An important security practice throughout business organizations that has become standardized is security badges. From employees, maintenance workers, visitors, vendors and volunteers, the card services as a form of security not only for the building, but also for the employees. These security badges are designed to identify, validate and put in place the proper security measures and features that govern how an organization monitors, controls, restricts and protects their resources. At a minimum, the security badge will have an individuals’ photo and identification number. However, a variety of data can be added to an ID card. The information can vary, depending on the type of business, access controls or function of the card. Businesses should create security badges in a way so that they are easy to classify and identify, however, difficult to duplicate. Below, we’ll identify the various types of information businesses can add when designing their security badges.
Defining Company Credentials
Before a business decides what data should be added to their security badges, it’s important to understand what the cards will be used for, and how that data will relate to the functions of their business. The data that will be collected will act as credentials, which is particular knowledge provided by a person. This knowledge will allow a person entry into either a physical location or a computerized information system. A credential could be a unique pin number, a biometric feature and even a security badge. Credentials can also be a combination of these elements.
Security Badge Design
Regardless of the type of organization, the identification card should be designed as an extension of your brand. Additionally, badges should be designed based on the type of access controls given to an individual user. For example, pharmaceutical labs, military units, government facilities or law enforcement are organizations that have varying levels of security clearance. Through the use of color codes placed on the badges, is one method that can identify the cards level of access.
Security Badge Data
Front-End Display
Data can be displayed on the front-end and backend. On the front-end, the standard today is the personal photo. Cards with a personal photo displayed on the front-end include the drivers’ license, state license and even company badge. Additionally, the front-end of security badges typically include the users first and last name, an identification number, and the company logo. Overall, an ID card should not be cluttered however, should have enough information to be authenticated.
Back-End Display Additional data can be stored onto a cards magnetic strip or computer chip. With these two storage mediums, a vast array of data can be collected, tracked and retrieved at any time by simply accessing that stored data. Additional data that can be added to security badges include:
Biometrics: A finger print can be added to a badge which enhances the overall security of the card.
Signature: The card holder’s signature is another biometric type of measure that can be quickly authenticated by matching the card signature to what’s been written.
Expiration Date: Badges should have an expiration date, especially if the user is a visitor or vendor that comes only for a limited time in an organization.
Title: An individuals’ title or position within the organization is an important element to add. This can be effective for large companies with various departments.
Security badges make it convenient for organizations to monitor entry into their buildings. Businesses need to analyze what data they want to collect based on the type of organization they are running in order to define what details they wish to add to their security badges. To learn more about security badges and where to get the supplies necessary to make your own, contact us at Avon Security Products today!