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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!

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!

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.

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.

If you need a security system that gives personnel quick, seamless entry while keeping the public out of restricted areas, it’s time to learn about HID proximity cards.

An HID proximity card uses RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) to provide wireless identification, just like a key fob. It’s an ID card that works with a card reader to open doors without having to fuss around with keys or go through a security check.

How Does an HID Card Work?

Inside an HID card, you’ll find a copper wire ring that functions as an antenna, allowing the card to communicate with readers from a reasonable distance. The reader software identifies whether or not the card is valid and matches it to codes for that entry point.

Organizations can print and program cards, even implementing multiple levels of access. For example, you can program HID cards to grant access to your office space but restrict access to sensitive zones only to select individuals. For example, you may want to restrict access to a server room.

Administrators can even view activity reports. If there is a breach or theft, the administrator can see which card was used to access the area at a certain time. Activity monitoring is a great tool in environments that are too busy to catch everything on CCTV systems.

When Should You Create an ID Entry Card System?

There are some workplaces and environments that are too busy to effectively monitor by CCTV or where security check-ins would be too costly and take too much time. Environments that are open to the public with restricted, staff-only areas, or workplaces where only employees with a certain security clearance are allowed access to certain areas are difficult to control.

By introducing security with proximity cards, you get automated control over who comes into an environment and where they have permission to go. It’s a secure, simple solution for environments such as:

·         Hospitals and medical facilities

·         Universities and colleges

·         Casinos

·         Gyms, health clubs, and golf clubs

·         Ski resorts and spas

Anywhere there’s a risk of the public accessing sensitive or restricted areas, HID proximity cards bring peace of mind. You don’t need to outsource the cards either. You can bring a professional card printer in-house to expedite onboarding staff and make sure staff always have the card they need.

Advanced Control and Monitoring

From the user’s perspective, an HID proximity card is really simple. All they have to do is wave their card in front of the reader, and the door unlocks. It’s quick, seamless, and they won’t give it a second thought.

However, you can manage the access privileges of every card you create. If someone loses a card, you can revoke its access to cut down on the risks of theft or trespassing.

HID proximity cards simplify security in a wide range of industries. Find out how your organization can implement an ID card system that allows you to print and program cards on demand.

Healthcare settings face unique security and safety challenges. They have to balance speed and efficiency, the safety of patients, valuable equipment, controlled medications, and restricted areas in buildings often shared by patients, visitors, healthcare workers, support staff, and contractors. It can be a busy, chaotic environment with high compliance demands and major security needs.

How Can Healthcare IDs Help?

Medical facilities of all kinds need to implement healthcare ID cards to restrict access to appropriate personnel only and help patients identify staff when they need assistance. Institutions need healthcare ID cards that are durable and professional to help identify doctors, nurses, staff, and even patients or visitors. They may also need proximity access cards that help keep the general public or unauthorized personnel out of restricted areas, such as areas where controlled drugs or valuable medical equipment can be accessed.

Medical facilities often need to print ID cards on the spot for patients and visitors. They can do so with an in-house ID card printer.

When it comes to staff ID cards, healthcare workplaces need watermarking and holographic features to prevent counterfeiting and ensure the security of their premises. ID badges are the first step to developing more robust security protocols in a healthcare environment.

Drug Diversion Prevention Strategies

Drug diversion is one of the most pressing issues facing hospitals and healthcare settings from a security standpoint. While drug diversion can be perpetrated by patients or pseudo-patients, it’s an even bigger issue when healthcare workers divert controlled substances. An alarming 79% of controlled drug loss reports are unexplained. Not only are these losses expensive for healthcare operators, but they are contributing to unprecedented opioid-related mortality.

There are already robust policies healthcare operators must comply with when it comes to restricting access to controlled substances and recording who signs out controlled substances. Access cards and ID cards can help physically limit access to controlled drugs and should be considered as part of your diversion prevention strategy.

Improve COVID Safety in Health Facilities

Looking beyond hospital and pharmacy environments, health facilities like gyms and fitness clubs have a big task ahead of them. In some jurisdictions, they’ve been shut down due to COVID-19 for the better part of a year. Listed as high-risk environments, they can expect continued limitations on capacity as they reopen.

They are going to have to take extra steps to lower risk levels and re-establish the trust of their members. As much as people are eager to get back to their fitness routines, there are still plenty who will be reluctant to get back to indoor environments unless they’re confident that their health and safety are primary concerns.

There are many different guidelines for reopening across North America, but reduced capacity is a common theme. A membership card that monitors activity and helps administrators know exactly how many people are in their facility at the same time will go a long way toward providing a safe health club environment.

Repeat business is good for business. That’s why so many companies have created customer loyalty programs. At a time when businesses of all sizes have been struggling, there’s never been a better time to reward and cultivate customer loyalty.

