The world we live in today is highly digitized and technology advancements have evolved to an extent where almost everything is online. With the rise of technology, more and more people are using ID cards which can be scanned with a simple device to verify their identities. In this context, Scannable ID cards have become the norm in several organizations, institutions, and even governments.

An ID card is an essential document that everyone should carry with them at all times. They are used for various purposes such as verifying a person’s identity, ensuring security in sensitive areas, and granting access to buildings and offices. For instance, a driver’s license is an ID card that identifies the owner and enables them to drive a vehicle. Over time, the traditional ID cards have evolved to become more secure and user-friendly. Today, ID cards are not only made of durable materials but can also be scanned to reveal more information about the bearer.

So, what is a Scannable ID Card?

A scannable ID card is an identification card that can be read by a card reader, which is a device that is capable of capturing and displaying the information encoded within the card. The card reader scans the barcode or magnetic stripe on the card to obtain the data. The card’s data can then be used to verify and validate the id card holder’s identity, and access can be granted after authentication is complete.

Some Scannable ID cards are equipped with a smart chip that contains a microprocessor which can store biometric data such as fingerprints, facial recognition patterns, or iris scans. When the card is presented to the scanner, the scanner reads the data and sends it to a backend system, which then authenticates the person’s identity.

There are numerous benefits to having a scannable ID card. These benefits include:

1. Enhanced Security

Scannable ID cards increase security levels, especially in sensitive environments like airports, government buildings, or high-security facilities. The card readers can detect unusual activities and identify potential security threats that may go unnoticed with a traditional ID card. The smart chip technology makes the card more resistant to duplication and forgery, making it harder for individuals with malicious intentions to create fake cards.

2. Streamlined Operations

In organizations, scannable ID cards are used to manage personnel and keep track of people’s movements throughout the building. In turn, this reduces the time required for record-keeping and other related administrative tasks. The use of scannable ID cards can also minimize human error and streamline operations, ensuring that the right people have access to the right areas, buildings, and equipment.

3. Improved Customer Service

Scannable ID cards can also improve customer service by reducing the time it takes to verify a person’s identity, especially in areas like hotels, hospitals, and banks. Instead of wasting time trying to verify a person’s identity with traditional documents such as passports, driver’s licenses or birth certificates, a scannable ID card can be quickly scanned to validate the information.

4. Cost-effective

Scannable ID cards are cost-effective compared to traditional ID cards in the long run. The smart chip technology on the card can store information for longer periods, reducing the need for replacing cards often. This makes the cards more durable, ensuring that they last for longer periods, reducing the chances of replacement costs incurred with traditional ID cards.

5. Personalization

Scannable ID cards can be customized to meet specific needs of individuals or institutions. Customization can be done on printing, security features, and personalizations, such as employee or student ID cards. Customization can also be done with the card reader, ensuring that specific requirements are met.

The front of an ID card usually contains the cardholder’s photograph, name, and unique identification number. In contrast, the backside of the card may contain details such as the cardholder’s signature, date of birth, address, and a magnetic stripe or barcode containing the cardholder’s identification data.

When designing a scannable ID card, several key elements should be considered, such as security features, encoding data, and form factors. The placement of these elements should ensure that the card reader can read the data, the data is secure, and the card is easy to use.

Security Features

To make the card more secure, several security features can be applied. Some of the commonly applied features are holograms, watermarks, and microtext. Holograms are three-dimensional images that are embedded on the card and are visible from different angles. Watermarks provide an additional layer of security obscuring the details of the card when viewed from a different angle. Microtext refers to small printed text that is only visible under magnification.

Data Encoding

A scannable ID card should contain encoded data that is easily readable by the scanner. Some of the commonly used encoding methods are magnetic stripe encoding and barcode encoding. Magnetic stripe encoding involves creating a stripe on the back of the card that stores the cardholder’s identification data. The card reader uses a magnetic head to read the data on the stripe. Barcode encoding, on the other hand, involves printing a barcode on the back of the card that contains the cardholder’s identification number. The card reader uses optical sensors to read the barcode.

Form Factors

The physical layout of the ID card should also be considered when designing a scannable ID card. The card should be small enough to fit in a wallet or a cardholder but large enough to include all the necessary information. The card’s layout should also be easy to read, reducing the risk of human error during scanning.

In conclusion, scannable ID cards have become essential in our modern world. The convenience, security, and efficiency they offer make them the preferred choice over traditional ID cards. When designing a scannable ID card, several factors must be considered, such as security features, encoding data, and form factors. A well-designed scannable ID card can enhance security, streamline operations, improve customer service, and save on costs.