Ticket scanners enable you to scan tickets containing QR codes and barcodes displayed on printed Tickets, Print at Home tickets, E-tickets and Digital Passes. Scanning tickets with Spektrix facilitates faster check in, improves customer experience, enhances security and records proof of entry/attendance.
In this article we’ll cover the benefits of scanning tickets, requirements for scanning tickets and guides on how to scan tickets.
The benefits of scanning Tickets
Using the Scanning Interface to scan tickets provides many benefits over manually checking in customers. Some benefits include:
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Faster entry: Using a spreadsheet or other manual methods to check in your customers can lead to longer entry times. Scanning a ticket takes a few seconds and automatically records the customer's attendance and links it to their purchase and Customer Record.
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Scan history: In Spektrix, you can view the scan history of each ticket. In the event of a chargeback or dispute, the scan history can be used as proof of entry/attendance, depending on the payment service provider and the type of dispute.
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Security and fraud prevention: If a ticket is scanned and passed on to another person, any subsequent scans will display in the Scanning Interface with a message that the ticket has been previously scanned. You can use this information to decide whether to admit entry.
- Customer experience: By using Customer Groups in the Spektrix Scanning Interface, you can view any additional information about the Customer. For example if a customer is a member, or has access requirements. You can use this information to offer assistance or a personalised welcome.
What do I need in order to scan Tickets?
To scan tickets you’ll need the following:
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Internet connection: Depending on your ticket scanner, 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.
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Spektrix Scanning User Role: Before you can log into the Scanning Interface, 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.
Getting ready to scan Tickets
Before you can scan tickets, you’ll need to:
- Log into the Scanning Interface
- Enable Instances for Scanning
- Enable Bulk Ticket Scanning (optional)
There are two types of tickets that are scannable in Spektrix:
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Printed Tickets: Ensure the QR code/barcode you’re scanning is legible.
- E-tickets/Print at Home Tickets and Digital Passes: Make sure the screen you’re scanning the code from is clean. Ask your customer to increase their screen brightness to improve visibility
TIP: Digital Passes must be created and managed using
Spektrix Link.
Take a look at
Digital Passes: How to deliver Tickets to Apple and Google Wallets
for more information.
Scanning a Ticket's QR code/barcode
Once you’ve logged into the Scanning Interface and enabled Instances for scanning, click on the tab below depending on your scanning method.
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To scan tickets using your mobile phone/cell phone camera, follow these steps:
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In the Scanning Interface, scroll to the bottom and tap the camera button:
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You’ll see a pop up from system.spektrix.com requesting access to your mobile phone/cell phone camera.
If using Google Chrome, tap Allow while visiting the site:
If using Safari (iOS) tap Allow:
TIP: For Android users, granting access to your mobile phone/cellphone camera will be limited to the Scanning Interface only. Other websites will not have access to your camera unless you grant permissions for each site.
For iOS users, you’ll need to tap Allow each time you log into the Scanning Interface. -
Once permission is granted, you’ll see the Scan QR Code or Barcode window. Position the QR code within the green frame. Once the QR code is detected, it will be automatically scanned:
TIP: Depending on your phone’s camera, you might need to move the camera closer or away from the ticket when scanning to find the optimal scanning distance.
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To improve visibility when scanning paper tickets, tap the flashlight/torch button:
TIP: When scanning tickets, the camera flash may not work on all devices. This is usually due to a compatibility issue where the browser can’t communicate with the flash.
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Your phone will beep to indicate the QR code has been scanned.
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When a ticket is successfully scanned for the first time, you’ll see a screen similar to the following:
TIP: For more information on what is listed on this screen, read Information displayed during a successful scan If you see a screen different to the one above, take a look at Troubleshooting Ticket Scanning for more information.
If a customer has purchased more than one ticket for the same Event Instance, you can scan the remaining tickets in bulk.
If bulk ticket scanning is enabled, you’ll see BULK SCAN ALL TICKETS once the first ticket has been successfully scanned:
To learn how to scan tickets in bulk, jump to the next section.
