ID cards are not the same and do not serve the same purpose, so it is essential to figure out your business’s needs.

ID cards are an excellent way to secure your workplace and limit the number of people accessing the business property and confidential data. You will need to use a reliable plastic ID card printer to choose the best type of ID card for you. Avon Security provides expert help with printers and products to ensure that you don’t have to stress over your office security. Here are some types of ID cards and their purposes.

Proximity Cards

proximity card is a credit-card-sized ID with an electronic chip known as a smart card that a machine can read without inserting it. It is a contactless smart card featuring an antenna and electronic between two thin plastic cards. The combination of the features allows cardholders to access certain areas and prevents unauthorized access to strangers.

Proximity cards allow deep levels of encryption, so if your workplace consists of confidential data that you want to protect, this is a good option for you. These cards are also easy to maintain, convenient to carry, and difficult to create fake versions.

Credential Cards Uses

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Credential Cards

A credential card provides access to particular areas, usually temporarily. Some examples of credential cards are press passes for journalists or other media members that want to enter an area or staff members of a particular event. Credential cards enable everyone on the premises to recognize the individual with the card and enhances security measures.

Credential cards allow people who aren’t a part of a particular company to gain temporary access when needed. This type of card is helpful for companies that host frequent events and want to provide access to particular people.

PVC Cards

PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride, which is a solid plastic polymer. They are plastic cards that require special printers to achieve a smooth surface. Since a PVC ID card is created with rigid materials, it can be a good option if you’re looking for a substantial security measure. These cards are durable, reliable, and easy to customize as per your company’s needs.

Pre-Printed Cards

Cards printed ahead of time are an efficient option for membership, loyalty, and gift cards. If your business requires generic cards without any particular name on them, this is a good choice. Pre-printed cards are not a significant component of a security procedure and are usually used to showcase a company’s brand and build customer connections and loyalty.

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Oversized Cards

If a regular size card isn’t what your company needs, you can look into oversized cards. You can customize cards based on your business requirements. You might need a card that doesn’t fit into a specific criterion. Luckily, there are custom card-making options to ease the process.  

Choosing the correct type of ID card for your business is essential as it sets the grounds for future events. Your workplace security, associated costs, and maintenance requirements depend on the type of identification process you choose. So, don’t rush into the process and figure out what type of ID card is suitable for your business before you choose one. Our ID experts are here to help!

Back to Work: Guide to Updating Your Office Security

It’s been a long work-from-home journey for the workplaces that had to make the shift due to the global pandemic. Although people have mixed feelings about going back to the office, many workplaces prepare for the big return.

A survey shows that only 20 percent of employees want to return to the office after COVID-19. However, some people have to return despite their preferences. Updating office security might be a factor that motivates employees to return. In addition, circumstances have changed over the year. You must update your office security to avoid any risks your office may encounter after the extended closure.

Enhance Security System

Even if you had a reliable security system before the pandemic started, it might be time to refresh it. Use a reliable card printer service to upgrade your security system since your office was closed for a while. Data breaches or potential hackers target particular companies sometimes. If you are unaware of what might have happened while you were away, it is your safest best to enhance your security system to be extra cautious.

Incorporate Touchless Technology

Since COVID-19 germs can spread through touch, incorporating touchless technology for security while keeping your office and employees safe. You can use proximity cards to reduce contact between security personnel and visitors. Proximity cards will enable employees to enter the work premises through a card reader, minimizing contact at the door with security management.

Hire Proactive Security Management

Although upgraded security systems will be helpful, you still need proactive security management in the process. Hiring well-trained and professional security guards will allow you to rest assured that your workplace is safe. Proper training and awareness will enable them to understand how to follow its protocols and identify threats beforehand.

Motivate Employees to Follow Protocols

Despite the number of protocols you put in place, they will have no impact if your employees don’t follow them. For example, if your employees continuously forget to wear their photo ID cards, they might request the security personnel to let them in, which could eventually become a security threat.

