Introduction to Plastic Cards

Plastic cards are the most common form of identification for modern society. Instead of carrying heavy identification documents, it is now much easier and more secure to have plastic cards as ID badges. The uses of plastic cards range from access control cards, membership cards, and employee work badges to even medical care cards. However, this article will focus on the use of these plastic cards for identification purposes.

Features of Plastic Cards

Plastic cards are made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is lightweight and durable and therefore resistant to wear and tear. These cards are also waterproof and capable of withstanding extreme temperatures. The front of the card typically contains personally identifiable information and images, while the back of the card is often embossed with unique numbers and bar codes. The cards can be used with a variety of scanning machines or physically presentable.

Benefits of Plastic Cards

There are a few advantages to having a plastic card for identification purposes. These cards are easy to carry around and less conspicuous than IDs made of paper or metal. Additionally, plastic cards are secure since the cards need to be authenticated through a machine in order to be accepted. Moreover, they are also much easier to reproduce and replace than other forms of identification.

Pros Cons of Plastic Cards

One of the advantages of having a plastic card for identification is its cost-effectiveness. Since the production of plastic cards is much cheaper than the manufacture of other ID cards, they are ideal for organizations that need to produce IDs in large quantities. The downside to plastic cards, however, is that they are less secure than other forms of identification since they can be easily counterfeited. Additionally, since they are not as durable as other forms of identification, they are more susceptible to damage and wear and tear.

Case Studies on Plastic Cards

The use of plastic cards for identification has been adopted by many organizations around the world. For example, in the UK, all citizens are required to have a government-issued plastic ID card. The card can be easily digitized and used to access government and health services. In the US, many companies are transitioning to plastic cards as employee ID badges. The cards provide easy access to buildings and reinforce a company's security protocols.

FAQ's on Plastic Cards

• Are plastic cards secure?

  Plastic cards are secure when used with a machine to authenticate the cardholder. However, they are less secure than other forms of identification since they can be easily counterfeited.

• What are the benefits of using plastic cards?

  Plastic cards offer a variety of benefits. They are lightweight, durable, waterproof, cost-effective, and easier to reproduce and replace than other forms of identification.

• Who uses plastic cards for identification?

  Plastic cards are used by individuals and organizations around the world for identification purposes. Government-issued ID cards, corporate ID badges, and even access control cards typically use plastic cards.

Mistakes People Make With Plastic Cards

One of the biggest mistakes people make with plastic cards is not taking the necessary precautions to protect the security of their cards. For example, it is important to not expose the card to extreme temperatures or overexposure to sunlight. Additionally, it is important to keep the card away from moisture, since moisture can cause the card to become warped or damaged. Lastly, it is important to store the card in a secure location to avoid theft or loss.

Best Practices for Plastic Cards

It is important to take appropriate measures to protect the security of plastic cards. For example, keep the card in a secure location when not in use. Additionally, inspect the card regularly for signs of wear and tear and replace the card when necessary. It is also important to avoid exposing the card to extreme temperatures or overexposure to sunlight. Lastly, never leave the card exposed to moisture since this can cause the card to become damaged.

Conclusion

Plastic cards provide an efficient and secure form of identification for individuals and organizations around the world. Plastic cards are cost-effective, durable, and easy to reproduce and replace. However, it is important to take appropriate measures to protect and maintain the security of the card. This includes storing the card in a secure location, inspecting the card regularly for signs of wear and tear, and avoiding exposure to extreme temperatures. Following these guidelines will ensure the security and longevity of your plastic card.