The Ultimate Guide to RFID Card Printing: Everything You Need to Know

RFID card expertise has infiltrated practically each facet of our lives—from cost programs in retail shops and medical document administration in hospitals to entry management programs in inns. RFID playing cards are ubiquitous. They not solely enhance operational effectivity but in addition improve information safety and traceability. On this digital age, an growing variety of corporations are opting to print RFID playing cards in-house. So, how do you go about printing RFID playing cards? What elements are driving extra organizations to contemplate investing on this expertise? This text will offer you a complete understanding of all aspects of RFID card printing, together with printing expertise, widespread challenges, cost-saving ideas, and steerage on choosing the best RFID card printing answer for your small business.

Table of Contents

1. What’s RFID Card Printing?

RFID card printing is the method of making use of information or photos instantly onto the floor of an RFID card. These playing cards are outfitted with a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip that communicates wirelessly with a reader machine, making them broadly utilized in entry management, cost programs, and stock administration. RFID card printing entails not simply common picture printing, but in addition the encoding of important data into the cardboard’s RFID chip to make sure each the performance and safety of the cardboard.

Why is RFID Card Printing Wanted?

With the rising adoption of RFID expertise, corporations and organizations require an environment friendly, cost-effective, and versatile methodology for producing personalized RFID playing cards. Conventional RFID playing cards usually include preset data and designs; nonetheless, printing RFID playing cards permits companies to create tailor-made playing cards on-demand, embedding distinctive data akin to worker IDs, buyer profiles, and membership ranges. This functionality allows RFID playing cards to supply extra personalised options for numerous purposes whereas simplifying updates and administration.

Moreover, RFID card printing can save corporations money and time by eliminating the necessity to outsource manufacturing, particularly when there’s a massive quantity of personalized playing cards wanted. By choosing the suitable printing expertise and tools, companies can effectively produce playing cards inside their very own managed surroundings, guaranteeing top quality and consistency all through the method.

2. Can All RFID Playing cards Be Printed?

Not all RFID playing cards are appropriate for printing. Whereas commonest RFID playing cards may be printed on, particular circumstances have to be met to make sure each print high quality and card performance. The success of RFID card printing is carefully tied to elements akin to the cardboard materials, thickness, floor smoothness, and the situation of the RFID chip. In sure situations, if the cardboard design or materials fails to satisfy the printing necessities, it could actually result in poor print high quality or improper encoding of the RFID chip.

Necessities for Printing on RFID Playing cards

To make sure profitable printing on RFID playing cards, the next primary circumstances have to be met:

Card Materials: RFID playing cards are usually made out of supplies like PVC, PET, and wooden. PVC playing cards are probably the most generally used materials attributable to their {smooth} floor, making them superb for thermal switch and sublimation printing. PET and wooden playing cards can range in floor therapy and printing outcomes, and they’re often meant for specialised purposes or conditions with heightened sturdiness necessities.

Card Measurement and Thickness: Most RFID playing cards adhere to the usual CR80 measurement (85.60mm x 53.98mm). If the scale or thickness of the cardboard deviates from this customary, it might result in improper feeding within the printer or unstable print high quality. Subsequently, it’s essential to pick out RFID playing cards that align with the usual measurement and thickness.

Floor Smoothness: The floor smoothness of the RFID card has a direct impression on the printing consequence. Playing cards with uneven surfaces or textures can hinder the printer’s potential to precisely switch photos or textual content. The perfect floor must be {smooth} and uniform to make sure readability and correct shade replica within the printing course of.

Chip Place: An RFID card comprises an embedded RFID chip and antenna, which should be safeguarded from injury throughout printing. When printing, it’s necessary to contemplate the location of the chip and antenna to keep away from any warmth or stress ensuing from the printing course of that might have an effect on these elements.

Really useful RFID Card Supplies for Printing:

PVC Card: That is the commonest and appropriate materials for printing, typically used for membership playing cards, entry management playing cards, ID playing cards, and numerous different purposes.

BioPoly™ Vinyl: An modern, eco-friendly materials supplied by our firm, it gives the identical applicability as PVC playing cards.

3. RFID Card Printing Applied sciences and The way to Select

There are numerous RFID card printing applied sciences, every with its personal distinct benefits, disadvantages, and superb purposes. Deciding on the best printing expertise can enhance print high quality, optimize effectivity, and handle prices successfully. Under, we introduce 4 widespread RFID card printing applied sciences and supply steerage on selecting the strategy that most closely fits your wants.