You can motivate your employees to carry their photo IDs at all times by providing badge holders as an incentive. Owning different types of badge holders will help them remember that they need to carry the item at all times.

Provide Refresher Training

Since working from home was different than working at the office, some staff members might have forgotten about security protocols. It’s human nature to forget a few things if they haven’t done it in a long time. Provide a refresher training course after everyone is back at the office to refresh their memory. You could also introduce new training courses if needed.

Sometimes, it can be challenging to convince older employees that have been with the company for a long time to participate in new training. You can introduce incentives for completing training or make it mandatory for all team members.

Going back to the office is going to be an exciting yet stressful process for many people. You can simplify the process by putting security measures in place to protect all stakeholders of your company.

Why Construction Workers Need Workplace Security

Since there is a growing need for infrastructure and housing in Canada, construction workers are a significant economic component. The construction sector is a large industry that employs approximately 1.2 million Canadians. These workers face the risk of getting hurt on their job from falling or problems while operating heavy machinery. The list of hazards is long and can result in serious injury and long-term health problems. They don’t need the fear of security breaches added to that list.

Along with the physical security of construction workers, it is necessary to protect their data and identity. Having a security program in place reduces the chances of breaches and enables the workers to feel secure in the work environment. Construction workers often work outdoors, so why is workplace security mandatory for them?

Unauthorized Access to Site

If your company doesn’t have sufficient security measures in place, you are at risk of strangers entering the area. The best way to control go goes into the work premises is by introducing construction ID cards for workers and solid reason to enter. By taking steps to enable access only through the cards can reduce the risk of unauthorized access.

You can implement a security system by introducing proximity cards and automatic card readers so that when a person taps their card, they will automatically gain or be denied access. The alternative is to hire security personnel to be on-site during working hours to check the cards.

Chances of Theft

If your worksite is open for anyone to walk in, you expose all the assets to an outsider. A construction site is likely to possess different types of equipment, vehicles, and employee belongings. If a random individual walks in, they might steal those products and cause financial harm to everyone on-site and the company.

Opting for a professional plastic card printer service that can create unique cards will benefit your company as it will reduce the chances of stranger invasion.

Risk of Vandalism

In addition to theft, you might also be at risk of vandalism. Since a construction site consists of various people, you can never be too sure about an outsider’s plans. People might deliberately destroy to damage the construction site due to personal reasons.

The best way to stop that from happening is by taking multiple steps to enhance security. One of the most significant steps is to enforce the use of photo ID cards at all times. You could motivate your employees to use cards by providing name badge holders to ensure they remember to carry their photo IDs.

Weak Online Security

Online security is a significant part of any corporation. Hackers might try to get into your company’s system and steal data. It would be helpful for your organization’s safety to keep software updated, use multi-factor protection, frequently change passwords, and consistently train staff members.

Data breaches can cause a lot of harm to your company and can result in identity theft too. Create a strategy to tackle potential problems and have a backup plan to recover any lost data.

There are deep-seated security risks on a construction site, some of which your company can avoid if you take appropriate measures. Use technology to your advantage to implement photo ID card systems, surveillance cameras, and upgraded cybersecurity policies to reduce your risks.

The Importance of Airport Security Before Regular Travel Resumes

As COVID-19 cases slow down and vaccination records go up, people are booking tickets for flights that they have been anticipating. Like many other countries, Canada has been encouraging only essential travel to reduce the risk of germ spread. However, as things have become safer, Canadians are expecting a green light signal to resume regular travel.

When post-pandemic trips begin, travellers will feel safer when their security is prioritized just as much as their physical health. It is crucial to keep things up to date before travel resumes to ensure that all travellers and staff members are safe.

Preventing Unauthorized Access

Since people from all around the globe are present at airports, using PVC card printer services to create different levels of security ID cards is a necessity. The benefit of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) cards is that they are affordable options that enhance security levels.

Airports can prevent unauthorized people from entering specific areas by implementing photo ID use. Ensuring that all staff members use ID cards can make the airport safer for passengers and employees.

