February 2022

Hosting a conference, webinar or event is a tried-and-tested means of building relationships and forging new partnerships. But there’s a lot more to this type of networking than meets the eye, so a strategic approach is needed to ensure that all your hard work pays off.

If you’re using a conference as a platform to reach out to potential partners and backers, there are several things you can do pre- and post-event to engage them. From leveraging data to handing out electronic event passes, it’s important that you use your event to gather data and make connections with those you’re hoping to work with in the future.

In this guide, we’re offering tips on how to engage conference guests post-event, so you can build meaningful relationships and drive your enterprise forward.

Quick Links

• Technology and Data
• Surveys, Feedback and Delegate Profiles
• Additional Tips and Advice

Technology and Data

Advances in delegate tracking and data capture enable conference organisers to accrue invaluable insights about their guests and attendees. Information gathering is critical to post-event engagement, so it’s important that you leverage the appropriate tools to discover your guests’ wants, interests and focus points in greater depth.

So, what kind of technologies and data-gathering tools should you use as part of your upcoming corporate event? Let’s take a look.

Electronic Event Cards

Depending on the size and scope of your corporate event, as well as the type of venue, electronic event cards are a great addition to your operations. Issued to all attendees ahead of the event, they offer a range of benefits – not least the possibility of capturing data which can later be used for remarketing and engaging with select guests.

Event cards are a multipurpose asset that will serve both you and your attendees well throughout the event and beyond. Not only do they help to keep your conference safe and secure, they also offer streamlined access for delegates throughout the day, as well as an efficient means of identification.

If you choose electronic event cards with integrated RFID technology, you can leverage the latest targeting and data capture software to gather invaluable insights. Connected to a central database, such technology allows you to segment and track attendees, with a view to target them with follow-ups and remarketing proposals after the event.

Click hereEvent Cards to learn more about the potential of using event cards as part of your upcoming conference.

Develop a Post-Event Thank You Pack

If you want to engage delegates post-event, Swype Plus is an effective way to amplify your brand and build relationships with valued partners. Our 360 card service provides print, packing and mailing options, all designed to reduce admin while ensuring that your guests feel valued and supported after the conference.

Why not create a thank you pack that demonstrates your gratitude while providing delegates with important follow-up information and guidance? With the help of Swype Plus, you can create a professional post-event pack that we will produce and mail on your behalf, so you can leave delegates with a truly positive impression of your brand.

Surveys, Feedback and Delegate Profiles

Following up with delegates after your event is one of the most important things you can do. Why? Not only does it provide useful points for improvement, but it’s a natural way to maintain contact and learn more about what your attendees want – and how you could help them in the future.

Here are some essential tips for using surveys and feedback forms after your conference, as well as some ideas on what to do with the data you gather.

Polls, Surveys and Feedback Forms

Post-conference surveys are a must for any corporate event, and the good thing is, most attendees will be willing to respond. That gives you the perfect opportunity to gather more data from key respondents, as well as essential feedback that can help you improve the content of future events.

When sharing surveys with guests, timing is crucial. Too early and you risk oversaturating them, too late and they may forget the good and bad from the day. Allow enough time for them to digest the event and send any follow-up questions; three to five days after the conference is a good ballpark to aim for.

Attendee Profiles and Responses

When you’ve collated attendee feedback, you need to put it to good use. Here is where a dedicated events management system can come in handy, helping you to segment individual feedback into distinct attendee profiles, which you and your team can use for future remarketing and engagement activity.

Creating attendee profiles from feedback data is a great way to highlight the individuals that you should look to continue conversations with going forward. Incorporating pre- and post-conference insights, these profiles can help you spot opportunities for future remarketing, giving you a complete picture of what your audience wants and what they’re looking for from your organisation.

Additional Tips and Advice

Looking for more ways to keep guests engaged after your conference has ended? Here are some practical tips for moving conversations forward and building on earlier successes.

