Streamlining event entry with a mobile ticket barcode scanner

The benefits of mobile ticket barcode scanning

Solving common ticketing challenges with ticket barcodes

Consider the issues of traditional ticketing: Paper tickets can be lost, forgotten at home, or damaged in a way that makes them impossible to scan or read. Ticket barcodes solve this problem by enabling attendees to store their tickets digitally on their smartphones. This option eliminates the need for physical tickets and ensures a more convenient entry process.

Optimizing event management

Efficient event management is at the core of every successful gathering. With mobile barcode scanning, event organizers can simplify check-in processes, allowing them to concentrate on creating a satisfying event experience for attendees. Moreover, ticket barcodes enable quick modifications or cancellations, saving time and effort.

Why consider mobile ticket barcode scanning for your event?

Reduced waiting times

Imagine attendees breezing through the entrance thanks to accurate and lightning-fast barcode scanning. This ensures a positive first impression – one that can set the tone for the entire event. Attendees will appreciate the speed and convenience, leaving them with more time to immerse themselves in the main experience.

Accessibility

Mobile apps have enabled new ways to optimize event management. Attendees can easily download an event app with features like personalized schedules, interactive maps, and real-time updates. Integrating ticket barcode scanning into such an app ensures a seamless and user-friendly experience for organizers and attendees.

Fast, reliable, and cost-effective

You can create a swift and accurate ticket validation process by using a mobile scanning SDK for ticket barcodes.

The Scanbot Barcode Scanner SDK takes just 0.2 seconds to scan any 1D or 2D barcode – even in poor lighting conditions. This keeps queues short, reduces waiting times, and eliminates the need for manual data entry. 

Equipped with high-resolution cameras, smartphones are the tool of choice for scanning ticket barcodes, making dedicated hardware scanners obsolete.

Which barcode to use for ticketing

Choosing the right barcode symbology for event ticketing requires careful consideration of various factors such as readability, security, and compatibility with existing systems. Let’s explore the pros and cons of three commonly used barcode symbologies: QR codes, PDF417, and Code 128.

1. QR Codes

QR (Quick Response) codes have become ubiquitous in various applications, including event ticketing, owing to their versatility and high data capacity. 

Pros

• High data capacity: QR codes can store large amounts of data, including ticket details such as seat number, event information, and customer data.
• Fast and easy scanning: QR codes can be quickly scanned from a variety of angles, making the entry process swift and efficient.
• Customization: QR codes can be customized with colors, logos, and designs, enhancing brand recognition and aesthetics.

Cons

• Limited readability: QR codes may have limited readability in low-light conditions or if printed on low-quality materials.
• Security concerns: QR codes can be replicated or tampered with, leading to security vulnerabilities if not adequately protected.
• Dependence on smartphone apps: Scanning QR codes requires users to have compatible smartphone apps installed, potentially excluding those without access to smartphones or the necessary applications.

2. PDF417

PDF417 is a two-dimensional barcode symbology with high data capacity and error correction capabilities, making it suitable for encoding complex ticket information. 

Pros

• High data capacity: PDF417 barcodes can store large amounts of data in a compact format, accommodating extensive ticket details.
• Error correction: PDF417 barcodes incorporate error correction algorithms, enabling accurate scanning even if part of the barcode is damaged or obscured.
• Compatibility: PDF417 barcodes can be scanned with specialized scanners or smartphone apps, ensuring compatibility with various ticket validation systems.

Cons

• Complexity: Generating and decoding PDF417 barcodes may require specialized software and hardware, increasing complexity and cost.
• Size requirements: PDF417 barcodes require a certain minimum size to accommodate the encoded data adequately, potentially limiting their use in space-constrained ticket formats.
• Limited adoption: Despite its advantages, PDF417 is not as widely adopted as QR codes, which may pose interoperability challenges in some environments.

3. Code 128

Code 128 is a linear barcode symbology capable of encoding alphanumeric data, commonly used in industries such as logistics and healthcare. While not as prevalent in event ticketing compared to QR codes or PDF417.

Pros

• High-density encoding: Code 128 barcodes can encode a wide range of characters in a compact format, making them suitable for printing on small ticket formats.
• Compatibility: Code 128 barcodes can be easily integrated with existing ticketing systems and hardware, minimizing the need for specialized equipment.
• Reliability: Code 128 barcodes are known for their reliability and robustness, ensuring consistent scanning performance even in challenging environments.

Cons

• Limited data capacity: Compared to QR codes and PDF417, Code 128 has limited data capacity, which may be insufficient for encoding extensive ticket information.
• Readability challenges: Code 128 barcodes may be susceptible to scanning errors if printed poorly or if the scanning equipment is not properly positioned.
• Lack of visual customization: Unlike QR codes, Code 128 barcodes offer limited options for visual customization, which impacts branding opportunities for event organizers.

Conclusion

The selection of barcode symbology for event ticketing depends on several aspects, such as data capacity, readability, security, and compatibility. While QR codes offer high data capacity and versatility, PDF417 provides robust error correction capabilities, and Code 128 offers reliability and compatibility advantages. 

Event organizers should carefully evaluate their specific requirements and consider the pros and cons of each symbology before making an informed decision to ensure efficient and secure ticketing operations.