Sublimation Printing

Sublimation printing is a broadly used RFID card printing expertise, significantly for normal PVC playing cards. This methodology transfers dye from a sublimation ribbon onto the cardboard’s floor, enabling high-quality photos and textual content.

Benefits:

Excessive print high quality with clear, vibrant colours and pictures.
Able to full protection printing, making it superb for detailed card designs akin to membership and ID playing cards.

Disadvantages:

Slower printing velocity, making it much less appropriate for large-scale, high-speed manufacturing.
Greatest suited to smoother card surfaces, significantly PVC playing cards.

Thermal Switch Printing

Thermal switch printing makes use of warmth to switch ink or pigment from a ribbon to the floor of the RFID card. This methodology is often used for playing cards requiring larger sturdiness, offering a wear-resistant end.

Benefits:

Sturdy and wear-resistant printed playing cards, appropriate for long-term use.
Suitable with numerous supplies (e.g., PET, ABS), not restricted to PVC playing cards

Disadvantages:

Print high quality isn’t as vibrant as thermal sublimation printing, making it higher for monochrome or easy designs.
Slower printing velocity, particularly for complicated designs and bigger print runs.

Laser Engraving

Laser engraving is a precision methodology that etches the cardboard’s floor with a laser. This expertise is appropriate for playing cards requiring excessive safety or personalization, generally used for VIP membership playing cards and firm ID playing cards.

Benefits:

Extraordinarily sturdy and tamper-proof, superb for high-security purposes.
Usable on metallic or plastic playing cards, significantly the place anti-counterfeiting measures are important.

Disadvantages:

Usually ends in less complicated printed content material, restricted to engraved textual content and graphics; shade printing isn’t possible.
Larger prices, making it appropriate for small-batch customization and high-value purposes.

UV Printing

UV printing makes use of ultraviolet mild to treatment ink, permitting for high-quality photos to be printed on numerous surfaces. This expertise can ship vibrant colours instantly on RFID card surfaces with good climate resistance.

Benefits:

Able to printing on a wide range of supplies, together with metallic and plastic.
Produces brilliant, sturdy print outcomes with long-lasting results.

Disadvantages:

Larger preliminary funding in printers and inks, making it higher suited to large-scale manufacturing.
Very best for purposes requiring high-definition printing, akin to membership and company enterprise playing cards.

The way to Select the Proper Printing Expertise?

When figuring out probably the most applicable printing expertise, take into account the next key elements:

Print High quality: For complicated photos or multi-color patterns, thermal sublimation or UV printing is preferable. For easy textual content or monochromatic graphics, thermal switch printing or laser engraving is adequate.

Printing Velocity: Sublimation printing is good for high-quality customized playing cards, whereas thermal switch printing fits bigger manufacturing wants. Laser engraving is extra suited to small-volume customization however typically operates extra slowly.

Value Concerns: Sublimation and thermal switch printing tools are typically extra economical and appropriate for small to medium-sized enterprises. In distinction, UV printing and laser engraving are geared towards high-end markets that require distinctive high quality or customization.

Card Materials: For those who’re printing customary PVC playing cards, sublimation and thermal switch strategies are the commonest selections. For playing cards made out of different supplies, thermal switch or UV printing could also be preferable.

By aligning your small business wants, funds, and printing quantity, you’ll be able to select probably the most appropriate printing expertise to optimize manufacturing processes, improve card high quality, and successfully steadiness prices.

4. RFID Card Printing Course of

RFID card printing is extra than simply placing a picture on the cardboard’s floor. It entails a complete course of that features card design, encoding, last printing, and high quality inspection. Correctly following these steps ensures each the performance and visible high quality of the cardboard, permitting corporations to effectively produce personalized RFID playing cards.

Step 1: Card Design

Card design is the primary and most crucial step within the RFID card printing course of. The design should take into account not solely aesthetics but in addition performance, guaranteeing that the location of the RFID chip and antenna stays unobstructed.

Design Software program: Make the most of skilled design software program (akin to Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, and so on.) to create the cardboard’s graphics and textual content. Be certain that the design aligns with the scale, form, and floor options suited to printing on RFID playing cards.

