ID cards in the past consisted of a piece of paper signed by an official in the government or in an organization. Methods of organizational access were based on a security official knowing the employees or by requesting to see the signed authorization provided as a person's ID card. Many technological increases have changed the way that business is run in our modern times. IDs are more common, but have much greater levels of security than in any previous timeframe. Identification is a critical process in many organizations doing business today.

ID cards provide a means for increased security within organizations. By requiring identification to enter a facility, it is possible to allow only authorized people inside the building, into secured company rooms or to log onto a computer network. ID cards can be tracked by security officers or by electronic means to provide reporting as to what occurred throughout the day. Identification provides a means to secure physical and virtual property that is vital to organizational success.

One way to track card information is to use a card design software that houses a database. If card holder information is stored, the database can be reviewed and updated as needed. Secure processes and procedures need to be put in place so that only authorized personnel can update the information. With the personal data together with photo, data of issue and other information, security officers can easily pull up the software and compare a questionable identification card with the centrally located data.

Another way to increase card security is to use card serialization. This method requires the use of cards that are preprinted on the front or back with the serial number that is also recorded in the card's magnetic strip or embedded chip. The ID card printer is programmed to review the card imputed into the printer for customization. The cards that contain a valid serial number are printed, while the cards that do not have the appropriate coding are ejected without printing.

When a card is read by a reader, the information encoded in or on the card is transmitted to the host computer. The binary code sent is processed and compared to the data correlated to it on the computer database. The security officer reviewing the file can read, on the spot the information contained in the database for necessary approvals. This can also be done electronically, with the card holder obtaining the requested access from the access system if the serial numbers provided are in line with the coding allowing access to the area.

With the knowledge of the above processes, the person who is in charge of the security processes and the ID card printing processes can select the right printer system, access components and supplies needed to do the job at hand.

By selecting an ID card printer that will provide a high-quality card and by selected the most appropriate software needed for the security processes to be rendered, the security processes involving employee and visitor identification should be easy.