There are two major categories of data used in the personalization of cards, batch data is information that is the same for every card that is issued in a card order known as a job . Cardholder data is data that is unique for each card that is being issued. First let us explore various batch data used in personalizing a card. Text data is character oriented , and might include a batch code or lot number identifying a specific card or card job used in the personalization process. Other information, such as instructions on the use of the card or a service telephone number may be printed in the batch personalization process.
Graphical data is bit oriented, printed on the surface of the card to represent a visual image.
Most graphical information contained on the card has been pre-printed in the card manufacturing process. However, printing the same graphic on all cards during card personalization is used to provide yet another level of customization of a larger pre-printed card stock. Having a microcomputer embedded in the plastic card being personalized requires the addition of data inputs for batch personalization. Initialization is the process of programming the smart card chip with information that is common for each card. In the example of a loyalty application system that uses a smart card, a transaction terminal would look for data contained in a known file structure that is common to all cards used by that system.