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Introduction to Ticket Scanning

Dave Carr
Dave Carr
  • Updated

Scanning QR codes/barcodes is the most efficient solution to managing customer entry. By scanning the codes displayed on printed tickets, E-tickets, and Digital Passes, you can:

  • Check-in customers faster: Reduce wait times and eliminate the need for manual check-in
  • Enhance security: Instantly validate every ticket to enhance security and prevent fraud
  • Improve customer experience: Provide an efficient and seamless welcome that sets a positive tone for their visit
  • Generate real-time attendance data: Accurately record proof of entry and attendance, providing immediate insights into your event attendance

 

What do I need in order to scan tickets?

To scan tickets you’ll need:

  • Internet connection: You’ll need a strong Wi-Fi and/or 4G/5G connection. As Spektrix is cloud based, a connection is needed to access the Scanning Interface and transmit/receive ticket information during a scan.

  • Spektrix Scanning User Role: Before you can log into the Scanning Interface to scan, you’ll need the Scanning User Role. If you don’t have this Role, ask the Settings Administrator in your organisation to add this role to your Spektrix User Account.
     
  • A ticket scanner, or
     
  • A mobile phone/cell phone with a rear facing camera: You can use a mobile camera to scan tickets without having to purchase a ticket scanner. This feature is enabled by default for all users.
     

 

Should I use a ticket scanner or phone camera?

You can scan tickets using a ticket scanner, a device solely used for scanning tickets, or use a mobile phone/cell phone camera.

There are several factors to consider when scanning tickets using a phone camera over a ticket scanner. We recommend taking these into consideration before making a decision:

 

Using a mobile phone/cell phone camera

  • Cost: Mobile phone/cell phones are more cost effective over purchasing a dedicated ticket scanner. Scanning Users can use any, including their own, mobile device to scan tickets.
     
  • Size of your venue: Phone camera scanning is suitable for organisations with low volume entry. For example, a gallery or cinema.
     
  • Scanning speed: Scanning using a phone camera might be slower as you’ll need to manually position the camera to focus on the QR code/barcode. In general, the newer the phone, the faster it will scan.
     
  • Battery life: When scanning tickets, the phone’s display, camera and flashlight (recommended for poorly lit areas) are in constant use. This will reduce battery life, meaning you’ll need to charge your device more often. 

    You can mitigate this by purchasing a power bank/portable USB battery charger which may be more cost effective than purchasing a ticket scanner.
     
  • Portability: Mobile phones/cellphones are generally smaller than a dedicated ticket scanner. This means they can be easily stored in your pocket or bag. This is ideal for users who move between different locations. For example, a festival or outdoor event.
     
  • E-tickets: We don’t recommend using a camera's flashlight when scanning tickets displayed on another device. Due to glare and reflection, the QR code/barcode may not be detected. We recommend turning off the flashlight and moving to a location with better lighting.
     
  • Lighting: In dimly lit environments, you may need to use your phone camera flashlight to improve lighting. For some Android phones, it may not be possible to use the flashlight. This is due to your browser not being able to control the flash.
     

 

Using a ticket scanner

  • Cost: Depending on the ticket scanner, the initial purchase cost may prove expensive, especially in a high capacity venue with several entry points. Ticket scanners, like a mobile phone/ cell phone do have a lifespan. It may be more expensive to replace a ticket scanner over the cost of a mobile phone/cell phone.
     
  • Size of your venue: Using a ticket scanner is suitable for organisations with high volume entry. For example, a high capacity event.
     
  • Scanning speed: Scanning using a ticket scanner is faster than using a phone camera. A ticket scanner uses a scanning module/lasers to detect the QR code/barcode.
     
  • Portability: All in one ticket scanners (Zebra TC22, TC27) can be bulky and larger in size than a mobile phone/cell phone. Smaller ticket scanners (Saveo Pocket Scan 2) are available, however, you’ll need to connect these to a mobile phone/cell phone. This woul mean carrying two devices to scan tickets.

 

Key takeways

If you decide to use a mobile/cell phone camera to scan, you can always switch to a ticket scanner and vice versa. You can choose the method that best meets your organisation’s needs. You can also use a mixture of ticket scanners and mobile phones/cell phones to scan tickets.

 

Further reading

Once you’ve decided on how you want to scan tickets, you may find the following articles helpful: