What is a plain ID card?
Plain ID Cards – 76mm PVC plain white cards
A plain ID card typically refers to a simple identification card without any advanced features or technology. It often contains basic information such as the individual’s name, photograph, and other details like a school name, a student ID number, and an expiry date. Plain ID cards are straightforward and do not incorporate electronic components or additional functionalities.
What Is A Magnetic (Mag) Stripe ID Card?
On the other hand, a mag stripe ID card features a magnetic stripe on the back. This stripe contains encoded information that can be read by swiping the card through a magnetic stripe reader. The information stored on the magnetic stripe may include a unique identifier, access codes, or other relevant data.
Mag Stripe Cards – 76mm PVC Hico white cards with a black magnetic stripe on the back.
They have 3 tracks that can be encoded with:
- Alpha/numeric on Track 1
- Numeric number on Track 2 (most common)
- We can encode on Track 3, but it is rarely used.
Mag stripe ID cards are commonly used for access control, time and attendance tracking, and other applications where a simple and cost-effective data storage and retrieval method is needed. The magnetic stripe technology allows for quick and reliable data access by swiping the card through a reader, making it a practical choice for various identification and security purposes.
What Is The Barcode Used For?
A barcode on a magnetic stripe ID card is typically used as a visual representation of encoded information. The magnetic stripe itself contains data encoded in a series of magnetic tracks, and the barcode serves as a backup or supplementary means to quickly access the same information. Barcodes are often scanned using optical scanners, providing an alternative method to retrieve data from the card if the magnetic stripe reader is unavailable or not functioning properly.