June Special

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Biometrics and Access Control

Biometrics is seeing a rise in popularity internationally, and while it has its place in security management and access control, we have always believed that a layered security is the best security.

An interesting article by International Business Times dated 24 September 2010 outlines that biometrics is not as it appears on the big screen and in our favorite Sci-Fi thrillers. Promises have outpaced the actual technology and work needs to be done scientifically to improve the offering.

Biometric Systems Ruled Inherently Fallible offers a good insight to the potential pitfalls of relying completely on Biometrics to control access.

At CardsPlus, we support the layered security approach - coupling ID Cards with a biometric system for a stronger system.

Contact us at +27 11 894 3914 for more information on the solutions we have to offer for secure ID Cards.

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High-end Card Security is Linked to Specific Covert Tactics

Security on an ID or access control card is imperative for the safety of your organisation.

There are two types of security features – overt features are visible with the naked eye and covert features that require an additional assistant for viewing.

A secure card has a balance of both covert and overt features.

These 3 tips are covert security features and things that those validating entry or identification can recognise as valid or fraudulent using specific tools.

Ultra-violet Ink – Reprint logos, text or card holder’s identification in UV ink. Under a UV light source, the light reflection will be visible. Under normal light, the ink is not visible.

On the right is an example of the UV printing under a UV light.


Invisible Personal Information (IPI) - IPI encodes personal data into the photo. This information is invisible to the naked eye, but can be seen through a simple decoding device as seen on the left.





Optically variable ink (OVI) Printing – Colour shifting inks reflect various wavelengths in white light differently, depending on the angle of incidence to the surface. An unaided eye will observe this effect as a change of colour as the viewing angle is changed.

A colour copier or scanner will only scan the document at one fixed angle relative to the card’s surface making unauthorised replication very difficult.

On the right you can see an example of OVI printing



Call in today to see how we can help amp up your card security!

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Amp up your Card Security with these 6 Visual Tricks

Security on an ID or access control card is imperative for the safety of your organisation.

There are two types of security features– overt features are visible with the naked eye and covert features that require an additional assistant for viewing.

These 6 tips are overt security features and things that those validating entry or identification can recognise as valid or fraudulent.


1. Picture perfect—Does the ID photo show both the ears, nose and chin clearly? An ID photo that clearly shows all facial features is much more secure than one with sunglasses, a hat or even just a blurry overcast.

The ideal ID photo has a white background to prevent distraction from the subject.

2. Get spooky– A ghost image is a less opaque version of the users photo in a smaller size. Ghost image generation is very specific and a fraudulent image is easily detectable.

Keep in mind that a ghost image is not a watermark. In a watermark the brightness of an image is increased so that small detail is washed away. Instead, the ghost image has a dropped opacity which will ensure that the image retains most of the important detail.

3. Embrace the Guilloché– a guilloche pattern is a complex spirograph of curves that are difficult to replicate or scan.

Every guilloche looks different. This one on the right is made with blue and purple lines and a specific step curve.

4. Cast an overlay– A variety of overlays are available from tamper-resistant patches and overlays to security holograms each acting as another barrier against the outside world. Double-team a patch and a holographic overlay for extra assurance.

5. Make it micro (text)– Many passports and security documents have words carefully written in a tiny font along curves of designs. It’s seemingly invisible unless you know to look for it!

On this image can you see the words ‘Royal Importing Corporation’?



6. Printer serialised– Security card printers like the EDIsecure XID retransfer printers have a feature whereby the serial number of the printer and the time printed can be printed automatically on the card to prevent and detect fraudulent cards.

Call in today to see how we can help amp up your card security!

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CardsPlus Product Focus- the DCP240+

The single sided, edge to edge EDIsecure ® DCP 240+ is the hottest new accessory for small business owners looking to ramp up their security, marketing and sales in a low cost solution. The low price point and feature-rich application ensures the DCP240+ is quickly becoming the go-to machine for entry level card printing.

Printer is the perfect solution to enter the world of ID card printing. With its remarkable print speed, excellent image quality and user-friendly operation, the DCP240+ is ideal for issuing membership cards, loyalty cards, and ID cards.

Using the DCP240+, you can enjoy high productivity- up to 160 full-colour and up to 750 monochrome cards can be printed per hour. The convenient automatic front card loading and output and user-friendly design allows for easy operation and maintenance.

Easy handling is guaranteed by the quick-change of supplies through re-loadable cartridges, operator replaceable printheads, front-facing card feeding and output, and continuous card cleaning. The advanced cleaning roller system removes particles that could scratch cards, damage printheads or diminish print quality.

The smart printer driver shows all information on the PC screen, including message prompts, colour image previews and online help.

With its attractive price point, it is truly the best single-sided card printer in its class.

Call in and see how the DCP240+ help grow your business!

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ID Cards - A Multi Purpose Tool

When I was a kid, everyone wanted a Swiss Army Knife - this little pocket knife could whittle the finest point on a stick, open a can, trim your nails and cut the wrapper off your favorite candy bar. Leatherman has made a more manly version now - complete with screwdriver, pliers and beer bottle opener - no guy can be without one.

Multi purpose tools are convenient, lets face it. If one thing can accomplish more than one task, it becomes worth not only the investment, but also the effort to carry it.

With the advancing technology in digital card printing, it is now possible to make what used to be a very simple item, the basic ID Card into a multi purpose tool.

Deciding whether your company needs an Identification system is the first step - and answering a few questions will help make this initial decision.

1. Do you have a need to monitor access to your building for safety or security reasons?
2. Do you have certain rooms or equipment that you would like to restrict access to?
3. Would your company benefit from some of the technology available with features available on a plastic ID card - barcodes, magnetic stripes, smart chips - enabling things such as attendance management, canteen management, computer and copy machine management, parking lot management?

Once you have decided to upgrade or institute an Access Control/Credential Management system, we can assist you in getting the right card for the job - one that will provide all the features your company requires. With our advanced print technology, we at Cards Plus are able to print onto standard issue Proximity cards without damaging or shortening the life of the card. In addition we have a convenient Card Bureau service which will enable you to have cards printed in a very short turnaround time - 5 days or less - and to continue ordering on a batch order system as needed throughout the year.

If you have any questions, or would like to discuss your company's needs, please call us at Cards Plus - 011 894 3914 (South Africa) or visit us at our website - www.cardsplus.co.za

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