A customer loyalty program such as a points program can both reward your repeat customers and help your bottom line. These tips can help you introduce a program that works.

#1 Use PVC Cards

How many half-stamped paper cards do you have falling apart in your wallet? Coffee shops and other small retail businesses often start customer loyalty programs with the kind of paper cards that get stamped with each purchase. But they often get forgotten or worn down quickly.

There’s a better way to encourage customer loyalty. With a card printer on-premise, you can print and program durable PVC cards that let customers earn points or rewards while you to track valuable data like purchase history. They look better, fit easily in customers’ wallets, and they won’t fall apart. You can also print them on demand.

#2 Integrate Your Branding

Every aspect of your loyalty program should reinforce your brand, from the rewards you offer to the physical cards themselves. The underlying goal of your rewards program should always be about enhancing customers’ experience of your brand. Not only should the rewards reflect the experience you offer, but you should pay attention to the details as well.

Your customer loyalty cards should show off the personality of your brand. You want customers to instantly recognize it when they’re flipping through their wallets – and think about you when they see it. Using high-quality PVC cards, you can make sure that your custom-designed cards always look great.

#3 Collect Data

Printing physical rewards cards isn’t just a branding exercise. It can also give you access to valuable information about your customers and their purchases. Using supplementary software, you can track the purchases of customers who use your rewards program.

Information is power, and you can start connecting the dots between repeat businesses and what they buy to start targeting your marketing campaigns.

#4 Design Your Program for Your Best Customers

Your top 10% of customers can be worth five to six times more than the rest of your customer base. These are your most loyal and profitable customers, and they should be the targets of your loyalty program.

They are the clientele who will be more motivated by the program. They want to support your business, and they benefit from sticking with you.

#5 Discounts vs. Other Benefits

Discounts are some of the most popular rewards given in loyalty programs, but they’re not the most memorable. There are many other rewards you can provide. Depending on the nature of your business, they might include:

·         Free shipping

·         Early access

·         Free products

Redeemable points programs can be a great way to appeal to basic human behaviour. People enjoy the feeling that they’re progressing toward a goal, such as a free purchase or other rewards. Points should be earned quickly enough that customers feel a sense of progress and momentum. You might even be able to make a more memorable experience by giving out surprise rewards.

A loyalty card program is a great way to both give back to your customers and inspire repeat business. Get started with a loyalty card program system today.

Workplace security breaches are a source of concern across industries. They can pose a danger to your staff and/or customers, disrupt the workday, lead to loss through theft, or jeopardize data and records. If you’re responsible for building or workplace security, these are the kinds of security breaches you can cut down on by introducing ID cards.

Breach of Health Protocols

As the world slowly gets back to normal, you can expect many workplaces to return with health protocols to ensure that staff are able to work safely and ease any anxieties they have about returning to the office.

COVID-19 screening is one method to make sure the office remains safe for workers, but it’s not just staff who should be screened. Anyone entering the office should have to go through the screening process, or else you could have a potentially deadly breach. An ID card can help reassure everyone in a large office setting that visitors have been properly screened.

With a plastic card printer in house, you can quickly print cards or lanyards for visitors so that everyone knows a guest, contractor, or client has been properly screened and has followed workplace health protocols.

Protecting Records and Data

If you work in an industry that handles personal, confidential information, such as medical records or financial information, you need to make sure that your physical records and data servers are protected from breaches.

Whether these documents are stored on a particular device, server, or on paper, you can restrict access with proximity ID cards. A contact-free proximity card reader prevents those without authorization from physically accessing sensitive data.

Proximity cards are the most widely-used identification credential for controlling physical access. They can be programmed and printed in-house. Credentials can be changed as an organization needs to update them, such as removing credentials from cards that have been lost or stolen.

To help improve durability, provide an access card holder with proximity cards. They’re an affordable way to attach access cards to lanyards or protect them from scratches.

External and Internal Theft

Businesses of all kinds need to protect themselves against theft. Whether you’re worried about your bank deposits, theft from the register, inventory, or data, you can reduce the risk of theft with access ID cards.

While the use of safes and best practices for bank deposits can help you protect cash at critical times, proximity cards might be what you need to limit access to inventory and data. They can prevent customers or guests from accessing restricted areas, and they give you control over which employees can gain access at what times.

Don’t Lose Access Cards

Access ID cards help make sure that only the right people gain access to your premises, but how do you make sure no one who shouldn’t gets their hands on your access ID cards? You can introduce policies that impress the importance of their proximity cards on employees, but the best way to reduce loss is to invest in security accessories like lanyards, badge holders, and anything that simply makes it harder to lose them.

Security breaches are a concern for all kinds of workplaces. Fortunately, ID cards make it easier to ensure that no one winds up where they don’t belong.

