subject: A Look at Photo ID Cards in Schools [print this page] A Look at Photo ID Cards in Schools A Look at Photo ID Cards in Schools
Id cards in the educational sector are growing in popularity because they eliminate a lot of problems schools face in identifying kids and unwanted visitors on their campuses. Implementing a photo ID card system is an excellent way to eliminate a lot of security risks.
Like any other company or institution, schools have access to a broad spectrum of ID card systems, accessories, and options. These include smart card chips, overlamination, holographs, microchips, text, logos, magnetic stripes and barcodes, full, high resolution color images, and storing biometric information like fingerprints.
Unfortunately, a number of schools are using inadequate student ID cards, with cut-and-paste, barely recognizable pictures and weak overlamination. Security is a terribly important priority in schools, both in high risk cities and smaller towns alike.
What people need to be aware of is that there are cutting-edge ID card and photo badge technologies that aren't necessarily going to cost an arm and a leg. As the technology has increased and become more commonplace, the prices have necessarily decreased as well.
From dorm rooms and libraries to cafeterias and mess halls, school identity cards can serve a wide variety of non-security purposes as well. They can be used to gain entrance to events, for movie and restaurant discounts and much more.
Many schools with good photo ID card systems use the ideas for school lunch programs, food, 'money,' or activity points. They can also function as entrance into school sporting events and other events throughout the community; some schools will even set up programs with theatres, restaurants, and other venues. This system is found especially in college towns that cater predominantly to students.
Identity cards in schools serve a wide variety of other security oriented functions, including entrance to events like dances or concerts; easier and more efficient record-keeping and registration processes; tracking and controlling on-campus entries and exits; higher efficiency and quicker check-out at libraries and bookstores.
Thus the benefits of having an up-to-date, good ID card system cannot be stressed enough; they make many of the particulars in running a school easier in addition to providing a comprehensive, coherent security solution for education systems around the world, from grade schools to colleges and universities.
