Pent-up demand from pandemic invigorates ID cards, including larger formats

Large-scale events, including both corporate and sporting events, are coming back strongly in the aftermath of the pandemic. With the increase in activity comes more demand for oversized credentials preferred by many event planners and end users.

Pent-up demand due to the pandemic has caused a tremendous uptick in the entire ID card industry in 2022. The return of large-scale events and in-person trade shows will extend the higher demand for cards well into 2023 and beyond, says Andrew Schonzeit, President of Idesco, a provider of ID card solutions.

Supply chain concerns

Supply chain concerns will continue as companies seek to upgrade and purchase new ID printers and badges

An impact of the pandemic was a shortage of supplies related to the ID card industry, says Schonzeit. Like other industries, several leading ID card and printer manufacturers had supply chain issues, and some deliveries were delayed at times for more than six months.

Supply chain concerns will continue into 2023 as more companies return to the workplace and others seek to upgrade their current systems and purchase new ID printers and badges. 

Persistent price increase concerns

“The shortage created hardships for end users and often resulted in them purchasing any solution that was readily available even if it was not the preferred one,” says Schonzeit.

Another issue during the pandemic was persistent price increases, due both to inflationary pressures and a shortage of products. The industry was used to stable prices with infrequent increases, but the pandemic changed this quickly. Some companies also decided to upgrade their entire system as employees returning to the office increased demand. 

Oversized credentials advantages

Among the advantages of oversized credentials is the ability to print more information on the card, says Schonzeit.

For example, a larger credential allows event organisers to preprint the corporate agenda on the back of the card to increase efficiency. In addition, companies can enhance their brand presence by distributing a nice thick plastic badge to attendees.

Two categories 

Standard credit card size

These are generally CR100 size, which is around 40% larger than the standard credit card

Oversized badges fall into two main categories. One category is for cards that are larger than the standard credit card size (CR80), but smaller than event badges.

These are generally CR100 size, which is around 40% larger than the standard credit card. They are generally used by law enforcement or healthcare institutions. It is easier to see an oversized badge more clearly from a distance than a regular-sized badge.

Oversized ID badges

The other category of oversized ID badges is used for events, these badges are typically 3.5” by 5.5” and are usually worn around the neck.

These events include categories such as sporting events, corporate events, music festivals, and trade shows. The badges are generally used only for the duration of the event and are often kept as souvenirs.

Anticipating the needs 

“My advice for event planners is to manage your expectations about badges as it is very hard to order extra badges at the last minute,” says Schonzeit. “It is important to plan well in advance and anticipate your needs upfront to help avoid a shortage.”

Idesco often gets requests from customers to include some type of technology on the credentials. The most common technologies are proximity cards, NFC, and/or UHF. “It is a much ‘cleaner’ and safer solution if the chip can be embedded within the credential as opposed to putting a sticker on the outside of the credential,” says Schonzeit.

Additional technologies in credentials 

Customers wanting technology in their credentials should allow additional lead time

Generally, these additional technologies are used for gaining entry to a location (access control), or they can be used for gathering valuable information regarding an event, including attendance at seminars, crowd flow, vending, and food services information, among others.

Supply chain issues have led to less availability of many of the most common chips, which can impact delivery times. Customers wanting technology in their credentials should allow additional lead time, says Schonzeit.

Applications 

In addition to corporate events, sporting events, and trade shows, other markets can also benefit from oversized ID badges. Industries include healthcare, government, and law enforcement.

Oversized badges are becoming more popular in hospitals, for example, where color coding can make it easy to identify doctors, nurses, and hospital personnel from a distance, even in congested hospital spaces.

ID card necessity 

Could there be a negative impact on the ID card industry if more companies allow employees to work from home? It’s always a possibility, says Schonzeit.

“However, with many hybrid options out there, most employees are required to come to the office either one or two days a week,” he says. “Employees will still need a way to access their workplace for meetings, conferences, etc., and will require an ID card to do so.”  

Mobile vs. physical credentials

The growing popularity of mobile credentials has created some concerns in the ID card marketplace

The growing popularity of mobile credentials has created some concerns in the ID card marketplace about the continuing need for a physical credential.

So far it has not been an issue. “[Mobile credentials] have not had any type of meaningful effect on the physical ID card market,” says Schonzeit.

Relying on smartphones 

“Sometimes these disruptive technologies can linger in the background for some time and then suddenly have a massive effect on the market. This is something to be concerned about, but I don’t think there is an imminent threat.”

A big issue with using only mobile credentials is the need for a backup plan rather than relying only on a smartphone to enter a facility. Also, for mobile credentials to work, specialised readers are required, which requires a large investment. “In my opinion, ID badges are here to stay for the long haul,” says Schonzeit.