Stopping Harmful Substance Possession

If a traveller carries harmful substances such as weapons or drugs in their luggage, you might not be able to stop them if you don’t possess ID cards. A substantial benefit of airport security ID cards is that if the employee senses anything suspicious, they can stop the traveller and investigate the matter.

Thousands of people might be present at the airport at any given time. Neglecting security can harm many lives, depending on the type of issue they may encounter. Discuss your budget with us and choose a plan that best works for you to protect the airport.

Protecting Traveler Data

In addition to the physical safety of everyone present at the airport, cybersecurity is also a concern. If potential hackers make it into the airport system, they can extract sensitive data from travellers and employees. So, it is vital to equally prioritize cybersecurity and use antivirus and malware protection at all times.

Since aviation relies on digital technology for various functions, such as checking in or COVID-19 screening, cybercriminal threat can be a prevalent issue. It is in everyone’s best interests to take precautions to avoid these risks.

Reducing Traveler’s Airport Anxiety

When people travel, they might be worried about their safety, among other factors. From the fear of missing flights to ending up on a plane with the wrong person, many things can cause airport anxiety.

When travellers witness airport staff with an ID card holder around their neck at each step, they can rest assured that they are in good hands. Knowing that their safety is a priority will enable them to feel important and encourage them to travel more often.

If a traveller feels any threats around them and does not notice any security personnel or other airport staff. In that case, they might feel like the airport authority is not prioritizing their safety. So, when ID cards are present, it creates a sense of security.

Airport security is essential for many reasons. Since some people will be travelling after a long time, they might be extra cautious about any changes. Prioritizing passenger safety can help them rest assured and travel without any concerns. Extra layers of security can protect everyone in the airport and help them fly stress-free.

Workplace Security Tips That All Businesses Should Embrace

Every company needs to pay extra attention to security since the workplace withholds an abundance of information. In addition to confidential data, security is also essential to maintain employee safety. A business can be at risk due to several security concerns, from external threats to employee oversight.

The individuals responsible for security tech revealed that news about security problems makes them feel unsafe at work. According to a study, nearly 7 in 10 security professionals witness headlines once a week or more, making them think their office isn’t secure enough. Businesses need to take specific steps to monitor and fill security gaps. Here are some procedures your workplace can follow.

Introduce Improved ID Card System

It may be time to say goodbye to classic ID cards that only security guards look at to identify you. Although it is still an essential security process, you may need to use proximity cards as well. Proximity cards are contactless cards that a machine can read without them being inserted. They are a type of smart card, similar to credit cards that provide the tap service.

Proximity cards enable a higher level of encryption since these cards will ensure that access to authorized areas is limited. It also reduces contact with the security personnel, making it a safer option when everyone is at risk of the COVID-19 spread.

Ensure Visitor Management

Some of the most significant risks that may occur could be from strangers entering the building. If you issue a visitor badge to guests, it is simpler for employees to recognize that they are not authorized to enter certain areas. You can consult a professional card printer to create specific visitor cards for you.

To further enhance security, you should only provide the visitor ID card to individuals after they are fully verified. It is also vital that visitors do not gain access to confidential company information, so it may be helpful to have guest Wi-Fi credentials to provide. Letting strangers use the same internet poses security risks since hackers can get into the system.

Encourage Employees to Follow Protocols 

The impact of security measures is almost invisible if employees do not follow the procedures. You can motivate employees to follow security measures by giving them a durable ID card holder to carry at all times. Having a cardholder with them will be a constant reminder to ensure that they come to work with their ID cards, reducing the security breach risk.

Another way to encourage employees to follow protocols is by providing refresher training courses consistently. Training them to avoid and tackle security risks will make them more efficient. You could also offer incentives after every completed training course to keep staff members motivated. 

Make Monitoring a Habit

Putting security measures in place without monitoring its impact doesn’t allow you to maximize safety in your office. To ensure that the security methods are working, monitor your workplace with CCTV cameras, go through visitor lists, and compare with past data. Keeping track of activities in your workplace can enable you to spot any potential threats or identify trends with past breaches.

