Ticket Control: Advantages, Disadvantages, and an Overview of Your Options

Depending on your target audience and event, different criteria come into focus. The following options are available to you.

 

Important: The bottleneck at entry is often not ticket control, but the cloakroom. Plan sufficient staff capacity here and also consider our additional tips on the topic.

 

Zebra Hand Scanner – the Optimal Choice for Larger Ticket Volumes

The professional hand scanners from Zebra with Android operating systems also use a modified version of the ScanApp. Their operation is therefore largely comparable to a standard Android smartphone. We recommend this solution for larger ticket volumes or venues where an internet connection via mobile network is unavailable or difficult to achieve.

 

Advantages

• Fast scanning with the built-in scanner

• Intuitive operation

• Real-time database synchronization via Wi-Fi

• Offline operation possible (but not recommended)

• Parallel use of multiple devices (online operation)

• Durable hardware, resistant to cold and moisture

• Long battery life

Disadvantages

• Availability & shipping of devices

• Longer lead times

• Potential training required (especially for non-Android users)

• Ideally require Wi-Fi (stationary network or mobile hotspot, order if needed!)

• Costs and effort (shipping fees, pick-up in Zurich, etc.)

 

Box Office – The Deluxe Solution for Special Requirements

The TICKETINO box office solution can be expanded modularly as needed. The software runs on Windows 10 and higher, so it can be installed on a standard Windows notebook or PC. It is also possible to obtain complete box office systems from TICKETINO. The areas of application are diverse. In addition to scanning tickets via manual entry of the ticket code or a connected USB hand scanner, on-site ticket sales in cash or via connected credit card terminals are also possible. All conceivable types of printers can be connected. Whether it’s a simple receipt printer, a standard A4 printer, a classic ticket printer for hard tickets, or even badge printers (plastic name cards in credit card format), the box office can be configured for all. We recommend this solution for events with special requirements, such as on-site ticket sales, seat-specific bookings via seating charts, business events where a name badge should be printed automatically when scanning a ticket, check-in via guest lists, as a backup at the info desk, or for permanent setups with fixed hardware.

 

Advantages

• On-site ticket sales

• Seat-specific bookings via seating charts

• Connection to all conceivable printer types

• Badge printing (plastic name cards)

• Generation of PDF tickets

• Fast scanning via USB hand scanner

• Real-time database synchronization via LAN or Wi-Fi

• Parallel use of multiple devices

• Use at the info desk (e.g., for guests who forgot their ticket)

• Offline operation possible (not for seating charts or credit card sales)

Disadvantages

• Space requirements / location needs (dry, stationary power supply, etc.)

• Availability & shipping of devices

• Longer lead times when obtaining devices from TICKETINO

• Training requirements

• Ideally require LAN or Wi-Fi

• Costs and effort (shipping fees, pick-up in Zurich, etc.)

 

Browser Client – The Simple Solution for PC or Mac Without Installation

The TICKETINO browser client is a fast, stable, and convenient scanning solution that can be accessed directly via the Cockpit in all common browsers. This option is also suitable for Mac users, as no additional program installation is required. Ticket codes can be checked either with a connected USB hand scanner or by manually entering the codes.

 

Advantages

• No installation needed

• Suitable for PC and Mac

• Very easy to use

• Parallel use of multiple devices

• Real-time database synchronization

• Free of charge

Disadvantages

• Requires a stable internet connection (offline operation not possible)

• Limited to basic scanning functionality

• Space requirements / location needs (dry, stationary power supply, etc.)

Further information and guides for the browser client can be found here.

 

 

 

Ticket List – The Optional Solution as a Backup, for Small Events, or for Tech-Averse Users

The ticket list is ideal for events with a small number of tickets or for seat-specific events that are sold out or nearly sold out. Keep in mind: typically, only one person can occupy a seat, and in many cases, cross-checking tickets is not strictly necessary; it may be sufficient to verify individual bookings in case of discrepancies.

The ticket list is also the ultimate backup solution and should always be on hand just in case. You can easily download it from the Cockpit before the event, edit it, save it on a notebook, or even print it if needed. If you choose to print, it’s recommended to sort orders by last name in advance and remove unnecessary fields.

 

Advantages

• Offline operation possible, independent of internet, power, and servers

• Suitable for staff with limited technical knowledge

• Very easy to use

• Free of charge

Disadvantages

• Static, no database synchronization

• Only suitable for small ticket volumes and single entry (unless visitor identity is manually checked)

• Slow due to manual searching, especially with large ticket volumes

Further information on the ticket list can be found here. If you’re not yet very familiar with Excel, we also recommend this guide.

 

 

 

Conclusion

Which entry control option is best depends largely on the type of event and your personal preferences and skills. Based on experience, we definitely recommend choosing the simplest solution that is still technically sufficient. Specifically: for an event with 30 attendees or a hall with 60 seat-specific tickets that is more or less sold out, make your life easier and avoid ordering professional hardware that might overwhelm your staff. Instead, use the ticket list or the mobile ScanApp.

Conversely, avoid trying to scan a 20,000-person festival with your mobile phone. If you do attempt this with your own smartphones, plan enough backup devices, chargers, and power banks.

 

An overview of all the options discussed here, along with all downloadable guides, can be found here.

 

If you would like to obtain hardware from TICKETINO, reserve it early by emailing info@ticketino.com or calling CH: +41 43 500 40 80 / DE: +49 30 201 696 006.

 

Our event professionals are also happy to assist with questions or provide hardware training.