Because of the reasonableness of the price of current id card printer systems and supplies, many businesses are contemplating making their employee badges inhouse rather than outsourcing the job to a custom id badge service bureau.

 There are many advantages of having the card printer system in house. The best reason found so far is that their is no time delay in making an id badge for a new employee or replacing a badge that has been lost.  

Other advantages include the ability to have control over the database of employees.  An updated database can be used to assist in other activities of the business.  The in house printer also allows for the opportunity to design an unlimited number of badge designs for various security reasons of the organization.  The data entry employee may have a different looking badge that exectutive management badges.

Disadvantages may include the technical support needed to keep the printer running smoothly.  Although the printers today are fairly self sufficient, a technical difficulty with a printer just a few years old may not be possible.  Printer models are updated frequently and technical support for older models are phased out quite rapidly.

 It is important to think carefully about the best option--so that the controversy doesn't cause conflict in your organization.