While physical security professionals have suspected a shift toward increased involvement of the IT department in physical access control, recent research has shown this to be true. A recent survey of more than 1,500 IT Managers, Directors and staff, as well as Chief Information and Chief Technology Officers, found that IT departments are now more involved than  ever in an organization’s physical access control decisions and implementation.

According to the survey, more than half (55%) of respondents reported IT as primarily responsible or having shared responsibility for access control within their organization. As a result, IT leaders are tasked with spearheading not only the protection of their company’s network- and cyber security related initiatives – but also those set forth by the Physical Security department to protect employees, visitors and assets from internal and external threats. Similarly, the study showed that the IT department will increasingly play a role in physical security to influence technology decisions (76%) through the integration of access control within the ecosystem (72%), by implementing access control technology (59%), and through the management of access control systems (39%).

Along with the added responsibility to help implement security solutions alongside IT-related projects, IT leaders are also increasingly responsible for budgeting decisions within physical security. According to the survey, more than 85% of respondents reported that IT was involved in decisions regarding physical access control technology investments. Have you asked the question: Do you know who is in your building? Do you know who is on your network? Do you have the budget to protect it? Can we identify who is on our team?

If you are concerned about physical access in addition to computer and network security at your facility, ADVANTIDGE encourages you to start the conversation with turnkey solutions that typically cost less than $200 per user. Be confident and a plan before you become the next news headline.

Institutions of higher education are seeking reliable, scalable and cost-­effective solutions for producing secure ID badges on-­demand. These credentials come in many forms and can serve multiple purposes – from a simple photo identification (ID) card to smart cards that allow building and network access or cashless vending.

Start with Security.

Security concerns are ever on the rise and today’s college campuses are no exception. Many printing solutions can support a full range of visual and technical security elements that can help ensure that your university’s identities are always secure and tamper-­proof.

Assess Risks. A good place to begin to determine the appropriate level of credential security to implement, is to assess your risks. What would happen if credentials were compromised by counterfeiters and unauthorized parties gained access to the sensitive areas within your organization?

Hardware Security. Next, evaluate solutions that support a variety of security ID technologies. These can range from holographic overlaminates and more complex visual security features on a student or staff badge.

Flexibility. Selecting a secure issuance solution with hardware that can support a broad range of credential security measures ensures that your investment is modular and protected for technologies in the future.

Printer Security. Another often over-­looked aspect of a secure issuance solution is the security of the card printer itself using physical access control, mechanical locks and software to secure functionality. Using smart technologies, access can be limited to onsite only, keys for supplies replenishment plus network controls for driver configuration.

Electronic Security. Finally, electronic security should be in place such that operator access to each printer is controlled via personal identification numbers (PINs), encrypted data and multi factor authentication. Requiring these additional steps for verifying authorized access is essential to protecting the point of issuance for potential identity fraud.

At AdvantIDge, we offer two decades of experience building trust and instilling confidence in many of the most prestigious institutions that demand secure identification solutions that resolve real world issues. Call us at 800-965-5932 or contact us using our online form so an industry expert can answer your questions and get a few answers to be sure we understand your top priorities for security.

Click here for an introduction to our solutions for colleges and universities.

Say goodbye to handwritten tags and stop wasting time printing onto paper and then laminating it! Join thousands of users who already benefit from our solutions: save time by printing attractive price tags on plastic cards in a few seconds. Now more than ever, retail businesses are focused on providing a better experience for their in store customers to win back the explosion of e-commerce sales!

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In today’s world of technology, the need for strong security measures to protect sensitive government data from hackers has never been a higher priority. To address this issue, the Department of Commerce National Institute of Standards and Technology has released NIST Special Publication 800-171, Protecting Controlled Unclassified Information in Non-Federal Information Systems and Organizations. Any contractor to governmental agencies is directly impacted by SP800-171 with the implementation deadline of December 31, 2017.

