With often more than 80,000 monthly pass users, city transit commissions need a fast, effective yet flexible way to issue photo identification cards.

The old Polaroid-based systems require putting up different coloured photo backdrop in order to change the colour on the student and adult IDs. The film-based systems also take more time due to the time required for the film to develop, the need to print information by typewriter or computer printer, manually position the photo on the card and finally laminate it.

With new computerized digital ID systems, the picture is taken with a video camera, information is typed on-screen and a durable one-piece plastic card is printed on-demand within 40 seconds of clicking “print”. Time and costs can be cut in half and the quality can be improved.

Flexibility is also a key advantage. If changes need to be made each year to ensure student users are currently full-time students, a digital system avoids having to find a new photo backdrop each year. The colour or design is simply changed on the computer and the new card template is used for each new student pass.

The system also runs with laptop computers so a complete system can be taken around to the schools at the start of a new semester. Or, they can be used to take to various companies if an employee discount card program is offered.

The system also helps offset the cost of sales offices and manpower to produce the passes. Student and senior IDs are often sold for $4.00 and adult IDs for $5.00 to $6.00. Material costs are about 80 cents per card and the difference can be applied to offset the cost of the equipment, office space and salaries.

The benefits of a digital system are numerous. The look of a card can be changed in minutes and because photos are stored digitally, a lost card can be replaced without the holder visiting an office to have their picture retaken.

Identicam is Canada's largest full-service Photo Identification Company. With offices from coast to coast, Identicam supplies computerized systems, printers, ribbons, cameras, video boards, cards and accessories to corporate and government clients. Identicam offers installation, 7/24 support, warranty service, same-day shipping, extended warranty programs and over 1,000 products in stock. For more information, please visit www.Identicam.com.