Editing Smart card (section)

====Card life cycle====

As with standard smart cards, Complex Cards go through a lifecycle comprising the following steps: 
* Manufacturing,
* Personalization,
* User enrollment, if needed by the application,
* Provisioning,
* Active life,
* Cancellation,
* Recycling / destruction.

As Complex Cards bring more functionalities than standard smart cards and, due to their complexity, their personalization can take longer or require more inputs. Having Complex Cards that can be personalized by the same machines and the same processes as regular smart cards allows them to be integrated more easily in existing manufacturing chains and applications.

First generation, battery-operated Complex Cards require specific [[Battery recycling|recycling]] processes, mandated by different regulatory bodies. Additionally, keeping battery-operated Complex Cards in inventory for extended periods of time may reduce their performance due to [[Capacity loss|battery ageing]].

Second-generation battery-free technology ensures operation during the entire lifetime of the card and eliminates self-discharge, providing [[extended shelf life]], and is more eco-friendly.