So your existing ID badge or card supplier delivers late (useless for events) or perhaps provides ID cards that won’t work in your ID badge printers. You look around for another ID card supplier for the first time in years and realise how complicated the industry has become.

Here are some key questions to ask to help you make the right choice when selecting a new ID card supplier.

 

Are they registered with the ICO?

ICO stands for Information Commissioner’s Office. This plays an increasingly important role in data management and security. It’s the independent authority set up to uphold information rights in the public interest, promoting openness by public bodies and data privacy for individuals.

If your supplier produces personalised ID cards or badges for you, there’s a strong likelihood that they’ll hold personalised data, and therefore they’ll need to adhere to General Data Protection Regulations. You have an obligation to ensure they’re GDPR compliant before you send them any data.

 

Are they GDPR compliant?

This is tricky to prove unless something goes wrong. Data protection security maintenance is more legally enforceable than it’s ever been. Just take a look at the ICO’s online enforcement action notices. Many of them involve some form of GDPR breach – and you don’t want to become tangled up in one.

Ask suppliers for their GDPR policy or ask them to provide a supplier agreement to protect your organisation and those who’ve entrusted it with their information. If they won’t oblige, walk away.

Fingerprint Padlock

 

How safe is your data?

Although we’ve heavily invested in data security at ID Card Centre, the security of data within the UK’s general business landscape is alarming. In April 2018, the Independent reported that almost half of UK businesses had suffered a cyberattack or cybersecurity breach over the previous 12 months. Barclays reported that 95% of UK business leaders consider cybersecurity to be very or quite important to their business, yet 45% don’t have a cybersecurity strategy.

We believe data security is important, and we make our information security policy available to new customers before any data is transferred.

 

How long will your data be kept?

GDPR stipulates that personal data must be kept “no longer than is necessary for the purposes for which personal data are processed”. Although this condition is proving difficult to apply in other industries, in ID card and ID badge production, it’s simple if a supplier is providing you with pre-printed personalised cards or badges.

Can the new supplier guarantee that they will swiftly clear personal data from their primary and backup files after badge or card production?

 

What will my ID cards or badges look like?

ID badges and cards give a first impression of your brand to each delegate, visitor, new employee or anyone else who receives one. Is the new supplier able to provide samples and mock-up artwork without a fuss? It’s also worth checking on timelines. If they can’t respond quickly enough and you have an emergency requirement or hard deadline, walk away.

 

Do you need multi-purpose ID cards?

ID cards have taken a quantum leap in functionality. Now ID cards can provide access control, be used for internal vending, or both. The possibilities are fast growing. If you need to be brought up to speed, just contact us.

We hope this blog helps you. If you are looking for a an ID card or badge supplier, we’d love to be included in your request for quotes or technical solution proposals. Contact us today.