DataCard CD Series, Installation And Manual

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SD/CD Installation and Administrator’s Guide 21
Test Bar Codes
Always test the readability of bar codes under production conditions. Factors to
consider include:
•
If you print cards one at a time, print the samples using that method. If you
print cards in batch (many cards sent to the printer at the same time), use a
production ‐ sized batch and evaluate cards from the beginning, middle, and
end of the batch.
•
Use exactly the same cardstock for testing that you use for production. The
cardstock can affect the readability of bar codes. Usually, a white surface that
reflects light in many directions is needed. Test cards before purchasing
production quantities.
•
Include other card design components that you use in production, such as
topcoat.
•
Use the same bar code readers as users have, and test each card multiple
times to simulate any wear the card might experience. Also test multiple
cards.
Card Design Changes That Affect Bar Codes
If you make substantial changes to the way you produce cards, review setup tasks
to make sure that cards continue to have the quality you require.
Substantial changes that can affect bar codes include:
•
Changing from batch processing to issuing single cards (or changing from
issuing single cards to batch processing). Check for differences in K printing
and full ‐ color printing.
•
Purchasing a new brand of unprinted cards, which can change the color of
some images.
•
Changing to or from preprinted cards, which can change the color of some
images.
•
Moving the card printer to a new location, where environmental changes such
as amount of light or relative humidity can affect images, supplies, or printer
operation.
If you change the design of your cards, or if you start producing an additional card
design, review setup tasks to make sure that each design prints as required. Test
new card designs as described in this guide. You might identify changes to your
process to support production of more than one design.