Barcode Printing
Barcodes have so many applications, it’s difficult to go a single day without scanning at least one. Barcode data is electronically stored to a central computer database, not within the physical barcode. The physical barcode simply contains reference data. To print barcodes to your cards, you do not need an encoding printer or special software with encoding capabilities. Simply make sure that your printer ribbon has a black resin panel, and you’re ready to create and print crisp, scannable barcodes using the built-in Swift ID™ application. Barcode printing is the easiest, most affordable way to encode your cards with electronic data using a DTC1000 printer.
Requirements: All Fargo DTC1000Me printers are capable of adding a 1-D or 2-D barcode to a plastic card. In order to read the barcodes on your cards, you’ll need a barcode scanner connected to the computer that contains the barcode data.
Magnetic Stripe Encoding
Magstripes, as they are often called, are commonly used for access control (keycards), time and attendance, loyalty and membership programs, secure credentials, and more. Unlike barcode information, which is stored to a computer, magnetic stripe information is stored within the physical magnetic stripe printed to a card. When used for access control, for example, each individual card’s magstripe contains the data required to unlock preprogrammed doors. In this application, a validated user can simply swipe his or her encoded card within range of the card access control device to gain access to a previously locked door.
There are two types of magnetic stripe cards:
High Coercivity (HiCo) magstripe cards are resistant to damage from magnets and magnetic fields. This makes them harder to erase and ideal for frequent use and extended duration applications. HiCo stripes are most often used for time and attendance, access control, and gift cards.
Low Coercivity (LoCo) magstripe cards require a lower amount of energy to record than HiCo stripe cards. For this reason, LoCo stripes are easier to erase and can be damaged by brief contact with a magnetic field. LoCo stripe cards are typically reserved for limited use and temporary card applications, such as hotel room keys.
Requirements: In order to use magnetic stripe cards, you will need a magnetic stripe encoding Fargo DTC100Me printer and mid-level or fully-featured ID software.
