Why You Should Test Drive ID Card Software First

If you're setting up your organization's ID cards and badging program, you'll need an ID card software program to design and print your cards. While there are several viable programs available, they will all design and print ID cards and badges. That's like saying a Chevrolet is comparable to a Rolls Royce because they all have wheels and windshields. There are levels of design and functionality that separate a basic software program from the premium version.

Let's look at each.

Design & print software

This is a basic software program that lets you design and print ID cards. It's the perfect solution for small companies like gyms who print one card at a time. It's limited to only 200 records, and you must manually enter all the data that needs printed on the cards. You can only install this level software on a single workstation, so if you need networking capabilities, look at other programs.

What you can do with this software is print a one-dimensional bar code or encode a magnetic stripe on your cards. And you won't need to maintain an external database with this level software.

A big drawback is only being able to print one card at a time; you won't be able to batch print several cards with this software.

Design & save software

If you have more than a few records and need the ability to search records for cardholders, you need this mid-level software program. Similar to the entry level programs, you can only install this software on a single workstation. So if you need networking to connect several workstations to the software, you may need software that is the next level up.

What's great about this level software is you can batch print cards. So, if you issue dozens of cards a week or more, you'll want a software program that lets you print more than a single card at a time. More functionality at this level lets you connect to an outside database and manage an unlimited record storage, unlike the design software previously mentioned.

You can also print one- or two-dimensional barcodes and encode magnetic stripes with this level software. This is perhaps the most popular ID card software purchased because it offers everything most organizations need. But if you're a larger corporation, see the next level.

Premium software

You not only get all the functionality from the first two software program levels, but you can connect to more types of brands with premium software. For large companies, you can connect multiple workstations over your network so several people can manage updates or changes and communicate with each other.

Premium software also offers enhanced security features. For example, government entities, companies with proprietary information, and others who need heightened security should choose this level software.

Why you should test drive ID card software first

It's one thing to read about software, but it's quite another to make it work for your particular ID card program. Ultimately the software you choose must meet or exceed your company's requirements.

Several software programs offer a free trial period. We recommend you download the free version and see how it works for your business and security needs. You can compare the different programs and choose the one you find most intuitive for your organization. You can also make sure you choose a program that works with your computer and its operating system.

Final thoughts

Idesco offers all brands of ID card software at the best price, guaranteed. We have a fully functional interactive showroom. Come visit us and get hands-on experience with all software programs. The only way to make an informed decision is to work with each program. We offer a way for you to evaluate them without downloading several trial versions of software on your work computer.

You can see how each software program functions and understand better how to manage and operate each one. Call an ID Expert at 212-889-2530 to set up a private consultation in our showroom today.