Posted by admin on October 30, 2010 · 4 Comments
It can be difficult to compare specific brands of ID card printers, especially when you are trying to compare two major brands. For example, comparing a Fargo printer and Evolis printer can seem like a tough proposition. With so many new developments within the industry, increased price-based competition, and variety of solutions available, the differences can seem minimal. However, there are still some key indicators that you can use to choose which printer is right for.
The first thing that you need to look at is the features that are offered. While there are comparable models between all major brands, there are also some differences. A Fargo printer will often take up less space and be a little less expensive than a similar Evolis printer. However, when trying to compare models, the features are often different. This is primarily because Fargo offers a larger number of printers to choose from. That means that they may have two or three models that are comparable to a single Evolis model. With this is mind, it is important to focus first on the features that you need. By doing this, you will be able to choose a printer that is designed for your specific type of situation rather than a one-size-fits-all solution that will likely not have everything that you need.
The next thing to look at is overall cost. In many cases, a Fargo printer will slightly less expensive than a similar Evolis printer. However, you run into the same issue that you see when comparing features. There are going to be several Fargo products that fit within a specific price-point, whereas there will likely only be one Evolis product in this range. Additionally, because there are more options from Fargo, there is a higher chance that you will get certain accessories that you need, such as holographic printer ribbon included with your purchase. When looking at total cost, you should also consider how much maintenance, additional products (such as the ID card), and other variables can affect your long term expenses. Warranties are also something to keep in mind when comparing these two brands as well.
Finally, you should look at customer service/support. When it comes to support, a Fargo printer may carry a slight edge. This is because HID, the creator of the Fargo line of printers, has a separate website dedicated solely to customer support. While this is not to say that Evolis offers little support, because they do seem to have a solid track record of keeping their customers satisfied. However, if you do have a problem, there is a good chance that HID will be able to respond a little quicker.
When it comes to comparing a Fargo printer and Evolis printer, the final decision will often be based upon your specific needs rather than solely on which brand is superior. Both offer products with a variety of features and at a variety of different prices points. If customer support is you number one concern, then Fargo might carry the edge, although it should be considered a slim one. In making your final decision, it is almost entirely dependent on your needs because both brands seem to offer excellent products.
Posted by admin on October 27, 2010 · Leave a Comment
When it comes to purchasing ID card software there are a variety of different avenues that you can choose from. Depending on where you are at in your purchasing process, one option tends to stick out as the best option. The three most basic options are purchasing a complete printing system, purchasing a brand specific software, or purchase “universal” software. All of these options have specific benefits and drawbacks depending on your current situation. Here is a closer look at all three options and what they have to offer.
The most common route that many businesses take is to simply purchase an entire printing package. This will include not only ID card software, but also a printer, camera, cables, and some accessories. This is ideal solution if you currently don’t have anything that you need to get going. Not only to get everything all at once, but it is often much more inexpensive than purchasing everything separately. Plus, you don’t have to worry about software compatibility. For example, if you purchase a Zebra printer package, then you know that everything will easily integrate together seamlessly The only potential drawback is if you need to upgrade a certain item. While substitutions can sometimes be made, it isn’t always an option.
The next option is to purchase ID card software based upon your specific brand of printer. For example, if you have a Zebra printer, then you would choose software designed by the same company. The biggest benefit of choosing this option is that you know that you won’t have any problems integrating the software with your printer. Another benefit is that brand-specific software will often work with all of the printers made by that brand. This is particularly useful if you will be using the same software in multiple locations or having multiple projects running on multiple printers simultaneously. A final advantage is that the software will be designed to communicate directly with the card printer, which means that you won’t have to deal with the middleman (the Windows or Mac general printing prompts).
The final option is choose a universal ID card software. This is software that has been designed by a third party and has the ability to communicate with a wide variety of printers directly. The biggest potential benefit is that third party software will sometimes be more inexpensive. Another potential benefit is that the software will likely have a lot more options. However, if your printer does not have the ability to do something, such as print on both sides, then having software that allows you to create dual sided cards is fairly useless. The same is true with other features as well. The biggest potential problem is integration. While most universal software should quickly integrate with most major printer brands, it isn’t a guarantee. However, the customer support for the software will normally walk you through any additional steps that you need to take. While this may be a hassle, it can pay off in the long run.
