Driver's License Scanning in Casinos

Today’s state issued driver’s licenses, and other government issued ID cards, contain information in the barcode or magnetic stripe that can be read electronically.  There are a variety of benefits to using this “readable” technology, particularly in the casino market. 

How it Works

SmartReg is a user-friendly system that includes software and a card reader.  The software is not seen by the operator, as it runs in the background on your machine.  By scanning an ID, such as a Driver’s License, information is automatically parsed and populated onto your fields in your enrollment screens. 

This process automates the recall of current customer records and entering information for new records. 

Benefits

Application independent means there is no integration needed with your current database.  You use your current software applications and screens.  SmartReg simply emulates human keystrokes by reading the electronic information from the ID card.

• Fast and accurate recall of the correct person’s record upon ID scan. 
• Automatic enrollment of person’s information when adding a new record.  Any information available on the Driver’s License or government issued ID can be populated to your enrollment screen.
• Reduction of duplicate records caused by errors, typos and common names (ex: Johnathan Smith, John Smith, Johnny Smith, J. Smith).  This technology allows for multiple search fields to be entered, such as Name, Date of Birth, City, State, etc. 
• Greater privacy in the enrollment process by reducing verbal exchange of information.
• Enhanced customer satisfaction.
• Reduced fraud by detecting use of fraudulent ID cards. 

Return on Investment (ROI)

The value of each patron to a casino is extremely high as is the cost to attract and retain those guests.  The speed of processing patrons through the enrollment process is vital.  For every minute a guest stands in line, the casino loses revenue.  One source estimated this loss at $2.97 per minute.  In addition, the resulting duplicate record problem can also cost money in duplicate mailings and database maintenance. 

Implementation

SmartReg can be installed on any PC running Windows or Terminal Emulation software.  The software runs in the background, so there is no operator involvement required with SmartReg.  The software recognizes the screen the operator is in (ie: Search or Enrollment) and automatically fills in the fields accordingly. 

 

BadgePass is a security and identification software solutions provider, headquartered in Ridgeland, Mississippi.  SmartReg was the first software application developed at BadgePass and has since been implemented in thousands of casinos, hotels, hospitals and corporations nationwide.  Other BadgePass products include Photo ID, Visitor Management, Access Control and Time Management.

To learn more or to locate your local BadgePass dealer, visit www.badgepass.com.

How Should I Badge My Visitors?

If you are thinking about ways to badge and identify visitors at your facility, congrats!  You have probably already considered solutions for properly registering and tracking your guests which means you are well on your way to a more secure facility!  By implementing an electronic visitor registration system at your organization, you can ensure that each visitor is properly identified and registered simply by scanning their state or federally issued ID.  Now, you just have to decide which visitor badging solution is best for you. 

There are several possible options to consider for visitor badging. 

Option One:  Temporary Adhesive Labels

This is by far the most popular solution for visitor badging!  Why?  Because badge designs can be customized not only with the company’s name, but also with pertinent visit information like visitor name, date, and person being visited.  You can even print photos on temporary labels!  Plus, you can do all of this at a relatively low price, since plain adhesive badges are fairly inexpensive. 

Things to consider when implementing temporary adhesive labels:

1.       How long will visitors be in the building?

-          The longer visitors are in your facility, the more likely they are to lose their adhesive badge.  For long-term visitors, pre-printed PVC badges may be a more effective solution.

2.       What information do you want to print on each badge?

-          The nice thing about adhesive badges is that they can be customized for each visitor!  Some of the most common things I see on visitor label designs include a company logo, the visitors name, the type of visitor (Vendor, Contractor, Volunteer, etc.), the date of the visit, and the location and/or person they are visiting. 

3.       How important are visitor photos?

-          If you are considering printing your visitors’ photos on badges, it might be a good idea to look into color label printers.  While they are more expensive, they greatly improve the image quality!

4.       Do you want labels to expire after a certain amount of time?

-          Though temporary labels can be easy and inexpensive, there is always a concern that visitors may try to reuse those badges to visit the facility at a later date/time without checking in.  Printing the date on the badge is one solution for this issue.  However, many customers look into time-expiring labels to prevent visitor badges from being reused.  These badges bleed through red and read VOID 24 hours after issuance, making it easy for employees to recognize if a visitor is trying to dodge the check-in process. 

Option Two:  Pre-Printed PVC Badges

Many customers prefer to use pre-printed badges for their visitors.  Each of these badges will be printed in advance on a color card printer, allowing you to print your company’s name and logo on the front, along with any other relevant information. 

Since these badges are printed in advance, they will not have visitor specific information on them.  However, they are much more durable than temporary labels and can be reused time and time again and assigned to a different visitor each time they are used.   Attach these badges to a lanyard or badge clip/reel and you can easily identify who is wearing a visitor badge in your facility.  Plus, you don’t have to worry as much about visitors losing their IDs as they walk around! 

So what is the answer?

Nobody knows your organization better than you do!  Which means you are the only one who knows what solution is the best fit for you. 

Though there are many options to consider, no matter whaat you choose will allow for an easier visitor identification process and help to improve your company's security! 

Lindsay Cornell is the Director of Sales for BadgePass, Inc. BadgePass manufactures cutting edge Visitor Management, Photo ID and Access Control software.  www.badgepass.com

Tips for Printing Quality Photo IDs

When printing quality Photo IDs, it is important to know what information, and how much information, will be included on your Photo ID. The elements included on your Photo ID will help determine the features you should look for in your Photo ID System.

Basic Photo ID

Custom card design – Photo ID software will help you design a card from scratch using your own images, graphics and logos – creating a unique and custom card that best fits the needs of your organization.

Cardholder information – Easily add cardholder information to your ID cards! You can connect to your existing database information and/or choose to enroll users via Driver’s License Scanning.

Photo – Whether you are looking for high quality images or a simple webcam, adding a photo to your card design will ensure an extra level of security.

Barcode – Barcodes are a cost effective way to include data on your cards that can be scanned and used in other systems, such as time and attendance or cafeteria POS and vending.

Advanced Photo ID

Signature capture – A signature pad will allow you to electronically capture the signature of each cardholder for placement within the card design.

Smartcards – There are many types of technology cards, such as contactless smartcards, that can be store cardholder information for use in other systems, like Access Control.

Magnetic stripe – Magnetic strips are another way to include data on your cards that can be scanned and used in other systems.

Lamination – Laminating printers apply a thin film to the card with heat and pressure during printing to protect against wear.

The more secure you want your credentials to be, the more advanced your Photo ID software requirements will be.  Take all of these things into consideration when choosing which system to implement in your own organization. 

Lindsay Cornell is the Director of Sales for BadgePass, Inc. BadgePass manufactures cutting edge ID Badging, Visitor Management and Access Control software. Visit www.badgepass.com for more information.