Barcode Code Printing
With barcode encoding, the data is not stored within the barcode, but rather electronically in a computer. To store the desired information, you’ll need an IDP Smart-51 printer or software with encoding capabilities. The remaining requirement is the use of an authentic IDP printer ribbon that comes with a black resin panel to create crisp, easy-to-scan barcodes.
Requirements: All IDP Smart-51 printers can add a 1-D or 2-D barcode to a plastic card. To read the barcode, you simply need a barcode scanner connected to a computer housing the barcode's data.
Magnetic Stripe Encoding
Unlike a barcode, a magnetic stripe stores information within itself. Let’s consider access control; a card holds data that will unlock preprogrammed doors. Simply swipe the card through a magnetic strip reader to validate your entry and the door will unlock.
There are two types of magnetic stripe cards:
High Coercivity (HiCo) magnetic stripe cards are harder to erase and are used in applications where cards are frequently used or need to have a long life. HighCo stripes are resistant to damage from most magnets or magnetic fields and therefore are most often used for access control, time and attendance, and gift cards.
Low Coercivity (LoCo) magnetic stripe cards require a lower amount of energy to record and are easier to erase. LoCo stripes can be damaged by even brief contact with a magnetic field. LoCo cards are typically used for applications where the card is only used for a short time, such as hotel room keys.
Requirements: To use magnetic stripe cards, you will need a magnetic stripe encoding IDP Smart-51 printer and mid-level or fully-featured ID software.
Smart Card and Proximity Card Encoding
Similar to magnetic stripes, data for smart cards are stored directly onto the smart chip component. A smart card offers added functionality and can hold up to 100 times more data than a magnetic stripe. It can be reconfigured to add, erase, or edit hosted data.
Smart cards can be categorized into two categories:
A contact smart card has an integrated chip. As the name implies, a contact smart card must come into direct contact with the reader to access the information.
A contactless smart card has a chip and an antenna. To read the data, the card needs only to be within a specified distance to the reader (varies by the reader), but doesn't need to make direct contact.
Note: Proximity cards and contactless smart cards are similar, but there are important differences. Proximity cards come pre-programmed and do not need to be encoded. Some printers can read data written to a proximity card, but data on most* proximity cards cannot be added, erased, or edited.
Requirements: To use a contact or contactless smart card, you'll need a smart card encoding Smart-51 printer and fully-featured ID software. When ordering your printer, specify that you require contact or contactless encoding.
*Some cards, such as iClass cards, include non-editable, pre-programmed proximity data and a smart chip for encoding your own data.