RFID Chip and Antenna Format: Pay particular consideration to the positioning of the RFID chip and antenna through the design section. These elements are usually embedded within the card’s interior layer, so keep away from inserting thermal switch or thermal sublimation designs instantly over the chip space to stop impairing its performance.

Step 2: Encoding the RFID Chip

Earlier than transferring on to printing, the RFID chip must be precisely encoded to retailer distinctive identification data. This step ensures that the cardboard can successfully talk with the reader and be acknowledged when in use.

Encoding Methodology: Data may be written to the RFID chip by way of the encoding operate of the RFID printer, utilizing specialised software program (like NFC Instruments, TagXplorer, and so on.). This data could embrace worker IDs, membership numbers, entry rights, and so on.

Step 3: Printing the RFID Card

As soon as the cardboard design is finalized and the chip appropriately encoded, the subsequent step is the precise printing course of. After choosing the appropriate printing expertise, the printer begins transferring the design onto the RFID card’s floor.

Thermal Sublimation Printing: If utilizing thermal sublimation expertise, the printer will vaporize the dye from a heated ribbon, transferring it to the cardboard’s floor. This methodology is especially efficient for vibrant, color-rich photos.

Thermal Switch Printing: On this strategy, warmth is used to switch pigments from an ink ribbon to the cardboard floor, making it appropriate for many RFID card purposes.

Laser Engraving: For laser engraving, a high-energy laser beam etches the cardboard’s floor, making it superb for personalized playing cards requiring enhanced safety measures.

Greatest Software program for Designing and Encoding RFID Playing cards

Using the best software program throughout card design and encoding is essential to making sure print high quality. Listed here are some broadly used instruments for RFID card design and encoding:

Adobe Illustrator / CorelDRAW: These applications are wonderful for visible card design and format, enabling the creation of intricate designs that may be exported in printer-compatible codecs.

BarTender: This software program is particularly tailor-made for label and RFID card printing and helps RFID chip encoding. It options an intuitive design interface appropriate for numerous trade purposes.

ZebraDesigner: Suitable with Zebra printers, this software program helps RFID encoding and printing and permits for the design of graphics, barcodes, and RFID information.

Step 4: High quality Examine and Ultimate Changes

After printing, high quality inspection is important to confirm that RFID playing cards meet established requirements. This inspection contains:

Picture Readability: Examine whether or not the printed photos and textual content are clear, with out blurriness or shade discrepancies.

Encoding Correctness: Use an RFID reader to substantiate that every card is appropriately encoded, guaranteeing correct communication with the studying machine.

Bodily Integrity: Examine to make sure the cardboard is freed from scratches, cracks, or different bodily damages.

5. Widespread RFID Card Printing Points and Options

Regardless of the continual developments in RFID card printing expertise, customers should encounter a number of widespread issues throughout operation. If these points aren’t addressed promptly, they will negatively impression the standard, performance, and productiveness of the playing cards. This part outlines some frequent RFID card printing issues and gives efficient options to boost manufacturing effectivity and forestall repetitive restore work.

Poor Print High quality

Drawback Description: Poor printing high quality on RFID playing cards typically seems as blurry photos, uneven colours, or streaks, which not solely detracts from the cardboard’s look however may additionally result in inaccuracies within the conveyed data.

Resolution:

Examine the Printer Settings: Be certain that the printer’s decision is appropriately set. Excessive-quality prints usually require a better decision, particularly with thermal sublimation or thermal switch strategies.
Substitute Consumables: If the ribbon or ink is low or of subpar high quality, it could actually result in poor print outcomes. Recurrently substitute printer consumables to ensure you’re utilizing high-quality ribbons and inks.
Clear the Printer: Over time, mud could accumulate on the print head or ink ribbon, compromising print high quality. Common cleansing of the printer, significantly the print head and switch curler, is important.
Examine the Card Floor: A non-smooth or stained card floor may also impression print high quality. All the time use clear, flat playing cards and guarantee there is no such thing as a oil or mud current on the cardboard floor.

Encoding Points

Drawback Description: Encoding points typically come up within the RFID chip portion of the cardboard, leading to improper readings or incorrect data storage. For instance, the RFID reader could fail to acknowledge the cardboard, or the information could not match expectations.