Security in the workplace is one of the most critical factors that require attention. Neglecting safety can be harmful to your employees, clients/customers, and your organization’s credibility. 

Why Does Your Business Need ID Cards?

If you own a business, you probably have an office that consists of private information. Whether the data is precisely about your company’s transactions or confidential client information, you need to safeguard them at all times. 

If an individual such as a supplier or the mailman often enters your premises, you might have gotten familiar with them. However, there may be times when a different person comes to complete the task. During those times, an ID card can be helpful.

Mode of Identification

The primary purpose of ID cards is to identify the individual holding the card. Using an identity or ID card allows the security guard to understand who is entering the workplace. The ID card needs to have a picture on it so that security can match the cardholder’s photo. A company can use an ID card to verify both staff members and visitors.

The ID should be unique so that the agency can identify it. Additional details such as the department the individual works in can be beneficial too. If the card is for a visitor, it can also help other employees in the company beyond the security to identify them.

Prevent Unauthorized Access

Even if multiple people enter a building, they may have different levels of access. A visitor may be allowed to enter the lobby, but not the experimental lab or CEO’s office. Similarly, a staff member may have access to the conference room but not the space that holds monetary funds.

Using ID cards allows security or devices to prevent unauthorized access. It may not be possible to have a security guard in every corner of the workplace. If your company uses ID card readers that work with a tap or scan, it can automatically allow or deny access to particular cardholders.

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Proof of Accountability

Things do not always go according to plan, and problems may arise sometimes. However, some employees may feel worried and hide any potential encounter. If ID cards are required to enter every area, there will be a record of everything. This will enable company members to go through the list or figure out who might have made a mistake.

It can also be a method of tracking employee attendance without any hassle. Your organization can also use ID cards to capture data if employees borrow any equipment, reducing the chances of damage or misplacement. Using a plastic ID card printer to create a card for each employee can be helpful.

Use as Payment Method

In many industries, ID cards work as payment methods. You can implement this by customizing a card that suits your company’s needs. If you offer meal allowance funds, you can incorporate them into the ID cards. There are ID cards for different industries that can be created to match your organization’s needs. 

Boost Company Professionalism

When outsiders notice that your company has a high-security level, they will realize that it can be challenging to conduct any illegal activities on your premises. This will reduce the number of potential security breaches. It will also help build a relationship or gain customer or client trust. Using ID card systems can enhance your company’s credibility as well, allowing you to attract more business.  

ID cards serve multiple purposes and can help your company in many ways. If you don’t have a system already, get started on yours soon to maximize your business’s potential.

Spotting and Solving Common Workplace Security Mistakes

Security is essential anywhere, but it may be important to take extra measures to protect a workplace. Since a work environment consists of multiple components such as money, assets, and confidential data, any workplace could be the target of a security attack.

There are numerous security risks that your organization may face. The potential risks could take place on the premises through a burglary or digitally through a cyber-attack. Both versions can be scary and have the ability to harm a firm and its employees.

By staying alert of all the security mistakes and implementing practices to prevent them, you can avoid these threats. Here are some measures you can take.

Not Enforcing ID Cards

If employees can access any part of a worksite without an ID card used to authenticate them, they may get used to that. Employees must understand the importance of user authentication methods in the workplace.

Invest in a plastic card printer service to provide each employee with an access card to enter the workplace. By making ID cards mandatory and denying entry without it, staff members will be motivated to wear them at all times.

Insufficient Security Measures

Not implementing suitable security measures can severely harm your company. It is crucial to have security guards present in the workplace at all times. However, you cannot just hire any company without research.

Before hiring any security:

·         Make sure to do a background check.

·         Ask for license proof.

·         Determine how well they are trained.

Security personnel is one of the most critical elements of a company, and they will need to be qualified to tackle any potential problems that may arise.

Neglecting Unauthorized Access

If your company’s ID card system is old-fashioned, it may not require a scan. During times like these, if the employee has to show the card at the door, outsiders who pose risks can create fake ID cards.

