The Enduring Power of Direct Mail Cards
By Jennifer Kohlhepp, Managing Editor, ICMA For more than three decades, marketers have meticulously refined card package designs and strategies to boost direct mail engagement and strengthen customer…
The Hybrid Consumer: Embracing the Best of Both Digital and Physical
By Amanda Gourbault, Chief Revenue Officer, CompoSecure It is a fact that our world continues to become an increasingly digital one, with many once ubiquitous physical objects being…
The Evolution of Technology Elements in Non-Secure Cards
By Dave Tushie, Magellan Consulting, Inc., ICMA Standards and Technical Representative An industry trend I have been watching is the increasing content of technology elements resident in transaction…
Rethinking Gift Cards: The Shift Toward Sustainable Alternatives
By Jennifer Kohlhepp, Managing Editor, ICMA In the ever-evolving retail landscape, gift cards have become a go-to option for busy consumers seeking convenience and flexibility. However, this modern…
Enhancing Competitiveness Through Small Order Processing
By Jennifer Kohlhepp, Managing Editor, ICMA To effectively compete against low-cost, high-volume competitors, businesses must embrace personalization and small order processing as key value drivers. However, establishing a…
ANSI/INCITS Standards Update
By Dave Tushie, Magellan Consulting, Inc., ICMA Standards and Technical Representative In the last issue of Card Manufacturing, I gave an update on the current activities in International…
ICMA Reveals 2024 Élan Award Winners
By Jennifer Kohlhepp, Managing Editor, ICMA ICMA’s Élan Awards of Excellence honors companies that are at the forefront of the worldwide transaction card industry. For more than 30 years,…
Four Advantages of an Open EMV Card Personalization Platform
By Jennifer Kohlhepp, Managing Editor, ICMA Payment cards have evolved into indispensable tools for secure transactions in today’s digital era. With the global demand for payment cards steadily…
ISO Standards Update
At the ICMA EXPO last year, I advised those who attended my presentation that we were on schedule to issue a substantially revised ISO/IEC 24789 Card Durability Standard…
Premiumization and Hyper-Personalization: Transforming Consumer Expectations
In the dynamic landscape of consumer engagement, the expectations placed upon companies are in a state of perpetual flux. Two discernible trends that have crystalized in recent years…
The Impact of Mastercard’s Sustainable Card Program
Mastercard recognizes the opportunity for the industry to move forward and reduce the demand for first-use PVC. Simultaneously, it recognizes that without a strong direction and leadership, change…
The Secret to Achieving Profitability in Card Manufacturing
In today’s market, there’s a wide variation on card builds, materials and options. Therefore, ensuring card manufacturers hit their business’s gross margin targets is more difficult than ever.…