Multifunctional ID Cards: What You Need to Know

ID badges are no longer just a tool for proving who you are; they’re becoming multifunctional tools for access control, security, payment solutions and more.

In this post, we’ll take a closer look at multifunctional ID cards and how their versatility is useful across applications — from schools and businesses to warehouses and events.

What Is a Multifunctional ID Card?

The word multifunctional gives away its meaning. Instead of only acting as an identification badge with a printed picture and name, a multifunctional ID card includes elements that allow it to be used for a variety of purposes, including:

Access control. Control who goes where and when.
Time and attendance tracking. Track in/out times.
Payments. Swipe or tap for payment at specific locations.
Loyalty programs or memberships. Earn points or manage memberships seamlessly.
Passes or tickets. Gain entry to events.
Integrated health data. Store and access information securely.

What Type of Technology Is Used in Multifunctional ID Cards?

A step up from a simple name badge, most multifunctional ID cards are encoded with data and use a variety of different technologies, including:

Barcodes or QR codes. Simple and cost-effective for scanning.
Magnetic strip encoding. Traditional method for storing basic data.
RFID chips. Used for contactless communication and access.
NFC (Near Field Communication). A type of RFID that enables secure, short-range communication for mobile integration and payments.
Smart chips. Embedded microprocessors for advanced encryption and secure data storage.
Biometric integration. Cards paired with biometric authentication, such as fingerprints or facial recognition.
UHF (Ultra-High Frequency) RFID. Extended-range RFID technology for applications like tracking in large facilities.

Applications for Multifunctional ID Cards

In the real world, multifunctional ID cards have applications across schools, businesses and events.

Multifunctional ID Cards in Schools

Many schools across the country use ID cards to identify students and staff. However, ID cards can serve many purposes beyond visual identification.

Visitor management. It is critical for the safety of students and staff to be able to control who comes and goes from the school building. With integrated technologies like RFID, staff can easily tap in and out, while visitor movements can be tracked and monitored throughout the premises, enhancing security and accountability.
Attendance. When paired with ID card software, cards can automatically log attendance and flag problematic absences.
Cafeteria payment. Using barcodes or magnetic stripes and a simple point of sale, students pay for meals in the cafeteria or items in the school store.

Multifunctional ID Cards on the Job

The applications for multifunctional ID cards in an office or workplace setting will depend on the needs of management and employees. A common add-on to a simple ID badge for office workers is a badge-in/badge-out feature that allows for timekeeping and attendance tracking. Other applications include:

Keyless entry. Cards equipped with RFID technology give staff keyless and hands-free access to individual rooms within a building. When they’re paired with your access control system, you can determine which cards are allowed access and when.
Cashless payment. Similar to the school cafeteria, businesses can offer barcodes, magnetic stripes or smart cards tied to point-of-sale stations in a cafeteria or other area.
Secure printing. Employees can use their cards to release print jobs at designated printers.
Network access. Cards can double as credentials for logging into secure workstations or networks.
Parking management. Employees can use cards to access designated parking lots or garages.
Equipment check-out. Track and manage shared resources like tools, laptops or other equipment.
Wellness and gym access. Enable employees to use on-site fitness facilities or participate in wellness programs.
Event access. Use cards to enter company events, conferences or training sessions.
Expense tracking. Integrate cards with expense management systems to log purchases or travel expenses.

Benefits of Multifunctional ID Cards

One of the primary benefits of multifunctional ID cards is their all-in-one nature. Instead of issuing multiple keys to access different rooms within an office building, employees can be granted access to spaces electronically. Other benefits include:

Security. ID badges help identify team members and quickly suss out who is supposed to be in the building and who is not. Adding technology and multifunctional capabilities, like integrated access control and real-time tracking, enhances security by limiting building access. Multifunctional cards are also harder to replicate, making counterfeits less likely.
Streamlined operations. Multifunctional ID cards allow for smoother operations and ease of movement within a building. They also take some of the manual work out of things like timesheets, attendance and visitor management.
Easier onboarding. New employees receive one card with all permissions and features pre-configured, simplifying the onboarding process.

Now, Connect It to the Cloud

Upgrading from standard ID badges to multifunctional ID cards makes sense for most business and school applications looking for increased security, streamlined operations and the convenience of an all-in-one approach to access control and visitor management.

As you upgrade the functionality of your badges, consider moving from a license-based badge management system to a cloud-based one that allows you the ease and convenience of managing your badge program from anywhere. A cloud-based system integrated with your multifunctional card technology is flexible, efficient and scalable.