A photo identification system can improve school security and
enhance administrative efficiency.
Schools are facing many difficult challenges. Heightened concerns
about security have put stress on staff and students. Tight budgets
have led to elementary and secondary classrooms of 30 or more
students. Parents and community members hold school administrators
to higher standards of efficiency and effectiveness.
A photo identification system can improve security in a school;
increase efficiency by integrating programs for library materials,
food service and door access; and boost school spirit.
Assessing needs
Before considering a school identification program, administrators
first should assess the school's needs. For some schools, security
is the primary goal. Photo ID badges can be used to visually identify
students, staff and visitors, or for more sophisticated functions,
such as accessing residence halls, facilities and equipment.
In addition, schools can use photo ID systems to automate several
operations using one ID badge. With the proper technology, ID
badges can speed library or equipment checkout; act as a pass
to student activities such as plays, concerts, dances and sporting
events; allow student access to computers and the Internet; or
become coupon cards for use with area merchants.
With debit functions, students can use photo ID badges for vending
machines, laundry facilities or cafeteria payments. Some systems
can be linked to ATMs for money withdrawal. The more uses for
a system, the more cost-effective it is for an institution.
How much technology?
Technology allows many security options for photo ID cards —
from visual identification, to encoding student information in
magnetic stripes or smart chips, to holographic logos that make
fraudulent card duplication difficult.
Magnetic encoding can contain information about access levels,
class schedules, grades, employment history and more. This information
can be updated as needed. Bar codes often are used to contain
confidential information. Digital signatures also can be added
for comparison during a security check. Proximity cards containing
an internal antenna provide greater security than cards with a
magnetic stripe.
To protect a card even further, some schools use holographic
images. Holographic overlaminates use either a generic holographic
image or something that has been designed specifically for an
individual school. Other features, such as microtext, UV printing
and precision repeats can be added.
Creating the system
A photo ID system consists of four elements: a personal computer;
identification software with design and database capabilities;
a digital camera; and a card printer/encoder. For each element,
schools have several options to consider:
Personal computer
The primary consideration in selecting a computer is its compatibility
with the software and printer, its processing speed and its memory.
Most software runs on a Windows-based environment.
Software
Try to balance ease of use with functionality and budget. School
administrators should think about what they want the card to do,
how they want it to look and how it will be used. Some software
gives users the option of selecting predesigned templates or creating
custom cards. Other software enables a camera to find a face and
center the picture automatically.
It is advantageous for the software to be integrated seamlessly
with a school's technology systems. This will enable schools to
maintain and access a central database with one ID card. By managing
individual information, images and card designs through a central
database, administrators can operate their systems more efficiently
and securely.
Digital camera
Don't skimp on quality to save money. Cameras are on the market
for as little as $50, but they may not provide the quality desired.
The camera should create as clear an image as possible. Pay attention
to features such as pixel size, image resolution, auto zoom and
auto focus.
Some schools try to use existing equipment from their media departments.
This may save money, but the camera may not be the ideal choice
for creating high-quality photos, and may not be integrated easily
with ID software and printers. Another option to consider is to
ask the company that takes individual student photos to see if
they can provide the photos they have already taken for use on
ID cards.
Printer
Select one that is easy to use so employees can operate it with
minimal training. High-speed printers enable users to print cards
in seconds while students, staff or visitors wait. They also allow
schools to replace cards immediately. Some printers can encode
information to magnetic stripe and smart cards at the same time
the card is printed.
If cards feature student ID numbers, select a printer that can
provide sequential numbering on the cards. Schools that want to
include printed information and images on both sides of cards
should look for printers that allow double-sided printing. Some
printer models have security features that control access to the
printer. Other printers feature physical locks on the card input
hopper to protect blank card stock from being stolen.
Card printers with built-in laminators increase the durability
of the card. Overlaminates also offer protection from ultraviolet
rays.
Wright is director of marketing for Fargo Electronics, Eden Prairie,
Minn.
NOTABLE
Technology allows many security options for photo ID cards —
from visual identification, to encoding student information in
magnetic stripes or smart chips, to holographic logos that make
fraudulent card duplication difficult.
MAGNETIC ENCODING
This can contain information about access levels, class schedules,
grades, employment history and more. This information, which can
be updated, also can include debit functions for stored-value
cards.
BAR CODES
These often are used to contain confidential information.
DIGITAL SIGNATURES
These can be added for comparison during a security check.
PROXIMITY CARDS
These cards contain an internal antenna and provide greater security
than cards with a magnetic stripe, yet are affordable and widely
used in access-control applications.