Could your organization benefit from using ID cards for employees, guests, customers, or volunteers? PVC ID cards can help you streamline security, restrict access to facilities or materials, quickly identify people on busy sites, and even provide loyalty programs to customers.

If you’re working in any of these industries, it may be time to invest in an ID card printer and the right software to create a system that works for you.

#1 Construction

Construction site theft is not just common; the costs climb every year. Across Canada, construction site theft now costs $46 million annually, and much of that theft is done by on-site workers. Construction sites are ripe for theft, as they’re often busy scenes where valuable materials and equipment are stored with minimal oversight.

Photo ID cards are a quick way for construction companies to mitigate the risk of theft and secure materials that are valuable and sometimes dangerous. With an on-site ID card printer, companies can also issue appropriate ID to site visitors, which will help prevent non-employees from making off with materials.

#2 Non-Profit Organizations

Every organization’s reason for using ID cards is unique. Employees in the non-profit sector often find themselves organizing events with the help of volunteers. Organizers need to be able to quickly identify volunteers from attendees or guests, and a matching T-shirt isn’t always enough.

It also helps organizers connect with volunteers when they know everyone’s name. Name recall is one of the biggest factors in creating lasting connections with volunteers.

ID cards can also be useful in non-profit medical settings, such as animal shelters, where only some volunteers with the qualifications should have access to controlled drugs.

#3 Emergency Services

Any way to speed up security processes used in the delivery of emergency services is a good one. With the use of photo ID cards for emergency services personnel, security at hospitals and other facilities can quickly confirm the identities of personnel and avoid security breaches during a crisis.

Security is essential in emergency services, but it can’t slow down rapid response times. Avon Security Products provides customizable systems that allow security teams to verify identities or provide access to restricted facilities. High-quality employee ID cards are watermarked and holographic to prevent counterfeiting and tampering. 

#4 Retail

Customer loyalty programs are an excellent way for retailers to show they appreciate customers who keep coming back. Studies show that a customer who has an emotional connection to your business will have four times the lifetime value of an average consumer.

For local retailers, that goodwill shouldn’t go to waste. Now more than ever, shoppers are showing their love for local businesses whenever they can. The right card for the program isn’t just durable; it’s also got character. Make sure it brings your brand to life.

With supplementary software, you can easily track purchases and points, and record data for your most loyal customers. 

An ID card printer can enhance your security system, introduce a loyalty program, reduce theft, and help you engage volunteers. Find out how you can make high-quality, secure PVC photo cards on-site.

It can be hard to manage access to busy workplaces. Between visitors, deliveries, contractors, and employees, sometimes there’s too much activity for CCTV to effectively monitor. At the same time, too many locks or security check-ins can take too much time and interfere with the workday.

Organizations that need to restrict physical access to a building or create layered access to a facility for different employees are discovering the benefits of proximity cards. Once a technology primarily used in automobiles, it’s now an efficient solution to building security.

What Are Proximity Cards?

Proximity cards provide keyless entry to restricted buildings and areas. They can be easily attached to a key ring or clip, and they’re made to endure everyday use. Cards may integrate photo ID if that is a necessary element to your security system. For example, employees may need to check in with security to enter the building but can use their card to enter restricted facilities inside. Key tags can be used if you don’t need photo identification. 

The system incorporates readers, proximity cards, and software that allows an organization to control access. The software identifies the validity of a card and matches codes to the designated area. From a user’s perspective, all they have to do is wave the card or key tag in front of the reader and get instant access to the area. An access control server allows administrators to view activity reports and manage access privileges, ensuring that only the right employees have the appropriate access.

How Do HID Proximity Cards Work?

Proximity cards rely on RFID technology, or Radio-frequency identification. This is a form of wireless communication to identify a person or object. It doesn’t require a direct line of sight to be scanned, so some proximity cards don’t even need to be waved or swiped.

RFID can also be found in debit and credit cards, which allows consumers to tap a reader in order to pay.

With a printer to make Avon Security ID cards in-house, organizations can print and program all the cards they need, on the spot, without compromising security or functionality.

What Are the Benefits of Using Proximity Cards?

The benefits of proximity cards are worth looking into when you want to create a workplace that’s secure without standing in the way of worker productivity. They provide:

·         Greater control over access to buildings and sections of buildings;

·         More accurate monitoring of movement than CCTV can provide;

·         Flexible controls that allow administrators to update access privileges;

·         Tighter security without interfering with work productivity;

·         Integration with other technologies such as hologram printing, smart cards, or photographic identification.

When you need to meet the demand for heightened security while balancing it with convenience, proximity card systems provide minimal disruption. Critical industries such as banking, healthcare, emergency services, government, and more need heightened security. Get better control to safeguard buildings, property, and employees and provide a convenient way for employees to access their workplaces.