In today’s changing workplace, security and identification are key to the success of any company. Traditionally, business organizations depended on physical IDs for visitors and workers.
However, as technology develops, digital badges are becoming a modern alternative. Both physical and digital ID badges for employees have unique benefits, and choosing a good solution for your company depends on various factors.
Digital IDs
These are virtual ID cards often stored on our mobile devices, like tablets or smartphones. You can authenticate these digital credentials using NFC, QR codes, or Bluetooth.
They provide the same functionality as physical IDs but with added features, including MFA and real-time updates.
Why Digital IDs
Among the key benefits of digital identification cards is that they improve security. By linking employee privileges and rights to their IDs, business organizations can establish stronger management protocols for identification. Other benefits of these types of ID include the following:
- Cost savings
- Improved auditing and compliance
- Enabled remote work
- Increased automation and efficiency
Physical IDs
Physical IDs are also known as hand-held or traditional cards that staff or workers tap or swipe into a business’s entry points. These cards often display workers’ full names, job time, photographs, and sometimes scannable codes.
Some also refer to them as RFID badges, which are simply thick cards or keyfobs with scannable RF identification technology. Workers keep various ID badges in ID badge holders or wallets, often worn on lanyards around their necks, attached to keychains, or clipped to a piece of clothing.
Why Physical Cards
With physical badges, we only need to stick them to a garment or wear them around our necks. Although they require a printer and supplies, like lanyards or special paper, they can hold many details because of QR codes. Other benefits include the following:
- Easy to use
- Sime to create
- Low cost
Key Differences
Both physical and digital cards have the same purpose – proving identities. However, they have some differences, including the following:
1. How People Share Personal Details
In physical cards, you can’t share what personal details to share. For instance, if you want to show your age so you can buy age-restricted products, like alcohol, you will have to prove that you are old enough. You will also have to show your face to prove the ID belongs to you.
As for digital cards, they are made to reduce the data being shared. You only choose what to display. For instance, you can only show your photo or age.
2. Format
Physical cards include national IDs, passports, and driving licenses. They often contain personal details, such as the document number, name, photograph, or birth date.
Conversely, digital cards are electronic versions of traditional cards. They can be encrypted files, apps, or QR codes.
The bottom line is that digital cards for workers are superior to physical IDs, especially in terms of security. Plus, considering how these products are positioned, digital cards keep companies updated on newer features that make life more secure and easier.