Unlock the Benefits of QR Code Cards for Your Business!
In today's world, managing access to various areas of a business can be a daunting task. Businesses need to ensure that only authorised personnel can enter certain areas while at the same time maintaining a smooth and efficient flow of people and goods throughout the establishment. One solution to this challenge is using QR codes on plastic cards. These are cost-effective solutions that provide your establishment with the security you need.
QR codes can easily be printed on plastic cards and used to manage access to different areas of your business.
In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of using plastic cards with QR codes and how businesses can use this technology to improve their operations.
What are QR codes?
QR codes, short for Quick Response codes, are two-dimensional barcodes scanned using smartphones, scanners or mobile devices. These codes are usually scanned using your smartphone's camera or scan app.
QR codes can store various information, such as website URLs, contact information, or product details, and can be read quickly and easily by a scanner or camera. When combined with plastic cards, QR codes provide a secure and convenient way to manage access to different areas of a business.
QR codes can be used for various applications, including marketing, advertising, ticketing, and access management.
How can QR codes be used for access management?
QR codes can be used for access management by linking them to specific individuals or employees and granting access to restricted areas or equipment based on a valid QR code. This can be done by printing QR codes on plastic cards easily carried by employees or visitors and scanning at a card reader or QR code scanner to allow entry into a specific area. Every person will have a unique QR code, meaning they will have access to specific areas.
For example, a business may issue plastic cards with QR codes to its employees and program them to grant access to certain areas or equipment, such as a restricted storage room or a particular machine on the factory floor. When an employee needs access to that area or equipment, they can scan their card at the appropriate reader or scanner, and if the QR code is valid, they will be granted access. If they are not allowed access to that area, their QR code will deny access.
QR codes can also be used to track employee movements and access history, providing a record of who accessed which areas and when. This can help businesses to monitor and control access to sensitive areas and to detect and investigate any security breaches.
Overall, QR codes provide a convenient and efficient way to manage access in a wide range of business settings and can help businesses to enhance security, reduce costs, and improve overall access management processes.
How does it work?
These control systems operate with a QR code reader. After receiving a QR code, you can scan it on the reader, granting you access to the building or specific resources.
After scanning the QR code, the reader sends the unique data captured in the code to the service provider. If the data in the code links up with the QR code reader’s data, it grants access to the individual who scanned the code.
This allows for a more secure and controlled environment, as building access is only granted when the service provider meets the security precautions.
Benefits of Using Plastic Cards with QR Codes
Increased Security: One of the primary benefits of using plastic cards with QR codes is increased security. QR codes can be encrypted to prevent unauthorised access, and plastic cards can be made with security features such as holograms and micro text to prevent counterfeiting. Additionally, QR codes can be linked to a specific person or employee, ensuring that only authorised personnel can enter restricted areas.
Convenience: Another benefit of using plastic cards with QR codes is convenience. Unlike traditional key cards or PIN codes, QR codes can be scanned using a smartphone or other mobile device, eliminating the need for specialised hardware or software. This makes it easier for employees to access restricted areas and reduces access management systems' cost and complexity.
Quick Response: QR code plastic cards can be scanned quickly and easily using a smartphone camera or QR code scanner. This reduces the time and effort required for manual checks or interventions and helps to ensure that access management is efficient and streamlined.
Customisability: Plastic cards with QR codes can be customised with unique designs and branding, providing your business with a professional image. This can help to reinforce your brand identity and improve customer recognition and loyalty.
Hold more data: QR codes can hold more data than other systems. QR codes can store various data types, including text, URLs, phone numbers, email addresses, and even images. This versatility makes QR codes valuable for various applications, from access management and ticketing to advertising and marketing.
QR code plastic cards provide a secure and reliable option for business access management. They offer unique identification, encrypted information, access history tracking, customisation, and quick response, all enhancing security and peace of mind for businesses and their employees.
How QR Codes on Plastic Cards Can Be Used to Manage Access
QR code systems are a growing access control method used within businesses, regardless of size, purpose or industry. These QR codes' cost-efficiency and minimalist design make them a simple and effective security tool for every business.
Access Control: The most common application of QR codes on plastic cards is access control. By linking a QR code to a specific employee or user, businesses can restrict access to certain building areas or specific equipment. This can help to prevent theft, unauthorised use of equipment, and other security breaches.
Loyalty Programs: QR codes on plastic cards can also be used to manage loyalty programs. By scanning a QR code at the point of sale, customers can earn rewards points or discounts that can be redeemed later. This can help improve customer retention and loyalty and provide valuable customer behaviour and preferences data.
Event Tickets: QR codes on plastic cards can also be used to manage event tickets. By scanning a QR code at the entrance to an event, organisers can ensure that only authorised ticket holders are admitted. This can help to prevent ticket fraud and improve the overall security and organisation of the event.