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To scan tickets using a Zebra Ticket Scanner, follow these steps:
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Press and hold the yellow scan button on either side of the scanner:
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Position the QR code/barcode within the yellow illuminated area. Make sure the green aiming dot is in the centre of the QR code/barcode:
TIP: You might need to move the scanner towards or away from the ticket when scanning to find the optimal scanning distance. The QR code/barcode should be fully inside the illuminated area.
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The ticket scanner will beep to indicate the QR code/barcode was scanned.
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Release the scan button.
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When a ticket is successfully scanned for the first time, you’ll see a screen similar to the following:
TIP: For more information on what is listed on this screen, read Information displayed during a successful scan If you see a screen different to the one above, take a look at Troubleshooting Ticket Scanning for more information.
If a customer has purchased more than one ticket for the same Event Instance, you can scan the remaining tickets in bulk.
If bulk ticket scanning is enabled, you’ll see BULK SCAN ALL TICKETS once the first ticket has been successfully scanned:
To learn how to scan tickets in bulk, jump to the next section.
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To scan tickets using a Saveo C750 Ticket Scanner, follow these steps:
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Press the scan button:
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Position the QR code/barcode within the yellow illuminated area. Make sure the red aiming rectangle is in the centre of the QR code/barcode:
TIP: You might need to move the scanner towards or away from the ticket when scanning to find the optimal scanning distance. The QR code/barcode should be fully inside the illuminated area.
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The ticket scanner will beep to indicate the QR code/barcode was scanned.
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Release the scan button.
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When a ticket is successfully scanned for the first time, you’ll see a screen similar to the following:
TIP: For more information on what is listed on this screen, read Information displayed during a successful scan If you see a screen different to the one above, take a look at Troubleshooting Ticket Scanning for more information.
If a customer has purchased more than one ticket for the same Event Instance, you can scan the remaining tickets in bulk.
If bulk ticket scanning is enabled, you’ll see BULK SCAN ALL TICKETS once the first ticket has been successfully scanned:
To learn how to scan tickets in bulk, jump to the next section.
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To scan tickets using a Saveo CT58 Ticket Scanner, follow these steps:
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Press the orange scan button on the left or right side of the scanner:
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Position the QR code/barcode within the yellow illuminated area. Make sure the red aiming rectangle is in the centre of the QR code/barcode:
TIP: You might need to move the scanner towards or away from the ticket when scanning to find the optimal scanning distance. The QR code/barcode should be fully inside the illuminated area.
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The ticket scanner will beep to indicate the QR code/barcode was scanned.
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Release the scan button.
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When a ticket is successfully scanned for the first time, you’ll see a screen similar to the following:
TIP: For more information on what is listed on this screen, read Information displayed during a successful scan If you see a screen different to the one above, take a look at Troubleshooting Ticket Scanning for more information.
If a customer has purchased more than one ticket for the same Event Instance, you can scan the remaining tickets in bulk.
If bulk ticket scanning is enabled, you’ll see BULK SCAN ALL TICKETS once the first ticket has been successfully scanned:
To learn how to scan tickets in bulk, jump to the next section.
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To scan tickets using a Saveo BOLT Ticket Scanner, follow these steps:
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Point the scanner at the QR code/barcode and press the trigger:
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Position the QR code/barcode within the yellow illuminated area. Make sure the red aiming rectangle is in the centre of the QR code/barcode:
TIP: You might need to move the scanner towards or away from the ticket when scanning to find the optimal scanning distance. The QR code/barcode should be fully inside the illuminated area.
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The ticket scanner will beep to indicate the QR code/barcode was scanned.
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Release the scan button.
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When a ticket is successfully scanned for the first time, you’ll see a screen similar to the following:
TIP: For more information on what is listed on this screen, read Information displayed during a successful scan If you see a screen different to the one above, take a look at Troubleshooting Ticket Scanning for more information.