It is fundamental to get on board with new technology and use contactless cards that the machine can automatically read. New security measures such as proximity cards provide security in the entrance and inside the workspace. Due to the proximity card system, the reader will know if the person attempting to enter the workplace or a secluded area is authorized. This will prevent unauthorized access.

Undermining Cyber-Attacks

On-site security measures such as a prox card will certainly enable higher security levels in the workplace. However, if the threat comes from cyber-attacks, different security measures would need to be applied.

Cyber-attacks are becoming more common now due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a study, there is a hacker attack every 39 seconds. It is necessary to use updated anti-virus technology, a multi-step authentication process, and constantly train employees to deal with cyber-attacks quickly.

Sharing Passwords

Even if you trust someone in your company with all your heart and soul, it may still be necessary to protect your password from them. This is not because they will necessarily gain access to all of your information and somehow manipulate it.

Although data breach is a significant concern, if you share your password with someone, they may be logged into your account on their device. If a security breach does occur, it will affect both your personal information and theirs, potentially resulting in losses for the company.

To avoid making these security mistakes, educate yourself and your employees. It is essential to know when to identify risk and effectively prevent it. Incorporate extra security measures and make technology your best friend. Avon Security has a range of products that can help your company stay safe!

How Custom ID Products Can Improve Workflow

Technological advances have led to higher productivity in various methods. Usually, when we think of workplace efficiency, dollar bills cross our minds. But, did you know that money isn’t the only way to motivate employees to do better?

In some cases, using advanced technology and creating custom ID products can contribute to the work culture benefits at work. Customized identification can improve workflow and lead to increased productivity in the office. Are you still wondering how that’s possible? Here is how.

Safety

No matter where the office is located, an employee wants to feel safe. When somebody spends several hours of their time at an unknown place, they expect to remain secure. Creating custom ID products blocks strangers from entering a private area.

Companies can increase safety by using a reliable ID printer to produce cards for every employee. When the staff knows that every person that enters their workspace will be adequately identified, they are likely to feel comfortable working there.

Importance

Custom ID products can also help employees feel important. If the company makes thoughtful gestures such as the provision of custom items, employees feel valued. You can do this by providing accessories for security measures as well.

Some organizations create custom lanyards in Toronto that can be ordered by companies and distributed among staff. By allowing the team to choose what colour or design they prefer, they may feel like their input matters, resulting in a more positive work culture.

Opportunity

Employees may see custom ID products as a chance to grow within the company. They may think that if they were temporary, the company would not put in the effort to create custom products for them. So, custom products can enable the staff to see a future within the company, which will be a helpful incentive for them to work more efficiently. Increasing productivity may even be a gesture of gratitude from team members.

Reliability

Taking steps to make employees feel like the company relies on them can also be motivating. If the staff members feel like the company trusts them, they will work harder to keep that trust.

You can show them that their time and effort are valued by supplying personalized proximity cards for them to use at work. A proximity card is a contactless card that doesn’t require the card to be entered for reading. This can help because the employees may be able to enter specific areas with those cards, which will make them feel trusted. When they think that the company relies on them to handle confidential information, their productivity levels may rise.

Capability

Another way that custom ID products can improve workflow is by linking the IDs to efficiency. The company can set a goal for employees, and whoever meets the target the faster or most effectively could receive a reward. Incorporating incentives into the mix can be very helpful. The company can track their progress with the custom IDs. You can talk to experts in our company and explore your options for customization.

No matter your goal, taking measures to make employees feel safe and supported can go a long way for your company. Avon Security is here to walk you through the process at any time!

What to Look for in Your ID Card Printer

Businesses commonly use an ID card printer, and it is an investment just like other assets. The printer will perform a significant task of securing employees and access to spaces within your company.

Due to new risks appearing at workplaces often, achieving security in the workplace can be tricky. However, the right ID card system can limit how attackers can intervene.

There are differences in these devices, and ensuring you have the right one for your organization is vital. Here are some things you can consider while finding a suitable printer for your firm.

