Scanning Overview
Overview
Seaty's mobile scanning system provides fast, reliable ticket validation at event entrances. The app validates tickets using QR codes, tracks attendance in real-time, and works both online and offline to handle any venue connectivity situation.
At its simplest, scanning answers one question: Is this ticket valid for entry right now?
Who uses this: Door staff, ushers, front-of-house managers, and event administrators with scanning access on the Seaty mobile app.
Key capabilities:
- Validate tickets quickly using QR code scanning with instant visual and audio feedback
- Check attendees in and out automatically or manually toggle their status
- Work offline with pre-downloaded ticket data when venue internet is unreliable
- Track attendance in real-time across multiple scanning devices
- Detect duplicate scans and invalid tickets to prevent fraudulent entry
- Manage merchandise vouchers with manual redemption control
How It Works
At a glance: Hold your phone over a ticket, the app validates it instantly, and you see whether to admit the attendee.
1. Open the scanner
Navigate to your event in the Seaty app and tap "Scan & Attendance". Choose whether to scan for the entire day or a specific performance time. The scanner activates when you hold the scan button.
2. Scan the ticket
Position the QR code within the camera view and hold steady. The app automatically detects and reads the barcode, then validates it against your event data. This happens in under a second when online.
3. See the result
The app shows a colour-coded result: green for valid tickets, amber for tickets needing attention (such as already checked in), and red for invalid tickets. Audio and vibration feedback reinforces the visual result.
4. Manage attendance
Valid tickets are automatically checked in by default. You can toggle the check-in status, view ticket details, or access the full order by swiping on the result. Merchandise vouchers require manual redemption after scanning.
Think of it this way:
- Online scanning validates against the server for real-time accuracy and duplicate detection
- Offline scanning validates against downloaded data when the internet is unavailable
- Hybrid mode tries online first and falls back to offline automatically
Scanning Modes
Online Scanning
Tickets are validated against the server in real-time, with immediate check-in recording and full audit history. This is the default mode when internet connection is available. The server can detect if a ticket has already been scanned on another device.
Offline Scanning
Pre-download ticket data to validate tickets locally when no internet connection is available. Ideal for venues with unreliable Wi-Fi or cellular coverage. Offline scans are stored on the device and synced when you reconnect.
Why use offline mode? Venues often have connectivity challenges: historic buildings with thick walls, outdoor events with no coverage, or school Wi-Fi overloaded during peak entry times.
Hybrid Mode
Automatically falls back to offline validation if online validation fails due to network issues. Recommended for unpredictable venue connections, as it provides real-time validation when possible whilst ensuring scanning continues if the network drops.
Scan Feedback
The app provides immediate feedback through multiple channels so staff know the result without looking at the screen:
- Visual: Colour-coded borders and badges (green for valid, red for invalid, amber for warnings)
- Audio: Distinct sounds for success, warning, and error results
- Haptic: Vibration patterns for errors and warnings (configurable in settings)
- On-Screen: Clear messages explaining the validation result and next steps
Who Uses Scanning
Door Staff and Ushers
Validate tickets and manage entry with instant feedback on ticket validity. The hold-to-scan pattern gives staff full control over when scanning occurs, preventing accidental reads.
Front-of-House Managers
Monitor attendance in real-time, track check-in rates across multiple scanners, and identify anomalies during the event. Access attendance reports directly from the scanning screen.
Device Sign-In
Shared scanning devices can be signed in without personal credentials. This allows multiple staff members to use the same device whilst maintaining audit trails of who scanned which tickets.
Practical Examples
Theatre Productions
Door staff scan tickets at entrance, automatically checking attendees in. Multiple staff members scan simultaneously at different doors, with real-time attendance visible to front-of-house managers in the admin dashboard.
School Events
Parent volunteers use device sign-in to scan tickets without personal accounts. Offline mode ensures scanning continues even if school Wi-Fi becomes overloaded during peak entry times.
Multi-Date Tours
Download ticket data once for the entire tour and scan across multiple performances. Attendance reports show which performances have the highest check-in rates and help identify no-shows.
Merchandise Redemption
Scan voucher QR codes at merchandise desks. Staff manually tap "Redeem" after validating the voucher, preventing automatic fulfilment and enabling proper inventory control at the point of collection.
Getting Started
- Select your event: Open the Seaty app and choose the event from your list
- Open the scanner: Tap "Scan & Attendance" from the event menu
- Choose the scope: Select "Scan entire day" or "Scan event date & time"
- Configure settings: Adjust torch, sound, and offline preferences as needed
- Download data (optional): If using offline mode, download ticket data whilst online
- Start scanning: Hold the scan button and position QR codes in the camera view
Explore Scanning
Browse the topics below to learn more about scanning in the Seaty mobile app.
Scan Workflow
How to scan and validate tickets
Scan Settings
Configure scanning options
Offline Scanning
Scan tickets without internet
Attendance Tracking
Track event attendance
Common Questions
Scanning Modes
Which scanning mode should I use?
Use hybrid mode for most situations. It validates online when possible but falls back to offline if the connection fails. Only use force-offline mode when testing or when you know the venue has no connectivity.
Can I switch between online and offline during an event?
Yes. The app automatically handles this in hybrid mode. You can also manually enable or disable offline scanning in the scan settings at any time.
Offline Functionality
What happens to scans made offline?
Offline scans are stored on the device and must be manually synced when you reconnect to the internet. The app shows a count of unsynced scans on the scanning screen.
Can offline scanning detect duplicate tickets?
No. Offline validation cannot check if a ticket has already been scanned on another device. This is a fundamental limitation when the server is unreachable.
Devices and Access
Can multiple people use the same scanning device?
Yes. Use device sign-in to set up a shared device without requiring personal accounts. Each scan still records which device performed it for audit purposes.
Do I need an admin account to scan tickets?
You need scanning access, which can be granted through device sign-in or by being added as an organisation member with appropriate permissions.
Need help? Contact support@seaty.co.uk for assistance with ticket scanning.