Barcode Scanning
For a quicker check-in experience, you may like to use an inexpensive hardware barcode scanner with Kiosk running in-browser on your Mac/Linux/Windows PC. Allow parents/guardians to scan their barcode rather than type a phone number or code at check-in.
How It Works
Most barcode scanners are detected as a keyboard by your OS. When they scan a code, a series of key presses are sent to your computer. Here's how you can capture those key presses to facilitate a quick check-in:
Enable Household Codes in your Settings
Select a Household to edit
Focus your cursor in the Security Code field:
Scan your barcode
Save Changes
TIP:
If you'd like to save multiple codes per household, just add a "space" in the Security Code field before scanning the next barcode.
Now, navigate to Kiosk and scan the barcode - the check-in prompt should appear. (Ensure the kiosk browser window/tab remains active in order to capture the scanner input)
What type of Scanner do I need?
There are plenty of options when it comes to selecting a barcode scanner, but here is an example of an affordable 1D scanner that can read both paper/print as well as smartphone screens: Example.
OTHER options you may consider:
Wireless (2.4Ghz or Bluetooth)
Built-In Stand
Where do I get barcodes?
Some parents may already have a barcode on their keychain (gym, grocery, etc) that could be scanned-in and used
You could also order custom keychains with your logo to assign and distribute (Example)
You could create/download your own barcodes using a tool like this - and then email/text those as images to parents to have on their smartphones to scan. (Again, just ensure your scanner supports reading screens like the one above. Some older scanners only read paper/printed mediums)
Can I use a barcode scanner with the iOS/Android Kiosk app?
Not currently. If this is something you would like see, let us know!
Troubleshooting
Kiosk is open in my browser but scans are not being detected.
Please make sure the Kiosk window/tab is "active" (in the foreground). You may wish to put your browser in Fullscreen mode in order to maintain window focus. You may also test that the scanner is functioning by opening a text editor (notes, notepad, Word, Pages, Google Docs, etc) and checking for scanner input.