If a customer has purchased more than one ticket for the same Event Instance, you can scan the remaining tickets in bulk.
If bulk ticket scanning is enabled, you’ll see BULK SCAN ALL TICKETS once the first ticket has been successfully scanned:
To learn how to scan tickets in bulk, jump to the next section.
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To scan tickets using a Saveo Pocket Scan 2 Ticket Scanner, follow these steps:
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Point the scanner at the QR code/barcode and press the oval scan button on the top of the scanner:
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Position the QR code/barcode within the yellow illuminated area. Make sure the red aiming rectangle is in the centre of the QR code/barcode:
TIP: You might need to move the scanner towards or away from the ticket when scanning to find the optimal scanning distance. The QR code/barcode should be fully inside the illuminated area.
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The ticket scanner will beep to indicate the QR code/barcode was scanned.
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Release the scan button.
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When a ticket is successfully scanned for the first time, you’ll see a screen similar to the following:
TIP: For more information on what is listed on this screen, read Information displayed during a successful scan If you see a screen different to the one above, take a look at Troubleshooting Ticket Scanning for more information.
If a customer has purchased more than one ticket for the same Event Instance, you can scan the remaining tickets in bulk.
If bulk ticket scanning is enabled, you’ll see BULK SCAN ALL TICKETS once the first ticket has been successfully scanned:
To learn how to scan tickets in bulk, jump to the next section.
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To scan tickets using a Janam XT40 Ticket Scanner, follow these steps:
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Point the scanner at the QR code/barcode and press the orange scan button on either side of the scanner:
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Position the QR code/barcode within the red illuminated area. Make sure the red aiming dot is in the centre of the QR code/barcode:
TIP: You might need to move the scanner towards or away from the ticket when scanning to find the optimal scanning distance. The QR code/barcode should be fully inside the illuminated area.
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The ticket scanner will beep to indicate the QR code/barcode was scanned.
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Release the scan button.
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When a ticket is successfully scanned for the first time, you’ll see a screen similar to the following:
TIP: For more information on what is listed on this screen, read Information displayed during a successful scan If you see a screen different to the one above, take a look at Troubleshooting Ticket Scanning for more information.
If a customer has purchased more than one ticket for the same Event Instance, you can scan the remaining tickets in bulk.
If bulk ticket scanning is enabled, you’ll see BULK SCAN ALL TICKETS once the first ticket has been successfully scanned:
To learn how to scan tickets in bulk, jump to the next section.
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To scan tickets using a Linea Pro Rugged Ticket Scanner, follow these steps:
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Point the scanner at the QR code/barcode and press the black tactile scan button on either side of the scanner:
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Position the QR code/barcode within the red illuminated area. Make sure the QR code/barcode is in the center of the red crosshairs:
TIP: You might need to move the scanner towards or away from the ticket when scanning to find the optimal scanning distance. The QR code/barcode should be fully inside the illuminated area.
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The ticket scanner will beep to indicate the QR code/barcode was scanned.
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Release the scan button.
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When a ticket is successfully scanned for the first time, you’ll see a screen similar to the following:
TIP: For more information on what is listed on this screen, read Information displayed during a successful scan If you see a screen different to the one above, take a look at Troubleshooting Ticket Scanning for more information.
If a customer has purchased more than one ticket for the same Event Instance, you can scan the remaining tickets in bulk.
If bulk ticket scanning is enabled, you’ll see BULK SCAN ALL TICKETS once the first ticket has been successfully scanned:
To learn how to scan tickets in bulk, jump to the next section.
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Bulk Scanning Tickets
Tickets can be scanned in bulk when either of the following conditions are met:
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Customer Orders: Tickets are purchased by the same customer for the same Event Instance. This includes purchased across multiple Orders.
- Agency Orders: Tickets are purchased in the same Order for the same Event Instance, using either the Agency API or Agencies Offline where an Agency Commission is applied.
