Mobile Access Control System (MACS)

User Guide

MAIN APPLICATION WINDOW

The "Mobile Access Control System" (MACS, install from Google Play or download from apkpure) is designed for ticket validation through the ArenaSoldOut ticket platform. MACS comprises a client-side (mobile app) and a server-side on the ArenaSoldOut central server. The client part is used by entry controllers. MACS works for both entry and exit ticket checks, requiring an Android device (version 4.0 and above) with autofocus camera and internet access for communication with the ArenaSoldOut central server. MACS reads crypto-protected QR codes of Mobile Electronic Tickets (MET) directly from the visitor's device screen.

To enter MACS, obtain the FRONTEND ID (FID) and corresponding token from the Manager app.

MACS operates in three modes:
1. READING tickets.
2. MEK VALIDATION mode.
3. CHECKING tickets.

Mode selection is on the app's first screen, displaying the app version and ID in the bottom left corner.

READING MODE

In reading mode, the app scans MET QR codes, excluding barcode scanning as it lacks session and ticket data. For accurate recognition, the QR code must be within the outlined viewfinder rectangle.

Modern devices with autofocus facilitate quick QR code reading in low light, backlight, or angled positions.

After decoding, the app displays all ticket data and, if available, the ticket's action history. In READING mode, ticket validation and ArenaSoldOut database changes are not performed.

CHECK MODE

To enter CHECK MODE, the app needs internet access; otherwise, the "Check" button is disabled. Internet access is required for session selection where ticket information is loaded every 15 seconds if the app is open.

If MACS loses connectivity with the ArenaSoldOut server, it usually correctly determines ticket status. In some cases, controllers must decide whether to admit visitors. During offline use, verified ticket data accumulates for later server upload, regardless of the app being open or closed. Data transmission occurs after each ticket QR code scan.

In CHECK MODE, the app scans both QR codes and barcodes. Unlike READING mode, barcode scanning is necessary for tickets sold by External Ticketing Systems (ETS). Such tickets may only have barcodes obtained from ArenaSoldOut. The main difference is that barcodes lack any ticket data, making data display impossible if not found in the device's local database. In certain situations, re-scanning the barcode is recommended when encountering the "Ticket with this barcode not found" message.

To check tickets, choose a session, displaying the selected session's data on the screen.

Ticket checking uses two modes: ENTRY and EXIT. ENTRY checks admit to the venue, while EXIT mode is for leaving the venue, such as during a session.

All MACS ticket actions (entries) are recorded in the ArenaSoldOut database. Subsequently, actions can be viewed through the "Session Statistics" and "App Statistics" menu items. Session Statistics shows all tickets verified by MACS for entry to the selected session (all control points). App Statistics displays only tickets verified by the app.

For a valid ticket shown for the first time, the app displays all ticket data and suggests admitting the visitor to the venue. A green arrow on the screen indicates entry permission.

If attempting to present the same ticket for re-entry, the app displays an "entry prohibited" indicator with the reason, in this case, "repeat entry."