Set up scanning at your kiosk

Learn how to set up scanning at your sign in/out kiosk. iPad and Windows kiosks have different technical requirements.

iPad kiosk

The OnLocation kiosk app comes with built-in QR code scanning. This is not a touchless option as the user must tap the iPad to scan.

You can also set up an external scanner to scan barcodes, QR codes, and/or RFID cards. 

Camera scanning

The kiosk app can use the front camera of the iPad to scan QR codes. Scanning is limited to QR codes because the quality of the camera cannot consistently scan barcodes.

To enable scanning, set it up in the kiosk settings in the desktop application:

  1. Go to Locations, then select the location from the drop-down list.
  2. Select Sign In/Out Kiosks.
  3. Click View next to your kiosk.
  4. In the Settings tab, under Advanced Settings, select the checkbox next to Enable Kiosk Camera Scan.

    Enable-Kiosk-Camera-Scan.png
  5. Click Save & Close.

To scan on the kiosk, tap Sign In or Sign Out, and hold the QR code up to the iPad’s camera.

External scanners

Setting up an external scanner with your iPad means you can scan barcodes, QR codes, and/or RFID cards, depending on the type of scanner setup. You can also set up scanning to be contactless using a charging stand and auto mode.

The only scanners supported for use with kiosk app are the SocketScan 700 series and DuraScan D600. Scanners include:

  • 1D scanners for barcodes only
  • 2D scanners for barcodes and QR codes
  • D600 for scanning RFID

You can only have one scanner enabled per kiosk, so you won’t be able to scan both RFID and barcodes.

Check our scanner article for a list of suggested suppliers.

RFID scanners can only read certain frequency RFID cards. Please your RFID cards have a frequency of 13.56 MHz before using the D600.

 

Windows kiosk

With a Windows kiosk, you can use either:

  • A front-facing camera to scan QR codes
  • An external scanner to scan barcodes, QR codes, or RFID cards

Camera scanning

Windows kiosks can use a front-facing camera to scan QR codes. The scanning is limited to QR codes because the quality of the camera cannot consistently scan barcodes.

To enable scanning, set it up in the kiosk settings in the desktop application:

  1. Go to Locations, then select the location from the drop-down list.
  2. Select Sign In/Out Kiosks.
  3. Click View next to your kiosk.
  4. In the Settings tab, under Advanced Settings, select the checkbox next to Enable Kiosk Camera Scan.

    Enable-Kiosk-Camera-Scan.png
  5. Click Save & Close.

To scan on the kiosk, tap Sign In or Sign Out and hold the QR code up to the kiosk's camera.

External scanners

The only requirement for a barcode scanner is ‘keyboard entry mode’. This means the scanner acts in the same way as a keyboard entering a string.

Most plug-and-play scanners will scan and enter tokens with no additional setup required as the keyboard entry mode is standard.

A Windows kiosk with an external scanner can be contactless if the scanner has an auto mode.

The Motorola Zebra DS9208 barcode scanner is widely used for barcode and QR code scanning.

Check our scanner article for a list of suggested suppliers.

RFID scanners

RFID scanners come in a wide variety, scanning various frequencies, and inputting using various methods.

The frequency that is scanned needs to match the frequency being emitted by your cards. The manufacturer or supplier of both the cards and scanners will be able to provide this information.

Keyboard input means that the scanner enters the string as if it were typing on a keyboard. This is required to use an RFID scanner with MRI OnLocation. Many scanners can be configured to use keyboard input, though this may not be available on some devices. This is also something that you should check with the manufacturer or supplier.

For an all-purpose scanner that reads multiple frequencies and has a keyboard input method, we recommend the pcPRox Plus RFID reader.

Check our scanner article for a list of suggested suppliers.