Today we'll continue discussing smart cards. We will talk about ID cards, their most popular applications, features and functions.
Payment cards, or prepaid cards
Some companies offer their customers payment cards, with which they can pay in all network branches.
There are two types of such cards:
- Smart chip cards. They function in the same way as bank cards: the customer's personal account is tied to the card, with which the customer can pay for the purchases.
- Plastic cards with scratch-off fields, which are used as coupons. They have special fields with secret data, such as the discount amount, login and password for your personal account, etc. This information is covered with an erasable paint.
The contactless payment system is most popular at gas stations. Car owners purchase smart cards of a certain network of gas stations and then pay with them at its gas stations. It is very convenient because the customers can refuel their cars at any time, even if they left their wallets at home, and they will also receive additional bonuses and discounts. Log in your personal account to find a purchase history: how much gasoline and when you bought, how much you have spent, and what amount is available on your account.
Loyalty cards
A lot of companies tend to provide their loyal customers with special services. In such situations, loyalty cards are the best solution. It is both an ID card confirming the special status of your customer, and an element of your company's image policy.
They are used in retail trade: individual stores and the large networks, etc; and in the service sector: restaurants, service centers, beauty salons, etc. As soon as the client confirms his/her VIP status, he/she may receives a discount provided by the company. These very cards can be used to introduce a cashless payment system.
Promotion cards
Plastic cards are often used as advertising media. Their design and its functionality creates and maintains the required high standards of the company style. E.g., it may be strict minimalism or bright colors, glossy or matte surfaces, foil stamping or selective varnishing. All these methods make the promotion card look unique and eye-catching.
You can indicate discounts and sales, or print your contact information on such a card. But it can not only inform about special offers, but also perform the functions of loyalty cards: identify customers and provide bonuses for purchases.
Promotion cards can be distributed during various advertising campaigns: at the opening of a new store or at a product presentation to attract the attention of potential customers.
Medical insurance policies
Paper medical insurance policies wear out and tear quickly. They are replaced by plastic RFID cards. Owner's data, insurance document number, information about the insurance company and the program, its duration and other information are usually duplicated on the card and in the chip memory. Besides, you can indicate all insured events and the procedure for dealing with them.
Such plastic insurance policies are much stronger and more durable. They are wear resistant, and can withstand even frequent use. Besides, they are waterproof and protected from damage and abrasion. Of course, washing them in the washing machine, or swimming with an insurance policy in your pocket is not a good idea. However, if you spill a little water on it, it will function stably, unlike a paper document, which will be spoiled.
Another advantage is their ease of use: electronic patient registration systems will identify the policy holder and quickly display all the necessary information. In this case, everything will be performed automatically – you just need to tap your card on the reader.
A few additional functions are also available, e. g., a patient's ensurance policy+a loyalty card (pharmacies or other medical institutions).
Favorite customer loyalty cards
Discount and bonus cards help to attract customers. Special terms of service, gifts and discounts can be offered to your regular customers.
Such system is most popular in the retail and service sectors. Besides, it is suitable for affiliate programs as well. E. g., a service center and an auto parts store co-operate to create a single discount program. After the client has purchased something, both companies add bonuses to his/her card, which can be used both in the service center and in the store.
Such smart cards are beneficial: they demonstrate attention and care for the customers, help receive and analyze all information about the customer's preferences and manage communications. You can manage holiday mailings based on the results. Moreover, if you analyze your customers' preferences, you can offer them discounts for certain groups of goods. Loyalty smart cards will help you implement the most individual approach to each customer.
Access cards
Badges, access passes, and paper tickets are no longer relevant in the modern world. Access control systems are being updated. Visiting logs and janitors are becoming the symbols of the past. They are replaced by turnstiles and electronic door locks. All you have to do to enter the building is tap your RFID identification card on the reader.
Smart cards with the owner personal data and photo have become the standard. They are much more convenient and durable, and actually more efficient. These smart ID cards are harder to counterfeit than regular paper IDs. Besides, they are reliably protected from illegal reading and counterfeiting. Additional security means, such as holographic images or UV printing, make the counterfeiting almost impossible and very expensive.
Access cards are generally laminated to make them more wear-resistant. They are covered with a special protective film. The film protects them from mechanical damage, fading and getting wet. Even with active use, ID cards remain wear resistant for a long time, they do not lose shape or break.
The data written to the chip can be overwritten, but this does not make sense, because the same data is printed on the card. Therefore, the employee's access level is the only thing that can be changed if necessary. The data can be stored securely on the chip for 10 years, or even more. Smart cards are almost impossible to counterfeit or have the data changed, which make them an ideal ID option.