A ticket scanning system is essential in modern events. This advanced technology scans the ticket and avoids errors in the entry or check-in event. Ticket scanning reinforces security and provides a hassle-free entry process.
This article explains ticket scanning in depth, including how it works, its advantages, and best practices.
What is Ticket Scanning?
Ticket scanning is a process where the QR code or special barcode on the ticket is scanned with a ticket scanner to ensure its validity. The code is presented to the authority scanner via printed tickets, mobile apps, or digitally mailed tickets.
Scanner machine is connected to an internet database, where information about expected attendees are listed. When the scanner camera runs through the barcode or QR code, it automatically shows the guest information, event date, time, seat number, and authenticity of the ticket.
When the tickets are valid, the scanner shows a green light or signs of approval. On the other hand, in the case of used tickets or fraud, the scanner shows a red light or a cross sign.
How Does Ticket Scanning Work for Authentication?
There are four steps to authenticating a ticket via the ticket scanner. These are:
1. Ticket generation
Tickets are generated in physical or digital format, with a unique barcode or QR code imprinted upon them. The code is linked to the attendee database, with additional information including tier of the ticket, ticket status, seat plan, etc.
2. Showing the ticket to the authority
The attendee shows the ticket, printed or on a mobile screen, to the authority for scanning. The barcode scanner can check on either a physical or digital screen, as long as the code is clear and without damage.
3. Verification of the ticket
The ticket is then scanned with a 1D (barcode) or 2D (QR code), RFID, or NFC scanner, and the ticket status is shown automatically. The machine produces a green light for successful verification and a red light for a failed verification. Some of the machines may create a beeping or alarming sound when a fake ticket is scanned.
4. Log entry
Every time a ticket is scanned, it is logged into a database. Here it shows whether the ticket is verified, rejected, or duplicated. It also shows the scanning time, along with device ID and geological area.
As a result, there is no scope for fraud or the use of duplicate or counterfeit tickets. The log entry allows you to check for any double-scanned ticket and blacklisted ticket that is stolen or resold.
Most Common Types of Ticket Scanners
Multiple types of ticket scanners are available in the market. Each of them has its own perks and issues. Some common types of ticket scanners are discussed below:
Barcode scanners
A barcode is a vertical line of black and white stripes with various widths. The barcode scanner emits light and captures the reflected light, converting it into binary data. Some types of barcode scanners are:
- CCD or charged couple device: It has an LED light built into the device; the device captures the light signals and converts them into an electric signal. There is less chance of a mishap, as there are no movable parts in the device. It reads 1D codes only.
- Laser barcode scanner: This type has a laser light that moves across the wide barcodes. More applicable for printed tickets, it does not work on digital screens.
- Pen barcode scanner: This movable pen-like scanner emits an LED light source. It is cheaper than other barcode scanners and requires more skill.
QR code scanners
QR code scanners are more advanced than barcode scanners. It can scan 1D and 2D codes with a camera or integrated scanner. It scans the black and white grids and converts them into electric signals, decoding the data inside. It can be available as:
- A separate scanning device
- Mobile app
- Self-service kiosk
QR is the go-to code nowadays for all types of event ticketing, payment, and social sharing. This type of code can contain more data characters than a barcode, including attendee information, event date, time, and seat plan.
QR is also fast and more efficient. It can read from both mobile screens and paper tickets, which gives higher compatibility.
NFC (Near Field Communication) and RFID-based scanners
NFC and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) are both high-security technologies used in expos or more crowded events.
NFC is used for contactless reading. It is mostly used in payment gateways, card reading, and check-in. It uses 13.56 MHz wireless technology between the reader and the chip. NFC chips work between 1 and 4 cm, a very short range.
On the other hand, RFID uses a longer range, such as a few meters, to scan the chips in RFID wristbands and bracelets. This technology uses radio signals to read the tag and doesn’t require a line of sight.
Mobile app-based ticket scanners
The most time-saving and hassle-free scanning method is the mobile scanner app. It can capture the QR or barcode from another digital screen or printed tickets. There is flexibility in not renting or buying a scanning device, which is especially helpful for small events.
