The Importance of VDP in Bulk Plastic Card Printing

Have you ever worried about printing multiple cards with different information on them in a single print run? This task can be rather daunting if you’re accustomed to traditional printing methods that offer little room for customisation.

When it comes to bulk plastic card printing, Variable Data Printing (VDP) emerges as a game-changer, revolutionising the way multiple cards are produced.

In this comprehensive blog post, we will delve into the importance of VDP in high-volume plastic card printing and explore how Card Monster is at the forefront, offering innovative solutions to make the card creation process easy for you to understand and use in your own business. 

We will walk through all the different softwares that are available for you to use and which one suits you best when connecting to your database and card design. 

Understanding Variable Data Printing (VDP)

Before we dive into the importance of VDP, let's first grasp the concept. Variable Data Printing is a digital printing technology that enables customisation of each printed card. 

Unlike traditional static printing methods, VDP allows for the inclusion of variable elements such as text, images, and barcodes on each card. This means that on every card you can have different information on it. 

This technology harnesses the power of databases to pull individualised information and incorporate it into the printing process, making each card unique.

What are the benefits of VDP?

Efficiency 

When dealing with large quantities of cards, the traditional approach can be time-consuming and costly. Manually inputting people's information on a card is time wasting and unnecessary. 

VDP steps in as a solution that not only saves time but also significantly reduces waste. With VDP, companies can print a variety of cards in a single run. 

One of the standout benefits of VDP in bulk printing is the ability to create personalised membership cards, employee badges, or access cards. Each card can include unique information, such as names, membership numbers, or employee IDs, offering a level of personalisation that was once unimaginable with traditional printing methods.

Best of all, you can incorporate your branding into these cards and ensure that your brand is seen and visualised.

For example: You can create membership cards with your branding on it but just have different photo IDs, names and barcodes for each member. 

Database integration 

One of the best features about VDP is its ability to link card designs directly to a database. This functionality is particularly valuable for organisations that issue membership cards or ID cards tied to individual profiles. By integrating the card design process with a database, VDP ensures that each card is not only visually unique but also carries accurate and up-to-date information.

For example, a fitness center using VDP can easily design membership cards that link directly to their member database. As new members join or existing ones update their information, the database integration ensures that the printed cards reflect the latest details. This not only eliminates the need for manual data entry but also minimises the risk of errors that can arise from outdated information.

At Card Monster, we use Google Sheets to capture our database information and allows us to easily link this with our software programs to generate unique cards.

We will go more into depth about the different software’s that are out there including: Canva, Affinity Publisher and Instant ID software. 

You can read more on how to bulk create card designs in Canva with VDP on our latest blog. 

You can read how to use Instant ID Software: A comprehensive Guide with Card Monster Solutions. 

You can follow along in our tutorial on how to use Affinity Publisher to create VDP cards and design them.. 

Customisation and personalisation 

VDP allows companies to customise each card within a bulk run. Individual elements such as names, membership numbers, or employee IDs can be unique on each card. 

The ability to include personalised details creates a sense of exclusivity and importance for your members and cardholders. 

This personalised experience is a great aspect of your business that you can tap into. 

Everyone wants to feel special and unique and VDP allows your customers to get a unique experience and remember your brand because of this. 

Seamless Integration with Printing Systems

Canva

As stated above, you can link your database to Canva where you designed your cards. Canva is a user-friendly platform providing intuitive tools, drag and drop functionalities and template options that make it accessible to anyone with varying levels of design expertise. 

Canva can help you design a card that portrays your brands image and enable you to create multiple cards at the same time by connecting to your database.

Canva is a free online software that allows you to create and share individual designs. You can create your own cards using the platform and bulk create cards using the pro version of canva This software does not give you capabilities of creating a magstripe or smart chip but it allows you to produce cards that are basic. 

Limitations:

1. Limited extra capabilities. It does not allow you to add security features. You will have to ask a developer to help with these.
2. Pro version costs more but is much more affordable than any other graphic design software.

Benefits: 

1. User friendly.
2. Affordable.
3. Quick to use and design cards.

Canva is perfect for people who want basic designs and want to produce cards quickly. 

Check out our video on how to bulk create card designs in Canva. As well as our video on creating a database used for VDP.

These simple tutorials will take you through step by step on how to design your cards and database and eventually connect the two through VDP. 

At Card Monster, we find this solution very easy and accessible to anyone who wants to create bulk cards.

Instant ID Software

Integration with Instant ID software. This software is not as easy to understand as Canva. It is the software that comes with the Entrust card printers. It is mainly used with the newer versions of Entrust Including all the DS range card printers. 

Instant ID is the software that Entrust gives with an express free version when you purchase any of the DS ranges of card printers. This software gives you capabilities of creating, issuing, and managing secure IDs and credentials. If you want to produce cards with watermarks, holograms, smart chips or magstripe, you will have to upgrade the modules on your card printer and you will have to upgrade the version of the software you are using

This software has some limitations including:

1. Character Limitations. There's a limit on the amount of words you can use on the card. 
2. Photo Import Challenges. You cannot import photos into the software and have to do it manually.
3. It is a learning curve. Many people may find this software hard to use.
4. You will have to pay if you want more advanced capabilities. I.e. increased security features.

Benefits:

1. Seamlessly integrate security features into the card design if you pay for the paid version. Ensuring that cards meet the high standards of data protection.
2. Free version gives you what you need.
3. Comes with the card printer.
4. Support. 

I have created a full tutorial for you to go through in your own time to use the express versions. Please follow along in my videos.  

Affinity Publisher

Lastly, there is affinity publisher. Check out our video on how to use affinity publisher to create a card design and use VDP.Affinity publisher is a design software program that enables you to use professional software to create designs.

This software is not free, however it comes as a package deal and you will get the photo in design, designer and publisher. This is great for people who have some graphic design experience and know how to work with graphic design software. 

There is a barrier to entry because of the learning curve but if you follow along in the video, you will find it isn't that hard to understand with our tutorial. 

There are limitations when it comes to:

1. Cost.
2. Learning curve.
3. Limited extra capabilities. It does not allow you to add security features. You will have to ask a developer to help with these. 

Benefits: 

1. Support from videos.
2. Not as expensive as Adobe. 

Which software should I use?

Ultimately, this depends on you company and what their needs are. It also depends on what type of skills you have and time. If you have time to learn software and need it for more advanced applications, then the INstant ID Software is the best software to use.

However, if you need a basic design and do not need added security features, Canva is your best bet.

If you have knowledge in the graphic design field and do not need added security features, then Affinity publisher will be the best software to use.

Basically it comes down to what your business needs. And we are able to help you with all these different softwares. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, the importance of Variable Data Printing in bulk plastic card production cannot be overstated. It offers a level of customisation efficiency and integration with databases  that traditional printing methods simply cannot match. 

VDP enables you to choose from different softwares that meet your businesses needs. From the user-friendly and accessible Canva, offering basic designs and quick card creation, to the sophisticated capabilities of Instant ID Software that seamlessly integrates with Entrust card printers, and the professional-grade Affinity Publisher, catering to graphic design experts.

Each software option comes with its unique set of benefits and limitations, catering to various business needs and user skill levels. Whether it's the simplicity of Canva, the security features of Instant ID Software, or the professional design capabilities of Affinity Publisher, the choice ultimately hinges on the specific requirements and preferences of your business.

At Card Monster we aim to empower organisations to create personalised, accurate, and visually appealing plastic cards with ease using the software that meets your needs to reach your goal.