Integrating Multi-use School ID Cards

Online Exclusive: Integrating Multi-use School ID Cards

Photo ID cards have come a long way in the past two decades, especially those prevalent in the K12 school segment. In fact, based on a recent survey conducted by our organization of K12 education customers across the United States, more than 94% of schools responded that they use ID cards. The vast majority also print their cards in-house versus outsourcing them to a third-party service bureau. Survey results confirm the top three uses for ID badges are building and facility access, visual identity, and lunch programs, a reinforcing fact that schools are making the most out of their ID card printer investment.Integrating Multi-use School ID Cards

Although there is no question that student and faculty safety in schools is a top priority, IDs can be used for much more than just access control and visual identification purposes. Using badges for a variety of functions not only defrays the initial investment of the printer or system, it leverages the technology to serve multiple purposes.

Because the budget is likely one of the primary deciding factors when it comes to the printer model a school will ultimately purchase, it's important to understand the many ways IDs can improve processes and maximize resources. By expanding the use of ID badges throughout a school's campus with some (or all) the following applications, the efficiencies in other vital facets of academia can also be optimized.

Access control and visitor management: Monitoring who is entering and exiting school facilities each day with an ID badge is the foundation of a safer school environment. The leading means for tracking this kind of information with badges include the use of magnetic stripe, proximity and smart card technologies. When these are integrated with an automated access control system, all traffic into and out of school facilities is tracked and recorded, as well as the length of time each individual spends within the building.

Color-coding badges is a popular method to easily differentiate the faculty, staff and student body. With color-coding, an area of the ID badges are printed in a color that represents a group of people: red for administration, green for teachers, blue for students, and so on. Temporary-expiring badges expire gradually and reveal a distinctive color change that's highly noticeable from a distance and are an inexpensive solution to monitoring short-term visitors.

Integrating Multi-use School ID Cards

Maximize the real estate on ID cards: Most IDs feature a student's name, photo, the school's name, and a grade level. However, more than 60% of schools indicated they only print information on one side of a student ID card. By taking advantage of both sides of an ID card and supplementing the basic details with class schedule information, medical or allergy details, or emergency contacts, school IDs become exponentially more beneficial, especially if a crisis arises. Additional data that can be used on IDs includes emergency preparedness instructions, bus stop information and graduation year.

Remove cash from the school lunch equation: Using school ID cards for school lunch programs has gained steady momentum over the past five years, because it eliminates the need for students to carry cash. Barcodes tend to be the most frequently used technology option as they do not require any special equipment beyond a standard ID card printer and barcode reader. Magnetic stripe cards may store value, and when swiped, automatically deduct the cost of lunch when used. Both technologies are easily integrated with automated point-of-sale systems allowing more accurate transactions and account management.

Track school bus access and ridership: Approximately 15% of survey participants use school ID cards as part of a student transportation program. Adding a bus number to an ID improves the level of the student's security by safeguarding that the correct bus is boarded. It also ensures that unauthorized riders are not allowed on the school bus without the proper credentials.

Monitor classroom attendance: Implementing software into a student ID card program can substantially improve the effectiveness of tracking classroom attendance. Software records tardiness or absence information, allowing teachers to notify parents via email if warnings or after-school detention are issued. Attendance data can then be used for timely reporting at the end of the month, semester and school year.

Manage library and technology assets: A common use of school IDs with barcodes or magnetic stripes includes the management of library, media, and technology resources like computers, tablets, and other devices. In fact, nearly 40% of those surveyed indicated they use their student ID cards to track and protect these educational assets.

Motivate students to achieve their goals: A little creativity can go a long way when it comes to ID cards. A school in Kentucky recognizes academic achievement and classroom attendance with rewards cards. At the end of each quarter, students receive a card that reflects their performance with coupons printed on the back of cards that can be redeemed at local businesses. A local bank even supports the school's efforts by depositing $1 into a savings account for students for each "A" they receive.

Partner with a trusted provider: School ID cards are an invaluable asset not only to student identification but to safety and security, access control, asset management and much more.

Ensuring the most cost-effective and substantial return on your investment starts with using the technology across multiple platforms. The key is finding a reputable provider who understands the ABCs of ID cards. A retailer specializing in photo ID – not only ID printers but also printer supplies, software and badge accessories – will have the above-average expertise to guide your purchasing decisions based on your needs, goals and budget.

About the Author

Julie Kuepers is a Senior Content Strategist, employed at ID Wholesaler in St. Louis Park, Minnesota since September 2014.

Featured

  • Why Communication is Key in an Emergency

    During an emergency, communication with the outside world can be a critical component when it comes to response time and saving lives. Emergency communications typically consist of alerts and warnings; directives about evacuating the premises; information about response status, and other matters that can impact response and recovery. Read Now

  • Trust But Verify

    Today’s world is built on software—whether it is third-party applications, open-source libraries, in-house developed tools, operating systems, containers or firmware. Organizations worldwide depend on these diverse software components to power their operations, connect with customers, and drive innovation. However, this reliance on software comes with hidden dangers: the blind trust placed in these software products. Many companies assume that the software they purchase, and use is secure and free from vulnerabilities, but recent high-profile software supply chain breaches have proven otherwise. The reality is that every piece of software, no matter how reputable the source, increases the organization’s attack surface and poses new risks. Read Now

  • Impact on Digital Transformation

    A 2023 Statista report projects that by 2030 there will be 30 billion Internet of Things (IoT) devices in use. That is three times as many as there were in 2020. The numbers continue to grow because connecting sensors and systems, especially across a business, promises big efficiency gains and new insights. As such, the IoT and IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) have become a launching pad for digital transformation -- not only for individual organizations but for entire industries. Read Now

  • Optimizing Security and Business Performance with Clarity and Control

    In recent years, the security sector has experienced a significant influx of innovative technologies that have fundamentally transformed how organizations design, implement, and oversee their security programs. The widespread adoption of cloud-based infrastructure, edge processing, and AI or machine learning (ML) driven analytics has brought about revolutionary changes in applications such as access control, video surveillance and emerging areas like threat detection and drone identification. Read Now

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

New Products

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions. 3

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises. 3

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file. 3