Once you’ve successfully scanned the first ticket, you’ll see a summary of any unscanned tickets for the same customer and Event Instance.
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Tap BULK SCAN ALL TICKETS to automatically scan the remaining tickets. For example, when checking in a group booking:
- Once you tap BULK SCAN ALL TICKETS, you’ll see an updated page displaying the total tickets of all tickets scanned. If tickets are for seats in multiple areas, each area will be listed separately:
Once all tickets have been bulk scanned you’ll see the following information:
- Event Instance Name, time and date
- Customer name and Customer Groups
- All scanned tickets grouped by seating area
Reserved seats are displayed as a range (for example, A14-A16), Unreserved tickets are displayed as a count (Unreserved x 6).
Manually scanning a Ticket
If you’re unable to scan a ticket, for example, the barcode is illegible or unrecognised, you can:
- Type in the QR code/barcode characters in the Scanning Interface
- Mark tickets as scanned in the Sales Interface
In the Scanning Interface
To manually enter the QR code/barcode in the Scanning Interface, you'll need to display the QR code/barcode characters on your ticket design. However, this will not apply retrospectively to any tickets already sold:
Take a look at The Ticket Design Tool for more information. Alternatively, you can mark tickets as scanned in the Sales Interface.
To manually enter the QR code/barcode characters, follow these steps:
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Tap the keyboard icon at the bottom right of the Scan screen:
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You’ll see a prompt Type in barcode manually. Type the characters from the QR code / barcode and tap OK:
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When a ticket is successfully scanned for the first time, you’ll see a screen similar to the following:
TIP: For more information on what is listed on this screen, read Information displayed during a successful scan If you see a screen different to the one above, take a look at Troubleshooting Ticket Scanning for more information.
If you can’t see any QR code/barcode characters on the ticket, you can mark tickets as scanned in the Sales Interface.
In the Sales Interface
If you can’t see any QR code/barcode characters on the ticket, you can mark tickets as scanned in the Sales Interface. You'll need to do this on a PC. We recommend making a note of any QR codes/barcodes if you want to mark as scanned at a later date.
TIP: To access the Sales Interface, you’ll need the Sales User or Sales Administrator Role. If you don’t have these Roles, ask the Settings Administrator in your organisation to add these Roles to your User Account.
Follow these steps:
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Search for the Order
in the Sales Interface
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Click into the Order where the Ticket appears
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Go to Print at Home Delivery/Ticket section:
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Select all tickets by checking the box next to the Instance:
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Alternatively, select individual tickets by checking the box next to the ticket:
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Click the dropdown arrow to the right of the Print button and click Mark As Scanned:
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Once Ticket(s) have been marked as scanned, you’ll see a green tick on top of the barcode:
Information displayed during a successful scan
When a ticket is successfully scanned. The information you see in the Scanning Interface depends on how many times a ticket has been scanned. In the following image, the results of the first scan are displayed on the left. The subsequent scan is displayed on the right:
TIP: If a ticket has been successfully scanned, any subsequent scans are also recorded as successful.
When a ticket is successfully scanned you’ll see the following:
- Area, Row and Seat Number (Reserved Events only)
- Ticket Type
- Event details
- Customer Name
- Any Customer Groups the customer may be in (if enabled)
- Name of the User who has scanned the ticket
- Time and date of the scan
- Scanning history (if the ticket has been scanned more than once)
Reporting on scanned Tickets
It is possible to report on Scanned Tickets using a Custom Report created by Spektrix called Capacity, Sold and Scanned Report. If you don’t have this Report in your system, submit a Report Request and our Support Team will add it to your system.
Key takeaways
- To scan tickets, you’ll need the Scanning User Role on your Spektrix User Account
- Log into the Scanning Interface and enable Instances for scanning
- Ensure the QR / barcode is legible and/or screen brightness is turned up to improve visibility
Further Reading
To learn more about ticket scanners, visit the Set up and troubleshoot hardware section of the Support Centre.