As technology continues to evolve, organizations are in search of additional ways to securely verify the identity of their employees and control access to their facilities and resources. And they want to do so in a convenient and efficient manner.
Enter Mobile ID Credentials. Mobile IDs are digital versions of physical identification cards, and they are becoming increasingly popular as they offer a range of benefits over traditional ID cards. By storing digital credentials on a smartphone, individuals can quickly and securely prove their identity when gaining access to restricted areas or sensitive data. Even though physical ID cards are a critical way to identify employees, mobile credentials are an option to use in addition to cards for certain groups. Depending on the organization’s goals, this technology may also minimize the need for physical cards that can be lost, stolen, or damaged, reducing costs associated with printing and replacement. In addition, mobile ID credentials enable organizations to maintain better control over access to their facilities and provide a more seamless user experience for employees, leading to increased productivity and efficiency.
Not sure where to start? Here are recommended steps for an organization to take when considering moving to mobile credentials:
1. Understand your current situation
It is essential to understand your environment holistically. Where does your organization stand with its current ID card program?
- Create a document that outlines where your cards are used today.
- Note the systems that are leveraging the technology.
- Identify where you’ll need hardware to read the NFC or Bluetooth credential from the mobile phone.
- Examine the current situation as it relates to personnel.
- Do you have the resources to make a migration to mobile credentials possible? It will entail long hours and dedicated effort from your IT department, as well as your ID card office team and its leadership. You’ll want to ensure that it is a priority for everyone who needs to be involved to ensure that they are able to dedicate the time and resources necessary.
2. Evaluate mobile credential technology options
Your vendor choice may mandate some things for you, but similarly, your technology decisions could influence which vendors you choose as partners.
There are two distinct ways to get credential information, such as the ID number, from the mobile phone to the reader.
- Near Field Communication (NFC) and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) are both wireless communication standards that transmit data through the air.
- NFC is more commonly used in the higher education market. It transmits over a shorter distance than Bluetooth, which is a benefit as it keeps the data within inches of the reader. It is also considered by many to be more secure. NFC also provides greater interoperability with other systems now and in the future, whereas BLE is used solely for access.
Because safety is the most crucial function of an organization, talking to access control providers is generally where to start with this process.
3. Get executive buy-in from the necessary stakeholders in the organization
You need executive-level buy-in for a project to succeed in most organizations. With a major technology initiative like mobile credentials – one that requires major commitment, staffing, and financial resources – buy-in is imperative.
- Start with forward-thinking colleagues in IT, security, HR, and high-level administration.
- Get support from within the various departments (it can be easier to get the okay from the department heads and other decision-makers).
4. Determine the business model for your program
Operating a mobile credential program is like running a business. They need to run efficiently and within budget. You will also need funding to procure infrastructure and build the program.
5. Create your launch plan
A well-thought-out launch plan is key to keeping things smooth in these final stages.
- Establish a realistic launch date. It is not realistic to pull off a project of this magnitude over weeks or months Take your time and do it right.
- Provide mobile credentials to employees. The more you can issue ahead of time, the smoother the first days of the launch will be.
- Test, retest, and test again. This includes all parts of your ecosystem. Look back at your initial outline of all the areas using your credential and let it guide your testing.
- Put a comprehensive plan in place to make sure your employees or users know what is happening and why they should participate.
- Manage expectations surrounding the launch. Participation levels may not be where you want them to be on day one, but with continued effort, you will get there. Ensure that other stakeholders understand that the migration can be a slow roll, so don’t expect 100% enrollment on day one.
Once you have gone through this step-by-step process, IDentiphoto offers several solutions, including Card Exchange Cloud and HID SEOS technology. Card Exchange Cloud is an ID Management Software that allows for the option of mobile credentials, and HID SEOS is a technology card that has an option on mobile devices.
Not sure where to begin? We highly recommend working with one of our experts to determine what solutions best fit your business needs.
IDentiphoto is a full-service dealer that can provide all the components you need to set up or maintain your ID program. If you are not familiar with the ID production process, you will need ID Personalization Software, an ID Badge Printer, Printer Ribbon, ID Cards to print on, and a Photo Capture Device if you plan to include pictures on your badges to get started.
