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| What do the words convenience, safety, accountability and manageability
have in common with the words "card access"? Plenty. For many years now,
universities and colleges across the country have had, or are in the process of
developing, a one-card concept for their ID programs. Some security access systems have
been in existence at hotels, motels and some college campuses even longer. In the past few
years, these two uses of cards are being used as "one" at more and more
locations of higher learning. Many schools today are seeing the benefits of having this type of program. We all know how easy it is to use a card at secured locations such as rooms, computer labs, or other secured access points. Why not take it a step further by allowing our clients (students, faculty/staff and even the general public) to use the one-card concept to purchase merchandise or services from our institutions, while still using their card to gain access to facilities. It has proven to be not only convenient, but a marketable product as well. In implementing a one-card program on our campus, there were several factors that were considered. As with any new program or idea, goals and purposes had to be set to insure that project direction would be achieved. Our initial goals/purposes and the reasoning behind them were: 1. Convenience: The convenience of having only one card that does a variety of things both on and off campus will allow you to maintain a higher standard of customer service. Keeping your customers happy will keep them coming back to use your services and facilities. 2. Safety: Students, faculty & staff will not have to carry cash or write as many checks. There will be less chance of someone using one of their lost or stolen cards. Keeping up with one card is easier than keeping up with three or four cards. 3. Marketing: You will be able to market your ID card program as a whole rather than in pieces. One overall campaign from one office will go along way in helping promote the total card usage. 4. Manageability: With a one-card campus, you will be able to manage all of your assets and programs with greater ease. You won't have to be depending on someone else in another office to get you the report that you needed yesterday. You will have better control over the entire campus ID program. Of course, with this control comes accountability for the success or failure of the program. But wouldn't you rather have control over your destiny than to let someone else control it. 5. Accountability: We all hear about it everyday. What kind of records are you keeping to back up what you are doing? Does the money balance out every day? Did the student enter a location he/she should not have? With a one-card campus concept, all of these questions can be answered, and you do have the ability to back up your words with documentation. 6. Operational: By having a one-card concept, it means less people are involved from around the campus in ensuring the success of the program. It's easier for one office to handle all or many of the aspects of a one-card program. Students will know where they have to go if they have a problem with their card, which keeps them from guessing which office handles what problem. 7. Statistical: I believe in keeping up with four of the five w's as it relates to marketing. With a one card concept, I can tell you WHAT facilities or programs were used by WHO, WHEN they were used and WHERE they spend their money. Hopefully I can take these four w's and tell you WHY college students do the things they do as it relates to a one-card program. 8. Access: The ability to use this one card to allow controlled access into residence halls, computer labs and other key locations will help you by allowing only those students who are designated for that hall or computer lab to gain access. Again, the students only have to carry one card that does all of this. 9. Public Relations: With a good one-campus card program, comes recognition from not only your students, but also from your administration and community. Although it is not the only reason to have a successful program, public relations will go a long way in achieving your goals and objectives. 10. Profit: Another key word as it relates to the one-card concept is "profit." Do you really want to or have to make a profit with your card system? In some cases it is expected from your operation. There are a few ways to generate revenue (replacement cards, off-campus commissions, handling fees), but not many ways to probably generate much of a profit, if any. What is the real purpose of your one-card program? I believe it is to provide customer services to your students, faculty and staff. If by some chance you generate a profit, then great! Types of Card Uses  Access control using
off-line and on-line card readers
ID verification for events Debit card services at
the University Store, Concessions, Textbook Center, Campus Vending, Washer/Dryer, Post
Office, University Business Office Payments, Banking, Off-campus Purchases
Other services including Class Attendance, Calling Card, Convocation AttendanceWho knows what the future will bring concerning the possibilities of card uses on campuses across the country? If college campuses are looking for ways to cut down on some expenses, increase sales and at the same time, provide good customer service relations to their clients, then a one-card concept will go a long way in achieving this. For PERSONA™ Quarterly editorial information, please contact us at persona@vingcard-usa.com
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