User guide

3
Chapter 2: Card Printers and
Solutions
This chapter describes solutions that include
features that a card printer can support. Solutions
include all components an organization chooses to
implement. For example, a solution can be as simple
as a photo ID with name and ID number, or a
comprehensive secure access and payment system.
Payment Cards, e-Purse and Cashless Vending
• A payment card can use a contacted or contactless chip.
• Machine-readable chips — contacted or contactless — can link card holders to
a database of information, or can contain information about accounts,
balances, etc.
• A payment card can use a magnetic stripe.
• Magnetic stripes can be read by inexpensive readers and can contain a variety
of data, such as name, ID number, and current balances. Magnetic stripe data
can also be updated on the spot.
• A payment card can use a bar code.
• Bar codes can be read by inexpensive readers in a variety of environments to
link card holders with their data.
Access Control
• An access control card can have a magnetic stripe.
• Magnetic stripes can be read by inexpensive readers and can contain a variety
of data, such as name, ID number, and/or access profile.
• Custom magnetic stripe formats permit use of the format of your choice.
• An access control card can work with proprietary systems.
• Smart cards are one of several access control systems supported by card
printers.
• An access control card can have a bar code.
• Bar codes can be read by inexpensive readers in a variety of environments to
link card holders with their data, such as a security profile.