FAQ: What is online card verification?

Online card verification allows you to validate ID badges from a smartphone by scanning a QR code. A QR code is a two-dimensional barcode that enables smartphones and other computing devices to register data.

The primary benefit to printing QR codes onto ID badges is that it allows public authorities, school administrators and other personnel to determine whether a person’s card is up to date. For example, when a former university student tries to use his or her ID to board a campus shuttle with an old card, the bus driver’s reader will recognise the badge as outdated.

The technology behind QR scanning 

Smartphones register data on QR codes through a process known as mobile tagging. After opening a QR code reader app, a person can hold the device’s camera up to the code. The reader processes the information and may bring up a call-to-action, video, written message or other content.

In short, QR codes are a quick way to receive information, sometimes in the form of advertisements. Every time a person scans a QR code, the company that distributed the code can see when and where the scan occurred. The technology also registers the smartphone’s operating system (iOS, Android or Windows).

QR codes and ID badges 

Suppose Student A pays Student B to take an exam on his or her behalf. Student B puts his photograph on Student A’s ID badge in an attempt to dupe the professor.

However, when Student B presents the forged ID card to the professor, he or she uses a smartphone QR scanner, showing Student A’s picture and other information. It’s a great way to ensure students are following the rules, and makes forgery impractical for any malcontents.

If you want to produce ID cards with QR codes, all you have to do is select the right ID badge printer. To help you make your choice, you can speak with a PPC salesperson.