Background
A west coast county Sheriff’s department had been relying on a legacy Datacard SD460 card printer for years after the manufacturer had discontinued the equipment. This was paired with EpiSuite ID production software for producing a variety of ID badges needed at the law enforcement agency. However, a recent upgrade to Windows 11 computers rendered their existing setup incompatible. Seeking a modern solution that would not disrupt their current processes, their security team sought out a regional expert and was referred to ADVANTIDGE for assistance.
Challenges
The primary challenge was to find a replacement system that maintained continuity with the existing technology to minimize the learning curve for personnel. The Sheriff’s Department needed a solution that offered:
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- Compatibility with existing database and network environment
- Similar operational features and touch points to the legacy system
- Enhanced durability for employee ID cards with low turnover and needing to last up to five years
- Reliable support for installation and ongoing maintenance
Solution
Consultative Approach
ADVANTIDGE engaged in a thorough consultative process to understand the specific needs and concerns of the Sheriff’s Department. After reviewing multiple technologies, it became clear that the department preferred to stay within the same brand to ensure familiarity and ease of transition. Given that Entrust had acquired Datacard a few years earlier, we recommended the Entrust Sigma DS2 card printer with a stacked lamination module that could apply a protective layer on top of printed badges.
Sigma DS2 Card Printer
The Sigma DS2 card printer offered a similar design to the old SD460 but with modern features that met the department’s needs:
- Enhanced durability for employee ID cards with lamination from DuraGard laminate
- An updated and user-friendly interface that includes printer manager via cloud based app
- Advanced security features including compatibility with a zero trust environment
With an upgraded YMCKT ribbon, the department can connect to the cloud with IIDaaS, click here to learn more
Instant ID Software
To replace the outdated EpiSuite ID production software, ADVANTIDGE suggested Instant ID software, which featured a familiar layout and intuitive tools for card template design and data entry. This software ensured a smooth transition for the department’s personnel who navigate the software on a daily basis.
Gold Support Plan
Recognizing the Sheriff’s Department’s limited IT bandwidth, ADVANTIDGE included the Gold Support Plan, providing priority access to technical support. This plan ensured that any issues encountered would be promptly addressed, instilling confidence in the department.
Implementation
After six months of consideration and budget committee meetings, the Sheriff prioritized the system upgrade. Within a month of approval, all components were delivered, and the admin team began installation on the new computer.
Installation and Troubleshooting
During the setup of the Instant ID software, the admin team faced challenges with the activation process, which required Entrust’s two-factor authentication to secure the connection between the end user’s computer and the server. ADVANTIDGE’s tech team coordinated with factory support to provide:
- Step-by-step instructions from the user guide.
- Specific training videos from the Entrust library.
These resources enabled the admin team to successfully activate the software and complete the installation.
Additional Uses
With the upgraded ID card system, the Sheriff’s Department can now consider additional applications, such as:
- Printing Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) licenses.
- Issuing ID badges for retired personnel and volunteer staff.
We are grateful for the opportunity to serve those who protect local communities, learn more about our law enforcement solutions
Conclusion
Since 2001, ADVANTIDGE has been a trusted partner for municipal governments and law enforcement agencies, offering secure ID issuance, visitor management solutions, and physical access control systems. By providing prompt expertise and comprehensive support, ADVANTIDGE ensured a seamless upgrade for the County Sheriff’s Department, enhancing their employee identification and security measures. The successful implementation of the Sigma DS2 card printer and Instant ID software has instilled peace of mind and confidence in the department’s ID badge printing capabilities.