As you can see, each option has specific benefits and drawbacks that you should consider when purchasing ID card software. If you don’t have anything, then a full printing package will normally be your best choice. However, if you already a specific printer, such a Zebra printer, then you will likely get the most utility out of either a brand specific or universal software instead of a full package.
Posted by admin on June 21, 2010 · Leave a Comment
There are many different card printing solutions on the market to meet a variety of organization and business needs. Due to the variety of options available it is important to consider the needs that your organization has so that the best photo ID card solution can be assembled to meet current card printing needs as well as attempting to accommodate future plans for additional card needs. The following should be considered when researching the right card printing solutions for your group.
Security levels of each company vary based on type of company, products delivered, size of organization and other factors. Determine what security functions you need for the card to deliver. Each business has its own needs, so it is important to determine what is required in this area.
There are many different photo badge printer manufacturers that produce high quality printers and supplies. Various models of printers feature different functionality options. When researching the ID card printer options it is wise to speak with ID card integrator experts. They have a wide experience level in providing custom photo id systems and can provide a seamless solution
Many times in the current business market, card printing systems are integrated into other security systems that are available. Examples of these are CCTV systems, access systems and others. Integration of these systems is critical and experts from each are may need to consult with you to verify the processes will work together seamlessly.
ID card printers come with varying levels of security features. The cards themselves may require embedded and other security features while often the printer itself is controlled with security passwords and locks to provide for the safety of special cards and ribbons that have not been issued as of yet. Operations may be restricted to only a few select card operators. Security to prevent tampering with the system is important in some cases.
Because of the increasing technology of the printer systems and with the number of printer options available, it is important for an organization considering a photo ID system to take the time needed to analyze current needs, current budget and future projections about card requirements. By considering what is needed and what the organization is migrating to, the background needed to approach an ID card integrator is ready. With this current information and future goals, the integrator can provide a complete system within the budget amount allowed.
ID card integrators may suggest looking at a Fargo printer or a Datacard printer. Both of these printer lines, plus other quality manufacturers can be implemented with confidence. Sleek design, cutting edge technology, excellent warranties and quality badge printing are found with both Fargo and Datacard. The system selected from either of these two manufacturers can provide required output for increased security functions in your organization. Both managers and employees will appreciate the additional security level provided by the badges and, if given the opportunity, will contribute ideas about additional uses that cards may be utilized for benefitting the organization.
Posted by admin on June 21, 2010 · 1 Comment
If you own or manage a business that has several employees, you may find that this article is helpful to you. This information is all about badge printer systems and the benefits that they can provide for your organization. Photo ID printer systems print identification cards. The identification cards are printed for each employee. Many benefits can be derived from the use of ID cards that are worthwhile for most all businesses.
One of the best benefits of identification cards is to use the card as a method of clocking in and for payroll purposes. The ID cards are used with a bar code reader or scanner to import the bar code information to your computer. With this method of clocking in and out, you will know when the employee clocked in and how long they were at work before clocking out. Paperwork is reduced with electronic means of recording this information. The accuracy of this payroll system cannot be denied and the employee may be inspired to clock in on time and take breaks within allotted company policies.
Another reason for using identification badges in the workplace is to be able to identify each employee. When you have a number of employees it is hard to know each one by name. When ID cards are worn, you know the person’s name as well as other information that is printed on the card, such as the person’s department. This type of identification is also helpful for customers in many businesses. An example of this is the retail store. Customers are more likely to ask for assistance with an associate who is wearing a name tag printed from cards printers.
The badge printer is able to provide additional security options for your business. If you have employees that work in a facility, you may wish to secure some rooms that contain confidential or privileged information. An id card printer can encode technology cards that play an important role in only letting certain people in the room. The printer can provide access as well as photo ID for a multi use card.
Printers, such as an Evolis printer, can do more for your business than payroll functions, access functions and identification. Some businesses use custom printed cards for gift cards.
There are many additional uses for custom printed cards depending on your organization and the needs that you have. Debit, check out and other functions are able to be combined into a single printed card that can be used by a individual. Unique embedded information can be stored on the card an extracted for use by a card reader.
By purchasing an id card printer system, you are able to completely control the card printing processes needed in your organization. Ensuring only the proper individuals receive a badge, controlling the look, use and function of the badges are a couple of the many reasons to consider housing your own ID card printer system in house. With the acqusision of a badge system, benefits of making badges custom to your unique needs on the spot is worthwhile for many businesses.
