Feedback on IFSEC 2011

We were so excited to showcase our product line at IFSEC Securex Johannesburg 2011 this week. The show is now complete, and as we debrief as a team, we like to reflect on the feedback we received from the visitors.

The XID8300

Time and time again, we printed a sample card on this printer and the visitor exclaimed "Wow!". The feedback we received was a reiteration of what we have believed since it's release- the XID8300 is the best desktop card printer available. Full stop.

We can't stop talking about some of the fantastic benefits wrapped in that little grey box:

• The clarity of print is unmatched by any other printer represented at the show.
  
  
• The UV ink we showcased was broadcasted by top VIP visitors as a "smart" security feature.
  
  
• Anyone who has ever sunk thousands of rands into printhead replacements knows that the Lifetime Print head Warranty is pure gold.
  
  
• The encoding modules available for the XID8300 will encode iClass HID cards, Mifare cards and other contact and contactless chips. This is an important feature for the visitors of IFSEC Securex, as many are in the process of migrating into a more self-sufficient in house system for their security.
  
  

• When we got to that complicated question of pricing, each visitor was surprised at how reasonable the machine was. The price of EDIsecure Retransfer printers have come down significantly over the years- making this machine more value for money than any other plastic card printer available.
  
  

The LCP9000

The LCP9000 is a desktop colour laser personalisation unit, small enough to fit on a small desk, with the ability to engrave images into the plastic. A fully kitted card can have tactile and flat engraving of text or images, UV, ghost imaging and a mirage of security features. The market for this printer is significantly smaller than that of the XID8300, thanks to it's more secure requirements and higher price tag.

We had videos running of the laser operating, as well as an actual demonstration of the full LCP9000 unit. The videos attracted congregations of people watching how the laser reflects, and engraves onto polycarbonate plastic. Lasers are awesome and this highly secure method of card issuance is awesome too.


Overall we are ecstatic about the results of the show and are looking forward to the next show we'll be popping into!

Ready to join the CardsPlus revolution? Go ahead! Give us a call on 086 16 CARDS (22737) or
+27 11 894 3914 .

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FAQ- Am I saving money with compatible card printer ribbons?

A current trend in the plastic card printing market is the use of compatible ribbons instead of genuine branded plastic card printer ribbons. These compatible ribbons are used in Evolis, Datacard, Zebra and Fargo machines and are advertised to save the client 25-60% in consumable costs. We have investigated this claim by interviewing several clients (and repairing their printers) and found that despite a slight decrease in ribbon costs, the end user is receiving less value and a more expensive cost per solution than when using original branded ribbons.

Here is what we found:

Reasons to Choose Original over "Compatible" for plastic card printer consumables

1. Voids Warranty
Whether your printer is Zebra, Evolis, EDIsecure, Datacard or Fargo brand, your warranty is voided the moment you use non branded (compatible) ribbon or plastic card. Take care to purchase your consumables from reputable companies- if the consumables are non-branded or compatible ribbons (even hiding in original boxes), your printer brand manufacturer will not fulfil your warranty.

2. Higher operating temp/faster print head blow out
Compatible ribbons require a higher operating temperature to print correctly. While it is possible to increase the heat settings in your printer drivers- the increase in temperature will effectively run your print head at a higher temperature and make it 'work harder' to sublimate your ink. This increased temperature puts strain on your print head and will ensure a shorter lifespan. Should you wish to keep the default settings asnd not increase your heat settings, the colours will be washed out and may graduate in colour intensity across the length of the card.

3. More Manufacturing Defects in Compatible Ribbons
Clients who use compatible ribbons are more likely to have a damaged print head from a manufacturing defect in the compatible ribbon. We have seen ribbons that are too narrow and do not stretch the full width of the card. Other ribbons have burrs or scratches in the film. In minor cases, the ink does not sumblimate into the plastic in those areas, causing a blotchy print, or, in more major cases, the burrs can scratch the printhead directly.


There is simply no value is saving a couple of Rands per ribbon if using a compatible ribbon will cost you thousands in printhead or driverboard replacements.

CardsPlus only sells genuine branded ribbons. We believe that they continue to extend more value to our clients than a compatible ribbon will. With so many companies getting burned from the increase in compatible plastic card printer consumables, CardsPlus is proud to take a stand against inferior products and misadvertising.

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FAQs- As a reseller, what questions should I ask to best determine what type of plastic card printer my client needs?

An excellent reseller is set on providing intelligent solutions to their client base.

Much like a doctor needs a thorough knowledge of the symptoms of illness and it's relationship to the body to diagnose an illness, resellers need a good understanding of their client's needs and the relationship of those needs to what the market offers.

We have compiled just three questions that will help you assess which plastic card printer will be best for your client.

1. What type of cards are you planning on producing?

Knowing the application for the machine will help you determine which level printer you need to focus on:

For instance if your client answers:

ID Cards with low security: You can start thinking about a simple direct-to-card printer might be suitable

Loyalty or Gift cards: you may need to ask if a printer with a magnetic encoder will be needed

RFID/Prox: You can recommend Retransfer printing as it is the only recommended method for desktop colour printing on smart cards.


2. What monthly volumes are you expecting?

The answer to this question would indicate which line of printer your client would need. Different card printer brands have different spans of use, but for EDIsecure, we judge that a DCP240+ or DCP340+ is perfect for small volumes ( up to 5000) while the DCP360 and XID 8300 is great for large volumes.

3. Budgetary Concerns?

There are two schools of thought in the finance of plastic card printing. One wants the cheapest cost per card. The other, wants the lowest cost for the solution.

There is a significant difference between a cost per card, and a cost per solution.

A cost per card is the simple calculation of ink+plastic=cost per card.

A cost per solution calculates the total inclusive cost of the solution. It includes the cost of the printer, the software, the consumables to print the cards, the ongoing maintence, the speed of the machine and the down time that the printer will require changing ribbons, mantaining the printer etc.

Finding out what your client needs for their budget will help you address the total solution (instead of just the cost per card) and save your client some serious money!


Still aren't sure which printer to ask for? CardsPlus offers free consultations on 086 16 CARDS (22737) or +27 (0)11 894 3914.

Do you think we we missed something important? Go ahead and comment below.

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August Special

That's right! Get a lot this month with our superiour value bundle!

Call us on 086 16 CARDS (22737) or +27 11 894 3914 for more information.

Our prices are so good, we can't even advertise them

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