The term “on-demand” card production is used everywhere—but most providers don’t live up to the name.
Misleading claims about on-demand card production have flooded the market, confusing issuers and fueling a damaging myth that on-demand means lower quality. It’s not true. The real problem isn’t the concept—it’s outdated processes hiding behind the label that some providers use.
Let’s set the record straight. We break down what just-in-time, on-demand card production really means, how it works, and why it delivers the speed, efficiency, and high-quality results that issuers and program managers need to stay competitive.
What some providers call on-demand (and why it’s not)
There are two primary production methods that card producers may incorrectly label as on-demand.
- Printed and pre-designed stock: Card producers often print large batches of blank but pre-designed card stock that sit in warehouses until needed. There are two primary challenges here. First, there are durability and security concerns. While the design is printed under the laminate, cardholder personalization, including the name and card number, is printed on top, making it more prone to wear and tear.
Second, it offers little flexibility. Because the branding and design are already locked in, any updates require scrapping inventory, leading to delays, added costs, and unnecessary waste.
- White stock with post-laminate personalization: Other providers use plain white stock and add full-color personalization later in the process. While this seems more flexible, it has the same durability and security trade-offs because the personalization is printed on top of the laminate.
Both approaches also come with another shared risk: chip expiration and obsolescence. Pre-manufactured cards come embedded with chips that have shelf lives. If cards aren’t issued quickly enough, the chips become outdated, forcing issuers to incur the extra expense and wasteful practice of destroying unused inventory that’s obsolete.
What is true just-in-time, on-demand card production?
Arroweye Solutions offers a true, just-in-time, on-demand card production model. This fundamentally different approach gives issuers more flexibility, speed, and efficiency without compromising on card quality.
First, there is no pre-printed inventory. With a true on-demand model, cards are manufactured, personalized, and fulfilled in real-time. The card design, cardholder data, carrier, and insert are all dynamically created. With dynamic real-time production, nothing is pre-produced, and everything is fully customizable. This is in sharp contrast to traditional methods that rely on storing pre-printed stock.
Another key difference is automatic chip management. Arroweye proactively manages chip rotations and network mandates, so issuers never have to worry about outdated chips. With traditional models, chips often expire while sitting in storage, and the entire batch goes to waste. Arroweye eliminates that risk by handling updates automatically.
Why on-demand changes the game for card issuers:
There are many benefits of moving to a true on-demand card production model, especially when speed, flexibility, and efficiency are essential to your business. Here’s what sets Arroweye’s on-demand card production apart:
- Pay only for what you need, when you need it: Eliminate upfront costs and avoid the waste of over-ordering or stock that becomes obsolete.
- Zero inventory required: Say goodbye to forecasting, storing, and managing pre-printed card inventory to free up time and resources for your team.
- Faster card production: Arroweye can physically manufacture cards faster than any other provider, cutting setup timelines from months to days.
- Unmatched program flexibility: Easily adapt to changing customer demands, program updates, or market shifts. Changes that may take months with legacy providers can be done in days with Arroweye.
- More sustainable operations: With zero inventory and no unused stock to destroy, on-demand production dramatically reduces waste and supports more responsible card programs.
- Card quality: Durable, beautifully designed cards, personalized on demand with the premium look and feel your cardholders expect.
How to identify a high-quality on-demand card:
Understanding the difference between true on-demand and legacy processes allows card issuers to find a partner that can deliver all the benefits along with beautiful, durable, quality cards that cardholders will be proud to keep top of wallet.
Here’s what to look for when evaluating a card production partner’s quality and personalization capabilities:
- Personalization under the laminate: True on-demand cards embed personalized details under the protective laminate to enhance durability and prevent wear. Legacy providers print on top of the laminate, making text more likely to scratch off over time.
- Advanced lamination technology: High-quality lamination gives the card a smooth, professional feel that cardholders expect. The best on-demand providers can also offer premium finishes—like coarse matte with embedded personalization—which require advanced manufacturing capabilities.
- Vibrant, high-definition printing: High-resolution, full-color printing ensures brand elements and colors remain consistent across every card to maintain a cohesive brand presence.
- Support for special features and premium finishes: The best on-demand providers can offer texture, foil, and metallic accents consistently applied for a high-end brand experience. The right printing techniques also ensure that logos, holograms, and other custom finishes stay pristine over time.
Arroweye: The only true on-demand card production partner
Arroweye is the only provider that offers a fully on-demand, just-in-time card production model. That means:
- No pre-printed stock
- No expired chips
- No inflexible timelines
- No trade-offs between speed and card quality
Are you ready to deliver durable, beautiful cards faster and more efficiently with zero inventory? Arroweye is here to redefine what’s possible in card production.
Contact us today to see how Arroweye’s just-in-time, on-demand process can transform your card program.