• Publish your event content – whether via a blog, newsletter, standalone portal, or podcast, publishing your event content is essential for driving engagement and encouraging conversations.
• Actively listen to attendee feedback – feedback isn’t just about gathering data from delegates; it’s a way to improve your offering and refine other processes, such as customer service and order fulfilment. A proactive approach is great for engaging with your audiences after the event, so be sure to respond to all feedback and take comments on board.
• Lean on social media for networking opportunities – armed with your delegate profiles and contact information, social media is the best tool for post-conference networking, particularly platforms like LinkedIn. Here, you can connect with attendees, share content, and request feedback, ensuring that conversations continue long after your event has concluded.
• Create a loyalty scheme to encourage future engagement and attendance – utilising loyalty cards, why not create a programme that rewards delegates for their attendance, input and engagement with future events and conferences? Offering a loyalty scheme is a great way to build lasting relationships and retain the interest of valued parties.

We hope this guide has inspired you to think outside the box when it comes to engaging attendees after your next conference. For more guides and advice, be sure to check out the full Swype blog and newsfeed. If you’d like to learn about our range of professional card printing services, including electronic events cards, visit the homepage or call us on 01744 815 475.

As the world continues to reopen, many are heading back to the office for the first time in months. But what can businesses and individuals do to reduce the spread of germs and bacteria when they’re back in the workplace?

To help keep your office as safe, hygienic, and germ-free as possible, we’ve put together a guide to 10 practical ways to reduce bacterial spread in the workplace. Let’s get started.

1. Invest in a contactless key card entry system

Businesses should try to limit the need for physical contact in communal settings where appropriate, and this extends to access and entry points. A new contactless key card entry system removes the need for contact between personnel and points of entry, limiting the spread of germs and bacteria. There are other benefits to such a system when returning to the office, too, not least improved security and employee safety.

2. Apply an antimicrobial coating to employee access cards

To further optimise safety and hygiene, we’d recommend having an antimicrobial coating applied to all employee access cards. Such technology inhibits the spread and growth of germs, so even when cards do pick up bacteria, it’s unlikely they’ll be passed on. Providing protection against up to 99% of harmful germs and bacteria, it’s a worthwhile investment if you value optimal staff hygiene in the workplace. Click here to learn more about how antimicrobial cards work and their benefits.

3. Reconfigure your office layout

How can your office be better optimised to stop germs spreading as freely? While social distancing is no longer a prerequisite of the workplace, it’s worth holding on to some of its guiding principles. Even moving desks a couple of metres apart can help to curb the spread of germs and bacteria.

4. Assess your airflow

What measures do you currently implement to manage and circulate airflow through your premises? Any improvements you can make in this regard will be hugely beneficial in helping to curb germ spread. Work closely with your building manager to maximise airflow and be sure to open windows whenever possible to encourage circulation.

5. Allow flexible or staggered working

If you’re particularly concerned about the spread of harmful bacteria in the workplace, consider updating your practices to allow for flexible working or staggered start times. While the government has encouraged everyone to return to the office, there are ways to ensure this is a comfortable transition for everyone. Talk to your people, listen to their concerns, and introduce measures that safeguard employee welfare.

6. Create a cloakroom for bags, coats, and other non-essential items

Any items or clothing your employees bring into the workplace have the potential to carry harmful germs and bacteria. So, rather than allowing coats to be hung on the back of chairs and bags to be slung under desks, consider creating a cloakroom where these items can be stored safely. This reduces the risk of bacterial spread, minimising the number of germs allowed to enter the main work floor.

7. Redefine your employee illness policy

There was a time when workers would have ventured into the office with a cough or cold, but in the “new normal” when many people can work just as effectively from home, it’s not worth the headache. Make sure your company culture reflects any change in policy and be clear to staff about your expectations.

8. Think carefully about the necessity of face-to-face meetings

While there’s no question a return to the office is good news for collaboration, meetings for meeting’s sake should be discouraged, particularly in small spaces with multiple delegates. When meetings are required, limit them to key personnel only and follow good hygiene practices (opening windows, using hand sanitiser, etc.) to reduce bacterial spread.

9. Reduce hot-desking and equipment sharing

Before the pandemic, many organisations operated on a flexible hot-desking and equipment sharing basis. But in order to combat the spread of germs, try to limit employee movement between departments where possible. Reducing instances where employees need to share equipment is also important, so this may require an audit of existing processes and workflows.

10. Educate and encourage employees to adhere to hygiene best practices

With an at-capacity workplace for the first time in months, you may need to reinforce existing and new rules on hygiene and cleanliness, particularly for staff who started during the pandemic. A few well-placed signs around the workplace can remind personnel of the importance of upholding hygiene standards.