Resolution:

Examine Encoding Software program Settings: Be certain that the encoding software program getting used is appropriate with the printer and RFID playing cards, and that the encoding methodology is appropriately configured.
Confirm Encoding Information: Conduct encoding exams on a small batch of playing cards earlier than printing to make sure that the information is correct. Use an RFID reader or appropriate machine to confirm the encoded playing cards.
Guarantee Right Chip Set up: Low-quality or improperly put in RFID chips can result in encoding points. Examine that the chip and antenna are positioned in response to design specs.
Re-Encode: If encoding fails, make the most of skilled tools to re-encode the cardboard and reset formatting if mandatory.

Printer Malfunctions

Drawback Description: Printer malfunctions can present up as paper jams, ink ribbon points, or failure to start out. Such issues can stall the printing course of and hinder manufacturing effectivity.

Resolution:

Common Upkeep: Printers require common repairs. Examine the print head, conveyor curler, paper feed, and different elements to make sure that mud, oil, or residue isn’t inflicting blockages.
Examine for Driver and Software program Updates: Be certain that the printer driver and related software program are up-to-date to keep away from failures stemming from software program incompatibility.
Use Suitable Equipment: All the time use ribbons and playing cards that match the printer’s model and mannequin. Utilizing non-original consumables can result in malfunctions or injury.
Comply with Printer Handbook Directions: Every printer has particular working and upkeep tips. Comply with the troubleshooting steps outlined within the printer’s guide to resolve widespread points.

Print Velocity Points

Drawback Description: When producing RFID playing cards in massive portions, gradual print speeds can adversely have an effect on manufacturing effectivity, particularly when pressing orders are required.

Resolution:

Alter Print High quality Settings: If the print velocity is lagging, take into account decreasing the print high quality settings, akin to lowering the decision or simplifying the pictures.
Select the Proper Printing Expertise: Completely different applied sciences provide various speeds. Sublimation printing is usually slower, whereas thermal switch printing is quicker. For bulk printing, thermal switch often is the extra environment friendly selection.
Optimize Printer Settings: Assessment the printer’s workload and take into account lowering the variety of print duties per cycle to keep away from overloading the printer, which may decelerate processing.

Inconsistent Chip Performance

Drawback Description: Some RFID playing cards could exhibit inconsistent chip performance, resulting in difficulties in pairing or recognition by the reader.

Resolution:

Examine RFID Card High quality: Confirm that the cardboard high quality meets requirements and that the chip and antenna are correctly embedded. Poor high quality playing cards could result in malfunctions of the chip.
Check Encoding Gear: Routinely take a look at the encoding tools to make sure it precisely writes information to the RFID chip; recalibrate the tools if points are discovered.
Use Excessive-High quality RFID Playing cards: Choose solely high-quality RFID playing cards to mitigate efficiency instability attributable to inferior merchandise, significantly in high-frequency utilization eventualities.

6. Value-effective RFID Card Printing Ideas

Managing prices successfully through the RFID card printing course of is a key focus for a lot of corporations, particularly when printing massive portions of playing cards. Reasoned value administration can result in vital reductions in total bills. By choosing the best printing expertise, optimizing materials utilization, and strategically planning printing strategies, companies can minimize down printing prices whereas sustaining the standard of their playing cards. Listed here are some sensible ideas to assist save on RFID card printing prices.

6.1. The way to Save on RFID Printing Prices

Selecting an Environment friendly Printer: Deciding on a high-efficiency RFID card printer can vastly improve printing effectivity and decrease the price of every card produced. Search for printers that provide quick print speeds, simple upkeep, and prolonged consumable life. Environment friendly printers assist cut back unit prices, particularly helpful in mass manufacturing.

Batch Printing: Batch printing is usually more cost effective than one-time on-demand printing. By producing numerous RFID playing cards directly, you’ll be able to decrease the associated fee per card, as the price of consumables and tools is amortized throughout a higher variety of playing cards. Keep away from frequent small-batch prints, which enhance put on and tear on tools and result in pointless useful resource waste.

Affordable Choice of Consumables: Consumables considerably impression the general value of RFID card printing. Go for high-quality ribbons and card supplies which are appropriate together with your printer to make sure high quality outcomes and long-term stability, minimizing the necessity for frequent replacements. Many printer producers provide economical ribbons and playing cards particularly designed for his or her fashions, superb for long-term use.

