For decades, the physical plastic card has been the cornerstone of corporate identity management. It provides a simple, reliable, and universally understood way of granting employees access to buildings, workstations, and resources. Despite the rise of digital alternatives, the plastic card is far from obsolete. In fact, it continues to play a central role in enterprise security and identity management strategies.

What has changed, however, is the way physical cards are integrated into broader digital ecosystems. Modern Identity and Access Management (IAM) solutions now go beyond simply issuing a badge – they synchronise employee data, automate workflows, and connect physical access with digital identity. This means the ID card remains important, but it is no longer the only carrier of identity – it’s the digital ID.

New features with cloud-based tools

With the growth of mobile and cloud-based tools, companies are increasingly supplementing their traditional card-based systems with digital credentials stored in apps or secure wallets. This hybrid approach gives employees more flexibility, strengthens security, and provides organisations with better control over identity data. It is not about replacing one solution with another, but about combining them into a stronger, more adaptable IAM strategy.

At the same time, the process behind creating and maintaining employee identities is being transformed. Traditionally, many companies relied on photo booths or dedicated photo robots to capture employee portraits for their ID cards. Eikonice changes that completely. Utilizing the latest mobile telephone camera technology, with automated portrait flows, companies can eliminate expensive and outdated photo booth investment and maintenance. Mobile phone technology ensure a consistent, brand-aligned portrait for both physical card and digital ID use.

Benefits of embracing digital ID in IAM

The advantages of integrating digital IDs into IAM processes extend well beyond the plastic card itself. Real-time identity management eliminates the lag between data changes and access updates, reducing the risk of security gaps. Security is enhanced through encryption, biometric authentication, and the ability to instantly revoke or modify credentials. From an operational standpoint, organisations benefit from lower administrative costs and the flexibility to integrate multiple services—such as building entry, printing, or canteen payments—into a single identity. Importantly, digital IDs also align with regulatory frameworks such as the EU’s eIDAS 2.0, helping organisations future-proof their identity management strategies while maintaining GDPR compliance.

Implementation, considerations and best practices

Adopting digital IDs requires thoughtful planning and a focus on user experience. Choose a solution with strong IAM integration, robust data synchronisation, and full GDPR compliance.

A critical but often underestimated element is the management and handling of employee portraits. Consistent, professional images reinforce brand identity across ID cards, mobile credentials, and internal systems. The Eikonice platform makes this completely hassle-free—automating the capture from mobile phones or professional cameras, approval, and distribution of portraits so they are always brand-compliant and instantly updated in all connected systems. Starting with a focused pilot, supported by clear communication and seamless onboarding, will make adoption faster and smoother.

Companies can continue issuing professional physical ID cards, while seamlessly integrating them into digital IAM frameworks. And as new digital opportunities emerge – from mobile credentials to AI-driven updates – organisations can build on a foundation that respects both tradition and innovation while increasing security.