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
See: Contactless Check-In
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.
See: Staff QR Codes
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.
See: Visitor Invites
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.
See: Pre-Approved Visitors
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:
Navigate to Configuration > Settings
Select Features
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:
Generate a new QR code
Download or resend the updated QR code
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
Email: [email protected]
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.