At Swype, we specialise in card production for businesses and organisations, bringing brands the latest technologies and systems for safeguarding their operations. To learn more about our services, including our contactless key card printing and antimicrobial cards, visit the homepage or call us on 01744 815475.

With growing public awareness of the climate change threat, companies big and small are adopting new practices to reduce their environmental impact. Obtaining ISO 14000 certification is among the most effective ways a company can prove its eco-credentials, but what does this involve? And what benefits does it offer?

From simple changes to transformational ones, there are many ways an organisation can improve its environmental standing. ISO 14000 provides a standardised approach, helping businesses make a tangible impact while improving their reputation for adopting socially conscious working practices.

Are you looking to learn more about ISO 14000 but aren’t sure where to start? Our guide can help. We’ll answer the key questions on ISO 14000 standards, so you can get up to speed and decide if it’s the right approach for you.

In the guide, you’ll learn…

• What is ISO 14000?
• How Can ISO 14000 Certification Benefit Your Business?
• What Are the Requirements of ISO 14000?
• How Do You Become ISO 14000 Certified?

What is ISO 14000?

ISO 14000 is a set of standards designed to help businesses reduce their environmental impact. It was introduced by the International Organisation for Standardisation in 1996, and is reviewed periodically to reflect changing practices, conditions, and priorities.

Unlike other environmental standards, adopting ISO 14000 isn’t mandatory. Instead, companies are encouraged to commit to the regulations of their own free will – demonstrating a greater commitment to environmental causes than compulsory legislation.

The standards associated with ISO 14000 are far-reaching, offering guidance on everything from managerial practice to the responsible sourcing of raw materials. One of the core facets of the standard is ISO 14001, which details how a business should implement an environmental management system.

What is an environmental management system? Essentially, it’s a group of software-driven processes that help businesses track, monitor, enforce and refine their environmental policies.

Utilising an EMS, businesses may find it easier to comply with environmental legislation, with accurate management and reporting. Such software can also make it easier to achieve ISO 14000 accreditation, ensuring that ISO auditors have ready access to the required data and metrics.

How Can ISO 14000 Certification Benefit Your Business?

Though costly and resource-intensive, achieving ISO 14000 certification can be of huge benefit. Let’s take a closer look at the positives associated with this environment-first initiative.

• Tangible impact – ISO 14000 was developed by some of the world’s foremost climate scientists, so you can trust that your actions will bring positive outcomes. This makes it ideal for organisations that have pledged to operate within robust environmental parameters, or those that must meet tight climate regulations imposed by local government.
• Effective marketing tool – growing public awareness of climate issues has led many brands to refine their environmental and sustainability practices. Now, ‘green’ companies are viewed more favourably by many consumers, with ISO 14000 becoming the ultimate seal of approval for brands looking to leverage their environmental ethos for commercial gain.
• Supports ESG strategy – ESG (environmental, social and governance) has become hugely popular in recent times. It’s something many investors look for from prospective assets, and much of it is centred around environmental action. ISO 14000 can support a brand’s ESG strategy, with the potential to help them secure financial backing from climate-conscious investors.
• New business opportunities – such is the prevalence of ISO 14000 certification that many companies only work with suppliers and partners that adhere to the standards.
• Higher revenue for more environmentally friendly goods – history tells us that consumers are willing to pay more for goods that are ethically sourced and responsibly manufactured.

What Are the Requirements of ISO 14000?

The standards associated with ISO 14000 cover a full operational infrastructure, from business management processes and product manufacturing to logistics and waste disposal. This far-reaching framework is designed to ensure every area of a business is optimised with environmental best practice in mind.

One of the key requirements of committing to ISO 14000 is the adoption of an environmental management system. Covered as part of the framework’s ISO 14001 module, an EMA is intended to formalise a business’ environmental activity, allowing them to monitor, review and oversee progress and targets.

And this is the point where things become more complex – and expensive. Even for SMEs, investing in an EMA system can be exorbitantly costly, as well as being highly labour and resource intensive. But with pressure mounting on brands to take a more proactive approach to sustainability, and with the above benefits in mind, the cost of adopting an EMA system to commit to ISO 14000 standards could pay dividends in the long term.

