Barcode wallet passes are transforming the way businesses interact with their customers. By enabling barcode capabilities in Apple Wallet and Google Wallet, you can provide a seamless, scannable experience that enhances customer convenience and engagement.
A barcode pass is an digital record of a loyalty card, membership card, coupon, or event ticket, which can be presented securely via a smartphone. Unlike NFC passes, barcode passes are scanned using a barcode reader or a smartphone camera. This makes them a versatile and widely accessible solution for businesses of all sizes.
PassKit makes it easy to create, manage, and distribute barcode-enabled wallet passes. This guide will walk you through the process of enabling and using barcode wallet passes with PassKit, while also covering important considerations like scanning hardware, third-party scanning apps, and integration with point-of-sale (POS) systems.
Why use Barcode Wallet Passes
Before diving into the technical details, let’s explore the benefits of barcode wallet passes:
Wide Compatibility
Barcode passes can be scanned using a variety of devices, including smartphones, dedicated barcode scanners, and POS hardware.
Enhanced Customer Experience
Barcode passes are stored directly in Apple Wallet or Google Wallet, making them easy to access and use.
Increased Engagement
Barcode passes can be updated in real-time, enabling businesses to send push notifications, updates, or special offers.
Cost-Effective Solution
Barcode passes require minimal hardware investment, as they can be scanned using existing devices like smartphones or basic barcode scanners.
Customizable and Brandable
Wallet passes are highly customizable, allowing you to showcase your brand with logos, colors, and personalized messages.
Prerequisites
To create and use barcode passes, you’ll need the following:
A PassKit account to design and manage your passes.
A barcode scanning solution (e.g., the PassKit PassReader app, third-party scanning app, or POS-integrated scanner).
If not using a scanning app, a compatible system to process the scanned barcode data (e.g., POS software, CRM).
Important Considerations
While barcode passes offer many advantages, there are some critical considerations to keep in mind:
Screenshot Vulnerability
Unlike NFC passes, barcode passes can be easily duplicated via screenshots. If someone takes a screenshot of a barcode pass, the barcode is also captured, which means the pass can be shared or used fraudulently. There is no technical mechanism to prevent screenshots of barcode passes.
Authentication is Critical
To ensure that the correct owner of the pass is using it (and not someone with a screenshot), additional validation or authentication steps are often necessary. For example:
Boarding Passes: A boarding pass may be scanned, but the passenger is also required to present a passport or ID to verify their identity.
Event Tickets: Attendees may need to show a matching ID or provide additional verification to gain entry.
Loyalty Cards: Businesses may require customers to provide a phone number or email address linked to the account for validation.
Risk-Based Authentication
The level of authentication required typically depends on the risk of fraudulent use. For high-value transactions or high-security scenarios (e.g., boarding passes, VIP event tickets), robust authentication measures are essential. For low-risk use cases (e.g., loyalty points, coupon redemption), simpler (or no) validation may suffice.
No iCloud Binding
Unlike NFC passes, barcode passes cannot be bound to an iCloud account. This means there is no built-in mechanism to prevent sharing or duplication of barcode passes. Businesses must implement their own validation processes to mitigate this risk.
Barcode Formats
Wallet Passes support 4 barcode formats, each with its own strengths and limitations:
QR Code: A 2D barcode that is widely supported and easily scanned by smartphones.
PDF417: A 2D barcode often used for boarding passes and government IDs.
Aztec: A 2D barcode similar to QR codes but more compact, commonly used for mobile ticketing.
Code 128: A linear (1D) barcode that is less suited for reflective screens like smartphones but can still work if your scanner does not support 2D barcodes.
Recommendation: Where possible, we recommend using 2D barcodes (QR Code, PDF417, or Aztec) because they are better suited for scanning on smartphone screens and are more reliable in real-world use cases.
Instructions
1: Choose Your Barcode Scanning Solution
There are three main options for scanning barcode passes:
This option allows merchants to scan barcode passes using their smartphone or tablet camera without needing a dedicated scanning app. The barcode contains a URL that redirects the merchant to a secure webpage where they can take action (e.g., validate a pass or process a transaction).
No Additional App Required: Merchants can use their device's built-in camera to scan the barcode, making it a simple and accessible solution.