Technological Advancements

During your ID card printer hunt, you will come across many different types of products and services. To find the most efficient ID card printer in Canada, it is essential to do some research.

Thanks to the constant updates in technology, new features are added to ID card systems now and then. For example, Avon Security offers proximity cards and contactless readers. This digital feature allows employees to enter a work environment by tapping their cards. It uses heavily encrypted digital technology. It will enable the company to limit access to sensitive areas, keep tracking of everyone who accesses the company, and more.

Price Variations

Different companies may provide similar printing services. However, some research can help you find affordable proximity cards to make the process simpler. There are various options available, such as SecureASP, Kantech, and Indala, and each of them has particular features within different price ranges. Avon Security offers reasonable prices, and business can further lower their costs by ordering a larger amount. Our experts are here to explain what each card offers and which may be best suited for your organization.

Experience Level

While making this critical business decision, it is essential to find a company that has been around for a long time. Avon Security has been around for ten years, and we service over 5,000 customers nationally. However, the decision about which company to proceed with is yours. Do some research and look at work samples and understand what each printer has to offer before making any investments.

Security Functions

One of the most crucial functions of an ID card is its ability to provide better security and protection within a workplace. Every business in operation has confidential data that needs to be protected. It is necessary to ensure that the ID card system you are using only allows employees to access certain areas and limits access. This may avoid any potential data breach.

Transparency Promises

Find an ID card printer that is transparent with you throughout the entire process. Transparency is vital, and companies can provide them in different ways, such as updates on the timeframe, improvements made within the company, or information on better pricing. If a company is honest with you about the entire process and keeps you in the loop at all times, you are in good hands.

Using the right ID card for your system can benefit your company in many ways. Do your research and find the one that best suits your needs.

Dealing with The Biggest Security Challenges Businesses Face

Businesses of all sizes continuously deal with security problems. Whether the issue is within the workplace or while working from home, security challenges persist. It is tough for businesses to let their guard down since data breach is a significant concern.

Due to the gap in knowledge among the staff and the new techniques created by criminals, security remains a concern every day. Here are some challenges businesses face and ways you can tackle them.

Unauthorized Access

Outsider access to confidential information a significant issue that businesses face while working onsite. In some cases, strangers may walk into private areas where only employees are allowed. Your business can prevent this by using secure ID cards. It is essential to find the correct ID printer that can provide the features that your company needs.

Cyber-attack

Cyber-attack is one of the most common forms of data breach and can significantly impact any company. According to statistics, the average cost of a data breach was $3.86 million as of 2020. Cyber-attacks can take place whether a business is operating from the site or home.

The fear of a cyber-attack is not enough to keep the company safe. It is essential to take multiple steps to prevent damage. Businesses need to provide continuous training to teach employees how to avoid cyber-attacks and tackle them if they occur. You should also be aware of the threats and use multi-level authentication and updated software for protection.

Lack of Investment

Security breaches are a considerable risk, and sometimes, to save costs, businesses may opt for a basic version of ID cards. However, efficiently preventing theft or any other security problems might require a more thoughtful approach.

In some cases, outsiders may request entry or make a plausible excuse to enter a building, and security may allow it. One way to prevent people without authority from entering a private area is by investing in proximity cards for employees. A proximity card is a contactless card that can be read without insertion into a card reading device. It allows for a deeper level of encryption and will not allow anyone without access to the building to enter.

Insufficient Training

Employees are the backbone of most companies, so they need to be aware of how to keep the company safe. If employees are not well trained, they will not understand the significance of a security threat or how to deal with it.

It is vital to provide frequent security awareness training to employees. It would also be beneficial to give incentives after the employee completes each training module. The motivation could be in the form of a gift card or an item, such as a notebook.

It is almost impossible to predict what kind of security risk your company may face in the future. But, there are numerous ways to stay prepared in advance. For example, security and proximity cards go hand in hand while attempting to keep the company secure. It is also essential to keep all the employees up-to-date with any potential threats and always remain alert. You can never be too safe.