How Do You Become ISO 14000 Certified?

The road to becoming ISO 14000 certified is long, with most companies spending several years refining their operations and culture to meet the stringent framework. But with that said, it’s by no means impossible, and as environmental legislation is likely to tighten in the future, it’s never too early to start working towards full ISO 14000 accreditation.

To get certified, you need to satisfy an accredited ISO auditor. They’ll attend your place of business, run a fine-tooth comb through your operations, to verify that all the requirements of 14000 are met.

Time, money, and resources may be your most valuable assets, but they’re well spent if ISO 14000 accreditation puts your business in a stronger commercial position going forward. Remember, climate change isn’t going away, so making positive steps towards becoming more environmentally sustainable now could save you a real battle in the long term.

Take a Small Step Towards ISO 14000 Accreditation with Eco-Friendly Plastic Cards

When it comes to environmental action, even the smallest changes can make a difference. Take our eco-friendly plastic cards, for example.

Made from 100% degradable and recyclable materials, they’re a simple swap you can make right now that will make a positive contribution in the future. So, no matter what stage your business is at in preparing for the green revolution, small changes lead to positive change.

Not quite ready to embrace recyclable eucalyptus business cards just yet? Don’t worry. When you choose to buy from Swype, you can be confident you’re dealing with a reputable seller that practices what they preach when it comes to environmental action.

As part of our Green Process, we’re committed to:

• Recycle – We recycle or reuse all waste wherever possible
• Zero Landfill – Working within the ‘Zero PVC To Landfill’ remit, all our waste is responsibly disposed
• Carbon Capture – Swype is a member of the Woodland Trust Carbon Capture scheme

Have you enjoyed this feature? For more guides, news, and tips, click here for further insights from the Swype team. Alternatively, if you’d like to learn about our range of professional card printing services, visit the homepage or give us a call on 01744 604463.

Technology, equipment, and intellectual property worth billions are currently holed up in offices across the UK, often insufficiently protected and monitored. At a time when workplaces are often understaffed or sitting empty, business owners need systems in place to keep offices protected.  

Thousands of businesses trust in RFID technology to enhance security and provide seamless access throughout their premises. But what is an RFID card? How does it work? And what can it offer your organisation?

In this guide, we’re covering everything you need to know about RFID cards, highlighting their benefits, features and personalisation options.

This guide will answer…

• What Does RFID Mean and How Does it Work?
• What Are the Benefits of RFID Cards?
• Should You Buy RFID Cards?
• Can You Personalise RFID Cards?

What Does RFID Mean and How Does it Work?

RFID stands for “radio-frequency identification”. It’s used to store and capture digital code on small RFID chips, tags, and labels, which are then transmitted to a receiver via radio waves.

RFID technology allows businesses to encode data on small chips attached to a plastic card. This can then be used for access purposes, with the card transmitting identification data to an external receiver.

Much like how barcodes work in a shop, RFID cards are connected to a central database that houses information about employees, customers, or members. This improves authentication, identification, and security, showing you who has accessed what and when.

What Are the Benefits of RFID Cards?

Those considering investing in RFID technology will want to know exactly what they’re getting for their money. So, to help you get to grips with what to expect, here are some of the key benefits that RFID cards can bring to your organisation.

• Improved security – RFID systems store employee-specific information in a central database, which greatly improves security, identification, and verification. Such technology also serves as an effective physical barrier, with limited override or cheat options for would-be criminals to exploit.
• Enhanced access – RFID cards simplify accessing premises, equipment, and systems. Users simply hold the card near the receiver to gain entry, so they’re an intuitive access control that doesn’t require forgettable codes or physical keys.
• More hygienic – because there’s no physical contact between an RFID card and its receiver, this reduces the spread of germs at access points around your business; a huge benefit given the current climate.

• Secure data – RFID technology is among the securest ways to safeguard employee, member, and customer data. With personal data stored in a central system, information is kept safe and secure, but with the option to amend and review details as needed.
• Inexpensive – given its prevalence, RFID technology is a relatively inexpensive access solution. Certainly, the initial purchase of receivers and software can present an outlay, but the low cost of printing new and replacement cards makes it a worthwhile investment in the longer term.
• Access and engagement analysis – RFID cards provide more than just a streamlined way of controlling access. The data they automatically accrue from employees and members can be used for a range of applications, from improving customer services to monitoring staff attendance and work hours.
• Personalisation – RFID cards can be personalised like any other key card, so they’re great for use as employee IDs or as proof of a member’s subscription status. More on personalising RFID cards later in the guide.

