Alan Mendelson, President of Plasco ID, addresses the need for an automated system that makes students accountable for their actions.
ESD: Tell our readers a little about Plasco ID.
AM: Plasco ID is a value-added integrator and custom developer of unique identification solutions and has been serving the educational market since 1983. We provide solutions that help school administrators be more efficient and decrease truancy in their schools.
ESD: What makes your company unique?
AM: We have a completely customer-centric focus in our company. All enhancements to our products are a direct result of listening to our customers’ needs and addressing them.
ESD: What products do you see as being hottest this year?
AM: One of our products, PlascoTrac, is truly revolutionary for school administrators. PlascoTrac completely automates the process of issuing passes and managing a school’s student discipline policies. We have successfully reduced tardiness in schools using PlascoTrac by up to 80 percent. This system truly makes students accountable for their actions.
ESD: How does PlascoTrac work?
AM: Using barcode scanners connected to a workstation or on a mobile PDA, the administrator scans the student’s ID badge and immediately prints a pass that allows the student to return to class. At the same time, the system is tracking how many violations a student has and will automatically issue disciplinary actions such as detentions, letters to parents or suspensions, at predetermined intervals. Schools also have the option to integrate PlascoTrac with many of the leading student information systems, so student information, tardy information and class schedules are automatically synchronized between the systems.
ESD: Does PlascoTrac require significant IT resources for installation and training?
AM: No, the installation is very straightforward and most customers are up and running with PlascoTrac within hours. Furthermore, we offer a 30-day free trial to anyone that expresses an interest in trying it out. No purchase order or upfront payment is required to participate in our trial program. We will ship, install and train on the product at no charge. If the product does not meet their needs, we will take it back.
ESD: Describe your current marketing strategy.
AM: During 2008, we are participating in more than 15 educational trade shows and have sales representatives visiting schools all around the country. We truly believe that our biggest challenge is exposing educational administrators to our company and our technology.
Once exposed, we are confident that administrators will recognize the value of our products and make them an essential part of their school’s student management program.
For more information, visit www.plascoid.com.
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