Optimize Card Design: Streamlining card design and reducing again on pointless complicated patterns and printing parts can cut back consumable utilization and save time throughout printing. A easy, fashionable design with fewer colours and gradient results can result in much less ribbon use and decreased printing time and materials consumption.

6.2. Bulk Printing vs. On-Demand Printing

Bulk Printing (Batch Printing): Bulk printing is good for eventualities requiring numerous playing cards, akin to faculties, companies, and membership golf equipment. This methodology’s main benefit is its low unit value, as all playing cards are printed concurrently, maximizing the usage of consumables and labor. Moreover, the setup and encoding for batch manufacturing may be accomplished in a single go, saving time and assets.

Benefits:
- Decrease unit value
- Environment friendly for large-scale manufacturing wants
- Much less guide dealing with, lowering the error charge
Disadvantages:
- Requires advance planning and stock
- Not appropriate for short-term calls for or continuously altering designs

On-Demand Printing: On-demand printing fits conditions with decrease demand or the place every card requires excessive customization. Whereas the associated fee per card is larger, this methodology affords higher flexibility for companies, significantly these needing small batches or routine customization.

Benefits:
- Excessive customization to satisfy short-term wants
- Larger flexibility for altering orders
- Avoidance of stock backlogs
Disadvantages:
- Larger value per particular person card
- Slower printing velocity, primarily for small-scale manufacturing

6.3. Maximizing the Lifetime of RFID Printers and Provides

Common Upkeep and Cleansing of Printers: Constant cleansing and upkeep can lengthen printer life, cut back failure frequency, and decrease upkeep prices. Guarantee print heads, switch rollers, and inside elements are free from mud and residue to keep up print high quality and efficiency.

Use Authentic Equipment: Whereas authentic consumables could come at a better value, they often present higher stability and print high quality, lowering points from utilizing mismatched components. Non-genuine provides can result in printer malfunctions, jams, or high quality issues, which may enhance restore and substitute prices.

Replace Printer Drivers and Software program Recurrently: Protecting printer drivers and design software program up-to-date helps optimize efficiency and compatibility. Producers typically launch updates to resolve bugs or improve printing effectivity. Sustaining up to date software program and firmware can cut back technical points, enhance effectivity, and not directly decrease working prices.

6.4. Utilizing Digital Printing for Small Runs

For corporations needing solely a small variety of specialised RFID playing cards, digital printing expertise is usually a cost-effective answer. Digital printing eliminates the necessity for plate-making and doesn’t require preparations for printing molds or consumables.

Benefits:

No plate-making prices, saving assets
- Fast and versatile response to small customization requests
- Adaptable to fast modifications in design or specs

Disadvantages:

Larger value per single card
- Not superb for large-volume manufacturing

7. Which Corporations Have to Print RFID Playing cards Themselves?

RFID playing cards have gotten more and more prevalent throughout numerous industries, prompting many corporations to contemplate the choice of self-printing these playing cards. Under are some forms of corporations which are well-suited to print RFID playing cards in-house, together with the benefits this apply affords:

Corporations with Excessive-Frequency Wants

Colleges and Academic Establishments: These organizations continuously replace pupil identification playing cards to reply swiftly to altering wants, making self-printing a sensible selection.

Enterprise and Worker Administration: Bigger corporations can cut back prices related to outsourcing card printing whereas sustaining flexibility in managing worker playing cards.

Membership Playing cards and Loyalty Applications: Retailers, gyms, and different service suppliers can save on long-term procurement bills and revel in elevated flexibility by printing their very own membership playing cards.

Medical Business: Hospitals and healthcare amenities that want to reply shortly to affected person wants can handle affected person data and medical tools extra effectively by way of in-house printing.

Corporations with Excessive Necessities for Customization

Model Corporations and Retailers: By self-printing, these corporations can train higher management over the cardboard’s design and look, guaranteeing consistency with their branding.

Occasion and Exhibition Corporations: These organizations can swiftly customise RFID playing cards to satisfy the short-term wants that come up throughout occasions, enhancing their operational effectivity.

Corporations that Deal with Privateness and Safety

Finance and Banking: Monetary establishments are sometimes involved with information safety, and self-printing RFID playing cards permits them to implement encryption applied sciences and preserve strict management over delicate data.

