Smartcard Store round-up: Top 5 developments of 2020

By on December 8th, 2020 in SCS News

2020 has certainly proved an interesting and challenging one here at The Smartcard Store. It’s been defined by unprecedented events that have changed the way we live and the way we work.

We’ve been busy adapting our products and ensuring our customers are able to return to the workplace safely and adapt to the new normal. In fact, so much has happened, we thought we’d pick out 5 key things that have developed in 2020 and demonstrate how we’re prepared to meet your access control and identification needs in 2021 and beyond.

Let’s get to it.


1. We’ve introduced a host of new products

Keeping businesses open and employees safe has been our top priority in 2020. As you can imagine, the products that are needed for such a task are numerous and don’t particularly fit in with more traditional access control products. So, earlier this year we introduced an entirely new section to our website: Covid-19 supplies.

Temperature screening kiosk

In this section of our website, you’ll find PPE equipment, hand sanitiser and a number of new and innovative products such as a door opening anti-microbial card holder and a temperature screening kiosk.

Those are two items that have proved extremely popular with Smartcard Store customers in 2020, and we expect demand to continue well into 2021.


2. There’s more printer choice than ever before

Despite the challenges posed by the unprecedented pandemic, we didn’t forget what our customers need most: secure access control. To print onto access control cards, you’ll need a printer that’s capable of the job. Until recently, that meant opting for a retransfer ID card printer. Now, however, there’s another option: Say hello to the revolutionary Fargo INK1000.

HID FARGO 1000banner

It’s the first printer of its kind and uses inkjet technology (just like a regular desktop printer) to print highly detailed and hard-wearing ID onto access control cards. The best bit? It’s much more affordable to purchase than some retransfer models. What’s more, a simple snap-in cartridge design means it’s easy to use too.

We expect this product will be flying out our warehouse next year. In fact, the rush has already begun.


3. We’re still determined to use environmentally friendly products

Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do and, if you work for a larger organisation, we’re sure it’ll be high on your agenda too. The result is in 2020 we sold more eco-focused products than ever before, turning our attention to a range of new composite materials for ID cards. Our recycled PVC cards are available now, and they are beneficial in two ways.

Firstly, they remove existing plastic from the waste stream during their production process, ensuring these don’t end up in our landfills and oceans. Secondly, they are completely recyclable at the end of life, making sure we reduce our impact on the environment further.

Costing just £1 more than traditional PVC cards, we think the benefit outweighs the extra costs, and it seems our customers agree. Combined with our recycled rPET lanyard printing service and partnership with Magicard’s One Tree Planted scheme, 2021 is certainly looking bright from a sustainable perspective. For more information on creating an eco-friendly ID issuance system, check out our sustainable ID products guide.


4. We’ve got bundles specifically for keyworkers

We thought during the pandemic that it’s really important we get keyworkers exactly what they want for the lowest possible outlay. Thanks to being a Magicard Approved partner, we’ve done just that. Our keyworker bundles are still available and contain everything you need to print quality identification quickly and efficiently.

We started offering this after numerous calls from keyworkers who were looking to create new and improved access control policies to keep their workplaces safe and secure.


5. We’ve launched our hub

Smartcard Store hub

Finally, you may have noticed you’re reading this on Smartcard Store’s new knowledge hub. We launched it earlier this year before we got busy meeting the demands of our customers during lockdown, but you’ll still find plenty of useful information on it.

This includes technical support for our major printers and software, advice on ordering products in our guides section and of course our blogs. Here’s one we wrote earlier this year about why it’s imperative to consider upgrading your access control in 2020.


We’ll have lots more content heading your way in the New Year. Until then, we’ll wish you a safe and Merry Christmas and the very best for a (hopefully more normal) 2021. If you need to place any essential orders before the festive period, our Christmas opening hours are below.

xmas hours SCS-100

 

 

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