|
Universities, colleges and schools are among those places where large numbers of people congregate. Knowing who is who and whether they have a right to be there is of vital importance to the estate manager, particularly in today’s security conscious climate.
 Photo ID cards
The two key objectives are identification – of students, staff, visitors and contractors – and access control. Databac manufactures photo ID cards and student badges in its secure production facility in Surrey. It can embed a host of reading technologies such as magnetic stripe or smart chip to enable them to work with existing access control, turnstile or other barrier systems.
Cards can be supplied preprinted with logos and graphics, ready to be personalised for each wearer. Databac’s Dataimage ID software allows the card to be printed with personal information. First, name, data and photo – either captured live or scanned in – are entered into the system, to be stored in the password-protected database. The data is then printed directly onto the card using a direct card printer. Databac can supply all the equipment necessary to produce ID cards, from cameras, scanners and signature panels, to card printers and hologram applicators. Alternatively, Databac’s card bureau will personalise cards on behalf of the school.
As a manufacturer, Databac can also add a host of security options to its cards. This includes UV printing, bank-note style security patterns, even customised holograms.
Hundreds of wearing accessories are available, including card holders, lanyards and retractable card reels, many of which can be branded with the institution’s logo.
Cards for multiple applications
Yet cards can be put to use for other applications, too. The same card used for photo ID and gaining access can be used for communication between school and student, for example. Databac’s Data ReWrite cards enable information to be printed, erased and reprinted up to 500 times. This is useful in a number of scenarios. Each trimester, a student’s schedule could be printed on the card. The school library can print a list of books lent and their due date. Student ID photos can be updated to reflect their currently ‘look’.
Rewritable cards are also ideal for visitor and contractor ID. The cards optimised to work with existing access control systems can be reissued for each visitor or short-term contract worker, bringing huge savings in plastic card issuance.
Rewritable or not, there is no reason that cards cannot carry more than one technology. Databac specialises in manufacturing cards that carry multiple technologies for use in different applications. One card could carry a magnetic stripe to swipe through a turnstile and a contact chip for use in vending machines, for example. Again, these can be personalised with name, photo and other personal data, either by Databac’s bureau or by the school, using a card personalisation system like Dataimage.
Biometric solutions
Where a higher level of security is required or where cards are not desired, Databac offers biometric identification solutions. The Staff On Time range of fingerprint systems are an easy-to-use, highly-secure and surprisingly affordable solution for access control. Also used for time and attendance, Staff On Time is a valuable tool for keeping track of punctuality, with customised reporting providing valuable information on the institution’s efficiency.
At the top end of the scale, ideal for secure areas like the school server room, is smarti, a multimodal biometric system for access control, time and attendance and building automation. Smarti combines facial, voice and mimic detection to gain a positive identification before carrying out pre-programmed functions such as unlocking a door, switching on the lights, sending an email or turning on the air-conditioning. Integrated CCTV means it can be used for surveillance, while an intercom allows communications between reception and visitors.
Your partner for ID
As a specialist in identification with a 38 year history in secure card manufacture, Databac is an experienced, reliable authority in student ID and matters of campus security. From nurseries to universities, hundreds of educational institutions have placed their trust in Databac, to advise them on their ID needs and supply them with the best solution to fit their unique situation. For more information
Visit www.databac.com or call Tel: +44 (0)20 8546 9826. |