Authorities and Public Safety: Authorities entities can enhance safety measures and have higher management over the cardboard era and encryption processes by opting to print RFID playing cards themselves.

8. Widespread RFID Printers on the Market

Choosing the proper RFID printer is important for guaranteeing high quality and effectivity within the printing course of. The market affords a wide range of manufacturers and fashions, every with differing efficiency, value factors, and relevant eventualities. Under are a number of fashionable RFID printers beneficial for corporations to contemplate primarily based on their particular wants.

Zebra ZC300 Collection

Relevant Situations: Very best for many companies that require high-quality RFID card printing.

Options:

Helps RFID encoding, permitting for straightforward encoding and printing of ISO customary RFID playing cards.
It gives high-definition printing that’s appropriate for personalised card designs.
Gives environment friendly printing speeds, making it superb for high-demand environments.
Geared up with an intuitive touch-screen interface for straightforward operation.

Benefits:

Gives numerous printing options (thermal sublimation and thermal switch).
Prime quality and reliability make it appropriate for long-term use.

Evolis Primacy 2

Relevant Situations: Greatest suited to medium to massive enterprises, significantly for printing membership and worker playing cards.

Options:

It helps high-speed RFID card printing and is able to printing as much as 225 playing cards per hour.
The optionally available double-sided printing function saves supplies and time.
Sturdy safety measures permit for straightforward encoding of varied RFID card sorts.
Simple upkeep with low working prices.

Benefits:

Environment friendly and dependable, excellent for large-scale printing jobs.
Sturdy compatibility with a variety of RFID tags and playing cards.

Canon SELPHY CP1300

Relevant Situations: Appropriate for companies requiring low-cost, small-volume RFID card printing, particularly in retail and occasion settings.

Options:

Makes use of thermal sublimation printing expertise for quick printing speeds.
The compact design makes it simple to move, excellent for small-scale on-site printing wants.
Gives a wide range of print sizes for personalized printing choices.

Benefits:

It’s extremely cost-effective, making it superb for small occasions or short-term tasks.
Simple to arrange and function, even for non-technical personnel.

Get the Greatest RFID Playing cards for Your Printing

RFID card printing expertise delivers environment friendly and dependable options throughout numerous industries. Whether or not for id authentication, asset administration, or membership management, RFID playing cards play an important function. By choosing the best printer, understanding the printing course of, and optimizing prices, corporations can tailor probably the most appropriate RFID card printing options to satisfy their wants.

Nonetheless, probably the most important step is choosing the best RFID card. The suitable RFID card not solely ensures print high quality but in addition enhances encoding stability and usefulness. Our firm affords all kinds of high-quality playing cards appropriate with RFID printing, together with a number of supplies and customization choices to cater to completely different industrial calls for. Whether or not you want customary PVC playing cards or environmentally pleasant RFID playing cards, we’ve the perfect answer.

For those who’re in search of skilled, environment friendly, and dependable RFID playing cards, please don’t hesitate to achieve out to us. Our workforce will present one of the best RFID card picks and printing assist to assist enhance your small business effectivity, cut back prices, and guarantee your RFID playing cards meet all software necessities.

FAQs:

1: What printing strategies are finest for RFID playing cards?
The commonest strategies for printing RFID playing cards are thermal switch printing, direct thermal printing, and UV printing. One of the best methodology is determined by elements akin to the kind of card, required print high quality, and the quantity of printing. Thermal switch printing is commonly most well-liked for its sturdiness and high-quality outcomes.

2: How do RFID playing cards work with printers?
RFID playing cards include an embedded chip and antenna that may be encoded and printed upon. Printers outfitted with RFID expertise can encode the chip whereas concurrently printing on the cardboard’s floor. This integration makes the playing cards useful for purposes like identification or entry management.

3: Can RFID playing cards be reprogrammed or reused?
Sure, many RFID playing cards may be reprogrammed or reused, particularly if they’re rewritable RFID playing cards. Nonetheless, some playing cards are designed for single-use solely, akin to occasion passes, relying on the particular software necessities.

4: How do I guarantee my RFID playing cards are safe?
To make sure the safety of RFID playing cards, you must use encryption when encoding information, choose safe printers with superior authentication options, and retailer the playing cards in protected areas to stop unauthorized entry or cloning. Common audits of safety protocols may also improve total card safety.