Implementing the correct security and data protection processes, and deploying security technologies such as Authentication, Privileged Access Management and others has become increasingly complex. We can help manage the complexity of this mandate for you so you can continue to do business with the Government. Our ability to provide a comprehensive solution across different populations within the enterprise ensures organizations realize significant operational cost savings, a simplified user experience for both employees and customers, as well as greatly improved security and compliance.

NIST SP800-171 requirements demand rigorous access control. Non-compliance presents serious consequences for contractors, including legal action by the government and termination as a contractor. One of the most popular solutions includes HID ActivID ActivClient but this is just one piece of the puzzle.

You can request a complete eBook available upon request that focuses on some of the most complicated parts of the mandate – and how multi-factor authentication (MFA) and Privileged Access Management (PAM) offer a comprehensive but cost-effective path to complying with these aspects of NIST SP800-171. Please contact us today for a complete copy of this documentation, attend an informative webinar reviewing these requirements or a request a brief consultation from our experienced team of security experts to be sure you stay compliant.

Traditional RFID cards, referred to as proximity cards, are not as secure as they used to be. Just like with any security technology, they longer they exist, the more that people can learn to get around it. With proximity badges existing for more than 20 years, that’s exactly what has happened. Prox credentials can be read affordable devices and easily duplicated, making it an insecure option to keep your organization secure.

Fortunately, when a large health care organization came to the conclusion that enough was enough, they found that they weren’t alone. One of the world’s leading security experts has developed the next step in access control security, and the team at AdvantIDge was ready to help them take the necessary steps to implement it. The new iCLASS SEOS technology from HID Global offers the same credit card sized credential that can be personalized as a visible ID badge. This contactless smart card offers an additional layer of encryption in the embedded chip that makes duplicating them impossible. Best of all; the new technology has a similar price per card, so keeping your facility secure doesn’t mean paying more for future credentials.

To be read by the same access control system, the new smart cards require a new reader be installed at every door with electronic controls. With over 1,000 doors across multiple campuses, changing out every single required reader was no easy task. Not to mention the 10,000+ cards that would need to be issued to employees and contractors. Fortunately AdvantIDge was able to offer a plan to transition them from the older prox card technology and into the new SEOS seamlessly and safely. HID RP40 readers were configured to read both the old and new technologies simultaneously. This meant the medical organization could begin the process of doing reader replacements as well as issuance of the new card type right away. This allowed them to support both proximity and SEOS badges in the field at the same time. Once the transition was complete, the prox reader portion of the reader can be easily disabled making the new secure iCLASS SEOS badges the only option moving forward.

With an upgrade plan from AdvantIDge, you can secure your campus in addition to control who has access to your facilities, monitor public spaces and protect the most sensitive areas. An access control system should be personalized to your organization’s needs and restrict entry access into specific areas or rooms. Access into high security areas often requires two factor authentication by authorized personnel who carry the appropriate ID card credentials and know a unique piece of data like a PIN. Healthcare security systems can provide video surveillance in parking lots and throughout facility grounds, notification alerts when unauthorized entries or exits to/from buildings are attempted, access control for front doors and protection of patient records or other sensitive data.

Contact AdvantIDge today at [email protected] or call 800-965-5932 to upgrade the RFID technology in your security system to move away from traditional prox cards before you become the next news headline.

Healthcare facilities continue to see an increase in the number of individuals seeking treatment, requiring staff to take on more responsibilities. Every minute that can be saved is crucial and with an effective Single Sign-On solution in place, some healthcare facilities have reported saving as much as 25 hours per week per employee!  With USB prox card readers, you can take advantage of an improved workflow without comprising security.

These benefits don’t just apply to the healthcare industry either. The time spent maintaining any employee check in or visitor management system is money your company can be saving by being sure the process is as efficient and streamlined as possible. That is where our complete line of RFID card readers as well as all of our products for personalized identification and card issuance can help.

Our line of  proximity card readers is highly customizable and offers numerous form factors and configuration options optimized to meet your specific deployment needs. For those looking to maximize their ROI, the pcProx Plus reader offers support for over 45 different credentials including iCLASS and NFC support, along with the full array of customizable options with USB connections.

