What ID Card Printer Supplies Do I Need to Get Started?

If you're implementing an employee ID card program for your organization, the myriad of bits and pieces that go along with an ID card printer can be overwhelming. Most people just want to know the foundational pieces they must have to get started. Then they can decide later on if they need bells and whistles.

Here are the key ID card printer supplies you need to start your employee ID card program.

ID card printer

This is obvious, but we would be remiss if we didn't list it first. The ID card printer you choose depends on your business and security needs for issuing cards. A reputable vendor will help you determine which is the right printer to meet those and future needs and your budget.

ID card software

As with other electronics, you need software to build your ID card program. ID card software is specifically designed to create safe and secure ID cards that function as you need them to. All software comes with templates to help you create your ID card design. Most companies let you download a trial subscription to help you decide which is the right software for your ID card program.

ID camera

Most experts recommend a color photograph for employee ID cards. It's the easiest security method to make sure the cardholder is who they say they are and they're where they should be. While you can use a standard digital camera to snap photos, know that you'll spend more time importing them into your card software program. You must also edit and resize to make them work with your design.

Blank ID cards

There are a few considerations for picking out the right blank ID cards. First, what security, technology, or other features do you need on your cards? Next, what is your expected volume? How your employees use their cards defines the card you must purchase. How many you expect to print daily, weekly, or monthly will determine the amount you should buy.

Another option is to purchase pre-printed ID cards from a vendor with your company logo and other unchanging information. You can then personalize them on your ID card printer. This reduces the amount of supplies you need to purchase, saving you both time and money when printing your employee cards.

Printer ribbon

These ribbons are printer-specific so ask your sales representative what works best with the printer you are using. If you want your ID card printer to function properly, it's best to buy the manufacturer recommended printer ribbons. Don't skimp here because it will affect the quality of your cards and your ID card printer’s functionality will decline causing you to spend more on fixing the printer than you would on the correct ribbons.

Depending on how many cards you expect to print, keep a printer ribbon on hand to avoid being caught short. Remember, printer ribbons have a lifespan. If your employee ID card program doesn't generate enough cards per month, the printer ribbon in your stock room might expire before you can use it.

Cleaning kit

Preventive maintenance will help your ID card printer live longer, so a cleaning kit is a must-have for any employee ID card program. Just like with ribbons, these kits are manufacturer-specific, so make sure you purchase the one recommended for your printer's make and model.

Most companies recommend cleaning your ID card printer every time you change the ribbon. Cleaning kits also have a shelf life, so if you're not printing a high volume, beware that your cleaning kit might expire before you need it.

Optional supplies

Each employee ID card program is different. You might want employees to have an ID card in their wallet, or you might want employees to visually display their cards anytime they're on-site. If you want employees to display cards, you must purchase lanyards, badge holders, strap clips, badge reels, and maybe even a hole punch.

Work with your ID card vendor to determine what you need if you expect employees to always display their cards.

Another option is card readers. If your employee ID cards offer other functionality like access control or payment options, you'll need card readers designed for those purposes. Again, work with your ID card vendor to determine the readers you need, where you need them, and how many you need.

Final thoughts

An employee ID card program is a big investment. With so many printers available, so many security and other features you can add, and a cornucopia of employee badge accessories, it's hard to know where to start.

When you partner with Idesco for your employee ID card program, we offer you an all-inclusive solution. You need not worry about having the printer supplies you need, the right cards, and all other foundational elements. Our ID Experts set you up with everything you need and help you decide if you need any extras.

Contact an Idesco ID Expert today at 212-889-2530 to discuss your employee ID card solution today.