Relevant to: Event Lead Management
Scanning an event badge is a great way to speed up the data collection process. Often event organisers will supply a machine-readable code on an event badge, containing attendees contact information that they shared when registering for the event. In many cases, this can be connected with the Integrate Events mobile app so that you can scan badges when collecting leads.
Badge scanning is available on both iOS and Android devices; see Supported Devices for advice.
| Event badge scanning is an optional feature. It might not be available to you, depending on your event. |
You can read more about the process involved with adding badge scanning to your event, in Setting up for event badge scanning.
In this article
Scanning badges in the mobile app
Scan barcode badges
| The mobile app needs to access your device's camera to scan event badges. You can permit this via in-app notification on the first run or in the Settings tab. See Enabling functionality on your device for more information. |
1. Navigate to your Event and tap the + button to open the form.
- Your form will have been built for your event and may look different to that shown in the examples shown here.
2. Tap on the Scan button and position the badge in front of the camera. Your device should auto-detect the code.
3. Badge data should then populate the form (providing your device is connected to the internet and the badge type allows this functionality).
- After scanning and retrieving the available badge data, the form will display the Full Name and Email.
- If the badge contains additional data, tap Show x additional fields to view this data.
- The data displayed here is editable.
Proceed to complete the form and tap Submit to finish the lead.
| In some cases (eg. if you are offline) badge data will not be retrieved immediately. Data will be shown after you submit the lead. |
Scan NFC badges
- Hold the device close to the NFC badge, within a few centimetres will suffice.
- iOS devices read NFC chips at the top of the device, while Android devices typically read NFC chips on the back (though the exact location can vary according to manufacturer).
- On very rare occasions, NFC readers may experience interference if you attempt to read a chip placed on a metal surface. Simply lift the device and badge away from the surface to fix the issue.
Data available from event badges
| Your device needs to be working with an internet connection for any badge data to be retrieved. If offline, the lead will be stored on your device until it can connect to the internet, when the mobile app will attempt to retrieve the badge data. |
The data from event badges differs according to a number of things like the event organiser, the registration/badge provider and individuals' choice to share their information. Your Event will have been setup to retrieve whatever is expected from the badge and this will vary between events.
Viewing badge data in the mobile app
Once you have submitted your lead in the mobile app, you can view and edit the data. From the Event's list of leads, tap the one you would like to view and edit. This will open the lead and display the data associated with it.
- Tap Show x additional fields underneath the name and email field to view and edit the data that was retrieved from the event badge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I use badge scanning?
Badge scanning can usually be included at your event providing there is an API or developer kit available for us to use. It needs to be integrated with your Integrate Event form, which replaces the need to rent traditional badge scan devices from event organisers. The provision of badge scanning can be different according to location; badge scanning is still an emerging market in Europe, while it’s often more readily available at large-scale events in the United States.
What type of badges can be scanned?
Event badges are available in a number of formats; these can include badges printed with barcodes and QR codes, plus those that contain NFC technology. We provide support for a range of badge formats.
What's an NFC badge?
Some badges may include an NFC chip. This means that users with compatible mobile devices* can quickly capture badge data with a contactless tap. For more information on NFC badge scanning, read article Scan NFC Event Badges with your Integrate App.
* Smartphone compatibility: iPhone 7 onwards. Android devices vary, check specific devices at Unitag.io here.
What do I need to do to use badge scanning?
You'll need to have downloaded the latest version of the Integrate mobile app on a supported Apple or Android device. See which devices we support in the article, Which Devices does Integrate Support?
Recommended Reading
- Enabling Functionality on your Device
- Supported Devices
- Scan NFC Event Badges with your Integrate Events App
- Setting up for Event Badge Scanning