For specific information please contact our Sales department at [email protected] or call 800-965-5932 for more information on this update, we provide excellent customer service!

With today’s rigorous HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act) compliance requirements, the times when one could walk into a hospital and find patient records in plain view for all to see, are long gone. Many hospitals and healthcare facilities that are compliant are still looking for ways to enhance the security of their records and increase automation using employee ID badges.

AdvantIDge provides a full line of proximity and contactless HIPAA compliant readers to keep organizations on top of their compliance requirements in the digital world. With a combination of hardware and software, these technologies are necessary to meet and enhance HIPAA requirements or improve efficiency without sacrificing security.

The pcProx Sonar is a presence detector that provides an effective, low cost solution that ensures a workstation is locked (or logged-off) every time the user steps away. When paired with one of the suggested readers, an ideal secure access solution is created. The pcProx Nano, pcProx Plus, pcProx Enroll, 82 Series & Playback all have the ability to integrate with software applications that allow for two-factor authentication and reduced processing time in healthcare environments utilizing Single Sign-On (SSO) solutions.

When it comes to the Healthcare industry, any time that can be saved is critical and with an effective Single Sign-On solution in place, some healthcare facilities have reported saving as much as 25 hours per week by automating login with secure ID badge. SSO gives users instant access to their workstations and applications, eliminating additional password sign-on requests, resulting in time savings and improved workflow.

Benefits of SSO include:
-Reducing password fatigue from different user name and password combinations
-Reducing time spent re-entering passwords for the same identity
-Reducing IT costs due to lower number of IT help desk calls about passwords

For Healthcare facilities, SSO technology can simplify the HIPAA compliance process. HIPAA compliance is maintained through SSO by enabling a secure network authentication utilizing employee ID badges. By removing the responsibility of recalling and changing multiple passwords, it increases the effectiveness of the authorized security required for HIPAA compliance.

To learn more about an RFID enabled workplace leveraging your existing employee badges contact us at 800-965-5932 or [email protected] for the following real world applications:

Auto locking workstations
Logging on/off computers
Providing physical entry access
Releasing print jobs
Registering at meetings
Tracking time and attendance
Enabling cafeteria payments
Utilizing mobile authentication

Today, businesses of all sizes choose AdvantIDge because our ID card systems deliver guaranteed reliability with personal attention from qualified account managers. We take pride in our 360 degree approach to complete customer satisfaction while our end-to-end ID card solutions help clients protect physical and intellectual assets in today’s digital age. Whether you issue hundreds or millions of ID badges each year, count on AdvantIDge to help you conduct business productively and efficiently. Contact us today at [email protected] or call 800-965-5932, we provide excellent customer service!

AdvantIDge is ready to fulfill all of your security needs the same day, right away.

As a longtime member of the security industry, AdvantIDge understands you have to be confident that your identification badge needs will be met in your time frame. Sometimes that means being able to react quickly, with the confidence that what your ID badge system is going to be ready and available to work for you. That’s where we come in. We make it our business so things like same day order processing, expedited delivery options, and having the most popular items always in stock are an absolute. That means you can focus on your organization, not ID badge system solutions.

Same Day Order Fulfillment

• Orders processed will get fulfilled and even shipped the same day.

Expedited Delivery

• We have a variety of shipping options available to offer including UPS Overnight and local courier to guarantee it gets there right when you need it. If you happen to be a local customer we even offer the option for will call pickup.

Always in Stock

• Our most popular items and our most popular models, such as full color ribbons from manufacturers such as Fargo, Zebra and Evolis. They are all on the shelf ready to ship.

Latest Cutoff Time in the Industry

• Same day shipping on approved orders all the way until 5pm PST, 8pm EST time; the latest in the industry.