Many app scanners provide offline or online sync, which automatically updates the database after each verification. As a result, it is easier to control theft and fraud.
Advantages of Ticket Scanning in Modern Events and Transportation
Modern ticket scanning has sped up the ticketing process and reduced stress among both the staff and attendees. This is also a foolproof method against fraud and the black market of tickets. Some great advantages are:
Time-efficient
Incorporation of QR, barcode, and NFC or RFID scanners reduces waiting time and increases ticketing efficiency. Scanning is done in the blink of an eye, with immediate verification. This saves a lot of precious time.
Cost effective
A smaller number of staff are required, with only one or two rental scanners. As a result, the cost has dropped significantly. Also, physical tickets are not required, reducing the printing cost.
Stress-free ticketing
Modern ticketing system has no hassle of printing the tickets, checking the guest list manually, and the frustration of waiting in a long line. The staff don’t have to handle the trouble of finding lost tickets and work in a less stressful environment.
Easy to catch the fraudulent
Ticket scanning allows one ticket to be verified only once; then the ticket ID is input into the database system. As a result, duplicate tickets are easily caught. Also, stolen ticket IDs are blacklisted, so anyone trying to enter the event with a fraudulent ticket will easily be caught.
Access to the attendee database
Technology allowed for each and every attendee’s data to be listed in the database. As a result, a huge amount of attendee information, including age, gender, institution, and profession, is known to the organizer. This information will be helpful in arranging future events.
Automated sync
No need to manually input attendee data one by one. This is tiresome work, which many ticketing systems have vanished. There are options for automated sync, allowing each scan to update the ticket status automatically.
Ticket Scanning in Real-World Applications
Ticket scanning has made real-world applications better and faster. Some of the most used applications are:
- Event Entry
Ticket scanning makes event entry faster and reduces waiting time and lines.
- Travel
Ticket scanning enhances security and speeds up the checking process at the airport, bus station, or railway station.
- Managing Large Crowds
A large crowd can be managed in an instant with an NFC or RFID badge system scanning.
- Museums and Exhibitions
Almost every museum and exhibition nowadays uses ticket scanning to control the visitor flow, reinforcing security and controlling VIP or regular guests.
- Conferences and Trade Shows
Conferences and trade shows use ticket scanning to gather data and find potential trading clients.
- Public Transportation Systems
Efficient controlling of the crowd, managing tourists, and speeding up the entry process, thus saving the precious time of office-going people.
- Movie theatre
Using a self-service kiosk or an NFC wristband to manage the schedule of movies provides easy access, increased security, and a foolproof method of detecting duplicate tickets.
- Shopping mall
Managing exclusive membership, easy payment, and discount coupons for VIP members with NFC or RFID badge ticketing.
Best Practices for Efficient Ticket Scanning
Some of the best management practices for an efficient ticketing system are:
- Hiring skilled staff at the main gate
The main door requires more attention and higher crowd handling, so new and unskilled staff may slow down the ticketing process.
- Training on the scanner
Your team might be unfamiliar with the scanner machine or the technology used. To ensure efficient ticketing, offer a training session prior to event day.
- Battery backup
If the scanner used requires a battery, keeping a backup for day-long ticketing is essential.
- Troubleshooting
The app or scanning device used may create problems during the ticketing phase. Hire a technology expert or ask for support from the device or app company.
- Attendee guidelines and directions
To avoid any fuss during the event entry process, keep separate lines for categorized attendees. Give them proper direction with signs. Besides, guidelines for self-service scanning are needed, too.
In Closing
To wrap up, ticket scanning is a beneficial technology that allows tickets to be checked by scanning QR, barcode, NFC, or RFID tags. This tech involves laser light, LED light, or radio frequency reading, verifying the authentic ticket, and rejecting duplicate ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you scan tickets on your phone?
Yes, scanning tickets via mobile camera is more common today. It can scan QR codes, barcodes, and NFC tags (if the mobile is NFC supported). However, RFID ticket scanning is not common in mobile phones.
How do QR codes on concert tickets work?
The QR contains a string of ID or data, which is connected to a specific database. The database has to be included in the scanning system to get proper data, like concert time, attendee information, and ticket status.