Should You Buy RFID Cards?

So, after hearing how they work and the benefits they offer, should you buy RFID cards for your business? There are a couple of things to consider before pulling the trigger, so ask yourself the following:

Is RFID technology right for our organisation?

As well as streamlined access, it’s worth bearing in mind RFID’s other applications when deciding if such cards are right for your business. The technology can perform a wide range of non-access related tasks, including:

• Asset tracking
• Counterfeit protection
• ID monitoring
• Inventory management
• Restricted hardware control
• Supply chain management

What are the disadvantages of RFID cards that I should know about?

Like all access control technology, RFID cards aren’t without their pitfalls. Some of the most notable disadvantages of the technology you should know about include:

• RFID cards may respond to multiple receivers at once, which can be a problem in some settings
• There’s a risk that RFID cards may be read inadvertently, which could jeopardise the security of some access points if employees aren’t aware they’ve triggered the system
• Some RFID systems can be unreliable; read reviews and testimonials to ensure you invest in a competent and dependable system

Can You Personalise RFID Cards?

One of the main advantages of RFID cards is that they can be personalised like any other key card. This makes them ideal for employee or member IDs, with the option to add a range of person- and company-specific information to the front and rear of the card.

At Swype, we’ve been printing and personalising RFID cards for years, helping businesses protect their assets with bespoke access controls. Our high-quality, fully customisable RFID cards can be personalised to your exact specification, with the option to add names, numbers and full-colour photographs and visuals to both sides of your cards.

We hope this guide has shed light on RFID cards and their capabilities. To learn more about RFID technology, receive a free quote or place an order, our experts are here to help. Simply visit the homepage or call us on 01744 815 475.

Mobile access controls are on the up, with a growing number of businesses utilising the technology to optimise their access provision. But what exactly is mobile access control? And what should you consider before investing?

In this guide, we’re taking an impartial look at mobile access control, explaining how it works, what the benefits and drawbacks are, and the things to look out for.

Quick Links

• What is Mobile Access Control and How Does it Work?
• The Benefits and Drawbacks of Mobile Access Control
• Mobile Access Control: What Are the Options?
• Using Mobile Access Control with Physical Keys

What is Mobile Access Control and How Does it Work?

Mobile access control is the process of leveraging technology to use in conjunction with access control systems. It enables people to use a smartphone, tablet, or wearable device to gain entry to a premises, facility, or system, without the need for a separate physical key or fob.

Since the proliferation of smartphones, businesses have sought to harness the power of these devices to strengthen and simplify access controls. After all, most people now carry at least one smart device, so utilising the technology is a practical and convenient way to improve access and security.

Mobile access control relies on applications that store a digital copy of an individual’s ID, either permanently or within a specific timescale. The same apps also utilise one or more technologies to connect wirelessly to access control readers, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Near Field Communication (NFC).

The flexibility of mobile access control means that organisations in a range of sectors have realised the benefits of the technology. And with a huge range of applications, mobile access controls can be used in a number of settings, including:

• Employee ID and access
• Access card for libraries, gyms, and other public buildings
• Electronic key card for hotel check-ins and leisure facilities
• On-site mobile access to systems and hardware
• Travel passes for public transport and related services

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Mobile Access Control

While physical key cards and fobs remain the dominant form of access control, mobile platforms are on the up. But should you choose to invest in the technology for your organisation, what benefits can you expect over the traditional card or fob? And what are the drawbacks to be aware of? Let’s take a look.

The Benefits

Convenience

Few people would leave home without their smartphone, but a key card? That’s another matter. By facilitating access through a mobile device, it affords people greater convenience and flexibility – not to mention a safety net for the more forgetful among us.

Even if your business continues to offer traditional key card access alongside mobile technology, you’re giving staff, customers and users genuine flexibility and convenience. There’s nothing more frustrating than arriving somewhere only to realise you’ve forgotten your pass, so mobile access control can avert such problems

Reduced Contact = Improved Hygiene

Some swipe cards and fobs require a degree of contact with the interface to grant access, and this presents several hygiene and safety concerns. With mobile access control, however, there’s no direct contact between the device and the access point, which can help to curb the spread of germs and bacteria.