With so many options all designed to guarantee that you get what you need to be successful, there isn’t any reason to look anywhere else. AdvantIDge is dedicated to making sure there are no gaps or letdowns in your “never down” identification security system. Let our dedication to industry expertise and excellent service bring security and efficiency to your organization.

With over 40 years of combined industry experience, Advantidge has been helping institutions around the world create and maintain secure, cost-effective identity management solutions featuring easy-to-use access control systems. As one of the top distributors for the industry’s most respected ID card product manufacturers, Advantidge is committed to ensuring that every client receives the right ID products for their specific needs. Contact us today at [email protected] or call 800-965-5932, we provide excellent customer service!

Schools and Districts

The back to school season is just around the corner, and the time to think about the identification card supplies is now. Get the school staff and students ready for a new academic year with supplies that will keep them safe and organized. AdvantIDge can be your one stop shop for any student ID badging related systems and supplies. We make sure we have the right fit for your school or organization with every part of a complete badge security system ready to serve you.

 Lanyards and Accessories

Custom and stock lanyards are ideal for schools of any level. They help students and staff display their IDs and credentials at all times. Customize your own lanyards and badge clips or choose from stock lanyards and ID badge holders in popular school colors. A variety of styles available to choose from.

 ID Cards & Wearables

PVC ID badges, smart cards and proximity cards as part of an access control system are ideal for granting access to staff. Or opt for UBand, a convenient, wearable credential.

 Printers and Supplies

Upgrade your visitor access program with a new PVC ID card printing system or stock up your supply rooms with printer ribbons, cleaning supplies and a variety of different card stocks.

 Visitor Management

Schools and organizations can increase security by issuing expiring paper badges to all school guests. We offer a wide variety of solutions perfect for schools seeking an easy to use access system to keep campuses and school grounds safe.

With so many options available, building a complete solution can be a complicated task. The team at AdvantIDge is made up of industry experts ready to help find the right fit for any badging security need your organization might find. Whether it is a complete solution or just one part, we stand ready to help you make the right choice for your organization.

With over 40 years of combined industry experience, Advantidge has been helping institutions around the world create secure, cost-effective identity management solutions featuring easy-to-use access control systems. As one of the top distributors for the industry’s most respected ID card product manufacturers, Advantidge is committed to ensuring that every client receives the right ID products for their specific needs. Contact us today at [email protected] or call 800-965-5932, we provide excellent customer service!

OSHA publishes many reports which often include recommended guidelines designed to increase workplace safety. While these recommendations aren’t official OSHA “regulations”, they are helpful suggestions for healthcare organizations of all kinds.

The following recommendations have previously been shared by The Joint Commission, showing just how important the healthcare industry considers them to be.

OSHA’s guidelines include:

• Specific sign-in/sign-out procedures for all traveling workers, contractors and other temporary employees
• Record data for all visiting employees using visitor management software, including name, patients seen, duration of visit, contact number, license plate info and more
• Institute sign-in procedures and issue visitor passes to better track guests
• Enforce visitor hours and procedures for all hospital guests
• Establish a list of restricted visitors, including those with a history of violence
• Provide staff with employee badges, preferably without last names

The easiest way to get your facility in line with the OSHA guidelines mentioned above is to implement a visitor management system at your site.

“Visitor management” refers to the process of registering and monitoring guests at your site. Visitor management solutions range from simple sign-in books left at an unattended front desk (not recommended) to comprehensive software systems that require a visitor to scan a driver’s license or ID card for entry.

Visitor management is a crucial part of almost every business where there is confidential data, but is of extraordinary relevance and importance in the healthcare market. A successful visitor management program helps increase security across your site, from employees down to guests.

AdvantIDge offers a wide variety of card printer systems, and other visitor management devices, to fill any of your asset tracking, visitor management, or identification card needs. From card printers and supplies for issuance, through to badge clips and other peripherals, we strive to put them into your users hands. With more than 40 years of combined industry experience, we’re ready to help you achieve your identification goals. For specific information please contact our sales department at [email protected] or call 800-965-5932 for more information on this update– we provide excellent customer service!