Payment Systems: Finally, QR codes on plastic cards can be used to manage payment systems. By linking a QR code to a specific payment account, businesses can enable customers to make purchases using their mobile devices. This can improve the speed and convenience of transactions and reduce the need for cash handling.
Customisation of Plastic Cards with QR Codes
Custom Design: Plastic cards with QR codes can be customised with unique designs and branding. This can help to reinforce your brand identity and improve customer recognition and loyalty. Custom designs can include logos, colours, and other visual elements that reflect the personality of your business.
Variable Data Printing: Plastic cards with QR codes can also be customised with variable data printing. This technique allows businesses to print different information on each card, such as employee names and photos, without needing separate printing runs. This can reduce costs and increase efficiency.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using QR Codes Compared to Other Systems
There are a few other alternative options out there when it comes to access control systems. We will explain what the other systems are and whether QR codes are as compatible or not.
Key Cards: Key cards are a common alternative to QR codes for access control. Key cards can be programmed with magnetic stripes or RFID chips that card readers read to allow access to restricted areas. Key cards are more durable and resistant to wear and tear than QR codes. However, they can be more expensive to produce, and the technology can be more complex to set up and maintain.
PIN Codes: PIN codes are another alternative to QR codes for access control. PIN codes are entered into a keypad to grant access to restricted areas. Compared to QR codes, PIN codes can be more secure, as they rely on a secret code rather than a visible barcode. However, they can be less convenient, as users need to remember and enter a code each time they need access.
Biometric Systems: Biometric systems use physical characteristics such as fingerprints or facial recognition to grant access to restricted areas. Compared to QR codes, biometric systems are more secure, as they rely on unique physical characteristics that cannot be easily replicated or stolen. However, they can be more expensive to set up and maintain and can raise privacy concerns among users.
Disadvantages of the QR codes
QR codes are relatively new in the technology space. This means some employees and customers might be unfamiliar with QR codes and struggle to implement them in the new office environment.
A solution to this is that companies can facilitate workshops to educate employees on how the system works to avoid any confusion. This will also teach them how to help visitors struggling with the system.
Another disadvantage of QR codes is that if the business does not regularly monitor their QR codes, it is easy for hackers to replace them with QR codes that are encrypted with viruses.
A solution to this is to update and monitor these QR code access control systems regularly; businesses can ensure a safe and efficient environment for all employees and customers.
How can I generate QR codes on plastic cards?
You now know that the PVC card with a QR code has numerous advantages and potential applications that can be used in your business. And the icing on the cake is that it’s as powerful as it is easy to create! All you need is the following:
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QR code and card design generator software, such as Truecredentail, Canva, Adobe Illustrator or Affinity Design. These software programmes allow you to produce card designs. Ensure that your card is a standard 86mm X 54mm and has a bleed of 3mm if working on design software.
Here are the steps to use it:
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Set your QR code content: Select a content type at the top for your QR code (URL, Text, Email...). You can bulk-create QR codes if you have many employees. This allows you to Create, Manage and Track all your QR Codes in one place.
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Customise Your Design: You can customise your QR code by setting a custom colour and changing the shape of the QR code. You can add a logo to your QR code. You can also start with one of the templates from the template gallery if you are not good at design.
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Generate Your QR Code: Set the pixel resolution of your QR code with the slider. Click the "Create QR Code"-button to see your QR code preview.
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Download the QR Code/Codes: Now you can download the image files for your QR code as .png or .svg, .pdf, .eps vector graphics. If you want a vector format with the complete design, please choose .svg. SVG works in software like Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape.
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Easy-to-use consumables: PVC cards and ribbon for printing your QR codes. You will only need a black ribbon if you print your Qr codes, so it's essential to add these consumables when creating a QR code system.
These are the basic steps you need to do to create and manage your QR code system. However, if you would like some personal help, we are more than happy to assist. Please feel free to get in touch with us.
Determining Which System Is Best for Your Business Needs
When deciding on an access management system for your business, there are several factors to consider, such as security, convenience, cost, and scalability. QR codes on plastic cards can be a good choice for businesses that prioritise convenience and cost-effectiveness and do not require the highest level of security.
However, for businesses that require the highest level of security, biometric systems may be a better choice. Ultimately, the best system for your business will depend on your specific needs and priorities.
Conclusion
QR codes on plastic cards provide a convenient and cost-effective way to manage access to different areas of your business. By linking a QR code to a specific person or employee, businesses can restrict access to certain areas and equipment, prevent theft and fraud, and improve overall security.
Additionally, plastic cards with QR codes can be customised with unique designs and branding, providing your business with a professional and cohesive image.
While QR codes may not be the most secure option for access management, they can provide a good balance of convenience and security for many businesses.
At Card Monster, we want to ensure that you choose the best access management system for your business that meets your needs. Please feel free to contact one of our friendly staff members, and we will contact you or call our offices directly on 011 487 1536 for more!