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Understanding QR Codes & Troubleshooting

Learn how QR codes work in Custr, understand the different QR code types available, and resolve common scanning issues.

Overview

Custr supports multiple QR code workflows to help visitors, employees, students and other users check in and out quickly.

Depending on your setup, QR codes can be used to:

  • Identify a person and check them in automatically

  • Open a contactless check-in page on a mobile device

  • Locate a visitor invitation

  • Speed up attendance recording

  • Reduce reception queues

  • Support contactless sign-in

This article explains the different QR code types available within Custr and provides troubleshooting guidance if scanning is not working as expected.



Types of QR Codes in Custr

Custr supports several different QR code workflows.

QR Type

Purpose

Contactless QR Codes

Allow visitors and employees to check in using their own device

Employee QR Codes

Allow employees to check in by presenting their QR code to the iPad camera

Invitation QR Codes

Allow invited visitors to quickly locate their visit when arriving on site

Pre-Approved Visitor QR Codes

Allow known visitors to check in more quickly

Sixth Form Student QR Codes

Allow sixth form students to check in and out using their assigned QR code

If you are unsure which QR code you are using, see the related articles at the bottom of this page.



Contactless QR Codes

Contactless QR Codes belong to the site rather than an individual person.

Visitors can scan the QR code using their mobile device to complete the check-in process without touching the iPad.


Employees can scan the same QR code using the Companion App to record attendance.


Contactless QR Codes may be:

  • Dynamic QR Codes displayed on the iPad

  • Static QR Codes displayed on posters



Employee QR Codes

Employee QR Codes belong to an individual employee.

Employees present their QR code to the iPad camera and the system automatically identifies them.


Employee QR Codes can be:

  • Printed

  • Downloaded

  • Emailed

  • Viewed in the Companion App

Most employees are automatically assigned a QR code when they are created.



Invitation QR Codes

Invitation QR Codes are automatically included within Visitor Invitation emails.

When presented to the iPad camera, the system locates the associated invitation and helps streamline the visitor arrival process.


Invitation QR Codes can also be used alongside Express Check-In to create a faster visitor experience.


Invitation QR Codes are intended for specific visits and expire when the invitation expires.



Pre-Approved Visitor QR Codes

Pre-Approved Visitors are automatically assigned a unique QR code when their record is created.

The QR code is included within the system-generated welcome email and can also be downloaded from the dashboard.


When presented to the iPad camera, the visitor can be identified more quickly during check-in.


Pre-Approved Visitor QR Codes are designed for visitors who attend regularly and may be used repeatedly across multiple visits.



Sixth Form Student QR Codes

Sixth-form students can be assigned unique QR codes to speed up attendance recording.

Students present their QR code to the iPad camera, and the system automatically identifies them.


This works similarly to Employee QR Codes and Pre-Approved Visitor QR Codes.



QR Code Scanning Settings

QR code scanning behaviour on the iPad is controlled through the dashboard.

To configure QR scanning:

  1. Navigate to Configuration > Settings

  2. Select Features

  3. Select QR


Available settings include:


Visitor QR Camera

Displays a QR scanner within the visitor check-in process.

Visitors can scan their QR code instead of entering information manually.


Staff QR Camera

Displays a QR scanner within the staff check-in process.

Employees can scan their personal QR code to identify themselves.


Always-On QR Scanning

Keeps the iPad camera active and continuously scanning for QR codes.

When enabled:

  • Users can present a QR code immediately

  • No need to select Visitor, Staff or Students first

  • Faster check-in experience

  • Reduced interaction with the iPad

When disabled:

  • Users must first select Visitor, Staff, Students or another check-in option before the camera becomes available

Recommended Setup

For the fastest sign-in experience:

  • Enable Always-On QR Scanning

  • Enable Visitor QR Camera

  • Enable Staff QR Camera



QR Code Scans But Questions Still Appear

This is expected behaviour.

QR codes identify the user more quickly, but they do not bypass your normal workflow.


Users may still be required to:

  • Answer check-in questions

  • Answer check-out questions

  • Complete photo capture

  • Sign documents

  • Review policies

  • Complete safeguarding requirements

The QR code simply speeds up identification.



Common Reasons QR Codes Do Not Scan

1. QR Scanning Is Disabled

Check that:

  • Visitor QR Camera is enabled

  • Staff QR Camera is enabled

  • Always-On QR Scanning is enabled (if required)

If these settings are disabled, the iPad camera may not activate.



2. Poor Lighting

Low light, glare or reflections can affect scanning performance.

Try:

  • Improving lighting

  • Reducing reflections

  • Adjusting the angle of the QR code



3. QR Code Is Too Small or Blurry

Scanning may fail if:

  • The QR code is low resolution

  • The QR code has been resized too small

  • The printed copy is unclear

Where possible, use the original downloaded QR code.



4. Camera Issues

Check for:

  • Dirty camera lenses

  • Damaged cameras

  • Camera permissions being blocked

Restarting the iPad may also help resolve camera-related issues.



5. Incorrect QR Code

Custr supports several QR code types.

Using the wrong QR code may result in:

  • No response

  • Unexpected behaviour

  • Check-in failure

Ensure the QR code matches the workflow being used.



QR Code Works for Some Users But Not Others

Check:

  • How the QR code was generated

  • Whether the QR code is still valid

  • Whether the correct user is associated with the QR code

If necessary, generate a new QR code and test again.



Refreshing or Regenerating QR Codes

If a QR code has been lost, shared or is no longer working:

  1. Generate a new QR code

  2. Download or resend the updated QR code

  3. Ensure the latest version is being used

Please note:

Generating a new QR code invalidates the previous QR code.



QR Code Scans But Nothing Happens

If the QR code scans but does not trigger check-in:

  • Check the iPad has an active internet connection

  • Confirm the device is syncing correctly

  • Restart the iPad

  • Test using a different QR code



Switching to Manual Check-In

If QR code scanning is unavailable, users can still check in manually.

Depending on your setup, users can:

  • Search for their name

  • Select their invitation

  • Use Contactless Check-In

  • Complete the standard check-in process

This ensures attendance can continue even if QR scanning is temporarily unavailable.



When to Contact Support

Contact Support if:

  • QR codes consistently fail across multiple users

  • The iPad camera is not functioning

  • QR codes scan but do not trigger check-in

  • QR scanning settings appear correct, but issues continue



Related Articles

Important Notes

  • Custr supports multiple QR code workflows.

  • Different QR codes are used for different check-in methods.

  • QR codes speed up identification but do not bypass questions, documents or safeguarding workflows.

  • Most employee, pre-approved visitor and invited visitor records are automatically assigned a QR code.

  • Generating a new QR code invalidates the previous one.

  • Always-On QR Scanning provides the fastest user experience.

  • QR scanning requires the iPad camera to be enabled and functioning correctly.

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