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pears. All encryption keys are securely stored in tamper-proof hard- ware, and unique firmware ensures the printers cannot be hijacked and will only work with the cloud-based issuance system software. The issuance console can also be used with a card reader so that print jobs are not released until an authorized card or credential has been physi- cally presented for validation.
In addition to transforming security, privacy protection and the user experience, this cloud-based model improves the administrator experience by simplifying high-volume card issuance management and delivery while increasing control and security. It is no longer nec- essary to manage software and other IT resources typically required for card issuance.
Since there is no longer the need for printers to be locally connected to computers, the administrator is also saved the task of maintaining associated software updates and security patches across local comput- ers connected to printers. Not only does this approach eliminate the problem of using legacy systems that limit the ability for IT or security personnel to track system activity, it also eliminates any capital expen- diture requirements for deploying printers as part of a world-class card issuance implementation. Instead, this cloud-based model introduces new economics for card operations, providing the option for resources to be leased and their costs bundled into a cloud-based offering.
NEW ECONOMICS OF CLOUD-BASED CARD ISSUANCE
With a cloud-based platform, the entire ID card issuance process can be delivered through a service model billed on an annual or monthly- installment basis – hardware, software and service all in one offering. This approach cuts multiple layers of program costs while making it easier for administrators to scale the card office to accommodate future technology capabilities or changing volume demands. For instance, during periods of peak demand, large batches of cards can be pro- duced and dispatched by commercial printing bureaus.
Cost savings can be substantial. This savings can include the typical annual cost for card stock, laminates and ribbons as well as the expense of service, maintenance and hardware and software updates. Not included are the cost of staff time required for issuance or reordering supplies, IT resources to support the operation or periodic replace- ment of obsolete equipment.
A service model enables administrators to convert their budget for ID card issuance into an operational expense that could amount to a service fee covering all ribbons, pre-printed cards and mag stripe encoding. This approach diminishes the previous unpredictable ancillary costs associ- ated with owning and managing hardware and software by eliminating costs related to maintaining hardware, inventory and labor and poten- tially the capital expenditure related to purchasing printers.
The cloud-based service model can include auto-replacement of cards and other consumables when needed and delivers all the benefits associated with centralized control and visibility along with distribut- ed or batch printing. Cloud-based solutions are aware of printer health and maintenance needs as well as all activity down to the printer level, including the status of consumables. A service provider can, for exam- ple, predict when a printer will run out of a consumable and drop-ship replacements to the customer when they need them.
Equally important, administrators who adopt a cloud-based model for their card office know that their operations will be compatible with today’s and tomorrow’s credential technology, including mobile IDs that enable users to carry ID cards on their smartphones.
While the technology used by card production offices has largely remained static, the technology available to most other areas of a university’s operations has advanced considerably. Students are able to seamlessly register for classes online, pay fees and be ready for classes on the first day, all without waiting in physical lines. The crucial task of printing and issuing student IDs, however, is still being managed manually, often leading to a crunch time for staff during the fall issuance period. Cloud-based card issuance solutions have the potential to revolutionize the way that card offices operate, eliminating these various issues. Administrators can take advantage of a completely new way to manage student ID issuance by leverag- ing secure cloud technologies that give schools
back both time and money. Re-envisioning the way that a card office operates is bringing a completely new experience to both staff and students.
Robin Tandon is the director of product marketing and cloud solutions at HID Global.
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