Essentially, keyless entry via a smartphone or device means one less item to touch throughout the day, which can only be a good thing from a hygiene and safety perspective. Remember, though, that if your organisation remains reliant on physical key cards or fobs, an antimicrobial coating can help to optimise cleanliness.

The Drawbacks

Expensive to Buy and Maintain

Mobile access control systems are still in their infancy, which in turn means they’re expensive to buy. So, for businesses that already have key card access controls in place, the benefits of mobile access may not equate to the cost of investing in the technology.

Not only that, but you need to consider the needs and limitations of your staff too. For cost reasons or other, not everyone has a smart device, so asking personnel to gain entry from their smartphone may not be feasible – or fair.

The cost of a mobile access system could be too high for a small business to prioritise, especially if they already have an effective key card entry system already in place.

Lacks the Multifunctionality and Customisation Options of a Key Card

There’s a reason key cards remain the go-to access control for lots of organisations, and that’s flexibility. Key cards are a multifunctional physical asset that employees can use both for access and identification purposes, while the broad range of customisation options means you can be sure they’re on brand and easily recognisable.

As well as granting contactless access, many employee key cards also serve as ID. The face of the card can be personalised with a range of personnel-specific details, including a photo ID, department, clearance level, and more.

Security Concerns

Where there are smart devices, there are security risks, not least the ever-present threat of cybercrime. Smartphones are among the most at-risk devices since they contain reams of personal information, and it’s these vulnerabilities that businesses need to consider.

Cybercriminals are clever, opportunistic, and ready to exploit any chinks in your network and data security. In allowing staff to gain access via a smart device, you could be inadvertently opening the door to such risks, and jeopardising the integrity of your data in the process.

Mobile Access Control: What Are the Options?

Currently, there are three main technologies that facilitate mobile access control, including NFC, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. While some systems utilise a combination of all three, there are arguments for and against the different options, as we explore below.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth – specifically low energy Bluetooth – is one of the most prevalent technologies used for mobile access control. The low energy form of this commonplace tech doesn’t require pairing like the standard version, making it ideal for quick, temporary interactions between two Bluetooth-enabled devices.

NFC

Near field communication (NFC) is the new kid on the block when it comes to mobile access control, but its popularity is growing. Offering a short-range form of communication between compatible devices, NFCs are well regarded for their security and efficiency, as well as the ease of setup and onboarding. NFC technology’s strength lies in its accuracy. For example, if there are multiple access points in close proximity, it’s unlikely to open any doors or systems accidentally.

Wi-Fi

Like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi is among the most prominent technologies associated with mobile access control. Utilising the web, Wi-Fi access controls work by assigning a device a unique IP address, which is used to communicate with the receiver and grant access when the device is held within close proximity.

Using Mobile Access Control with Physical Key Cards

While key cards remain one of the best ways to control access within your business, mobile access control can add increased flexibility and functionality to your system.

Below, we look at two of the benefits that utilising both mobile and physical key cards together can bring to your organisation.

Increased Flexibility

How often has a member of your staff arrived at work only to discover they’ve forgotten their key card? It happens a lot, and can be a nuisance for both them and the reception staff who are charged with letting them in and out for the rest of the day.

This is where having back-up mobile access control can come in handy. Should an individual forget their pass, they can quickly gain access via their smartphone – meaning minimal hassle and delays.

Enhanced Security

Whether to gain entry to the premises or specific rooms and technology (such as a server room, for example), there are times when your organisation may need additional security. Robust access controls that use both key cards and mobile devices can beef-up security in key areas, helping to safeguard critical assets like data and equipment.

By combining physical keys with mobile access control, organisations can utilise enhanced security features like multifactor authentication. This is when an employee taps their key card before being alerted to submit additional access information on their smartphone, such as a password or fingerprint.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this guide and that it’s cleared up any confusion you might have had about how mobile access controls work. To keep up to date with the latest access technology news and updates, check back with the Swype blog and newsfeed regularly. If you’d like to learn more about our card development and printing services, visit the homepage or call 01744 815475.