URL Embedded in Barcode: The barcode encodes a URL that directs the merchant to a webpage for further action. This URL can include unique identifiers for tracking and security.
Secure Webpage: The landing page should include authentication (e.g., login or security code) to ensure only authorized users can perform sensitive actions.
Ideal for Quick Setup: This method is cost-effective and requires no additional hardware or software, making it suitable for small businesses or temporary use cases.
Option 2: Use the PassKit PassReader App
The PassKit PassReader app provides a simple, out-of-the-box solution for scanning barcode passes.
No POS integration is required, making it ideal for businesses that need a quick and easy setup.
Important Note: When using the PassKit PassReader app, you must encode the Pass ID ({pid}) in the barcode. This ensures that the scan events are automatically logged in the PassKit portal.
Scan events will appear in the Member, Coupon, or Event Tickets events tab in the PassKit portal, depending on the type of pass scanned.
Simply download the app, log in to your PassKit account, and start scanning.
Option 3: Use a Third-Party Scanning App (e.g., Codereadr)
Third-party apps like CodeREADr offer advanced customization and integration options.
These apps allow you to tailor the scanning experience to your specific needs, such as adding custom workflows or integrating with external systems.
Ideal for businesses that require more flexibility and control over their scanning process.
Option 4: Use POS Hardware or a Scanner Connected to POS
If you already have a POS system with a built-in barcode scanner or a connected scanner, you can use it to scan barcode passes.
This option is ideal for businesses that want to integrate barcode passes directly into their existing POS workflow.
Ensure your POS software is compatible with the barcode format used in your wallet passes (e.g., Code 128, QR code).
2: Create Barcode Wallet Passes with PassKit
Once you’ve chosen your scanning solution, you’re ready to create barcode wallet passes using PassKit. Here’s how:
Log in to PassKit: Access your PassKit account or sign up if you’re new to the platform.
Design Your Pass Template:
Create a new template or use an existing one.
Navigate to the Barcode Tab in the Pass Designer.
Select the barcode format (e.g., QR Code, PDF417).
For PassKit PassReader App: Encode the Pass ID (${pid}) in the barcode to ensure scan events are logged in the PassKit portal.
For other scanning solutions, customize the data to be encoded (e.g., https://pub1.pskt.io/or/${pid}, ${members.member.externalId}, ${eventTickets.ticket.ticketNumber}.
Publish and Distribute:
Generate the pass and distribute it via email, SMS, or a direct download link.
Customers can add the pass to their Apple Wallet or Google Wallet with a single tap.
3: Integrate with External Systems
To provide a seamless experience, you may need to integrate your barcode wallet passes with external systems. Here’s what to consider:
POS Systems: Ensure your barcode scanner is connected to your POS system for real-time updates (e.g., loyalty points redemption).
Access Control Systems: Integrate with access control software for event tickets or membership passes.
CRM Systems: Sync customer data with your CRM to personalize offers and track engagement.
Analytics Tools: Use analytics platforms to monitor pass usage and customer behavior.
Note: If you’re using the PassKit PassReader app, no additional integration is required. Scan events will automatically appear in the Member events tab in the PassKit portal.
PassKit also offers robust APIs and webhooks to simplify integration with external systems for more advanced use cases.
4: Test and Optimize
Before rolling out barcode wallet passes to your customers, thoroughly test the entire workflow:
Test Scanning Functionality: Ensure the barcode is scanned correctly and transmits the expected data.
Check Compatibility: Verify that the pass works on both Apple and Android devices.
Simulate Real-World Scenarios: Test the pass in various use cases (e.g., access control, loyalty rewards, coupon redemption).
Gather Feedback: Collect feedback from a small group of users to identify any issues or areas for improvement.
Best Practices for a Seamless Customer Experience
Educate Your Customers: Provide clear instructions on how to add and use barcode wallet passes.
Offer Support: Set up a dedicated support channel to assist customers with barcode pass issues.
Promote Barcode Benefits: Highlight the convenience and versatility of barcode wallet passes in your marketing materials.
Monitor Performance: Use PassKit’s analytics and Pass Usage data to track and optimize your campaigns.
Conclusion
Barcode wallet passes are a powerful tool for enhancing customer engagement and streamlining operations. With PassKit, creating and managing barcode-enabled passes is simple and efficient. By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to implement barcode wallet passes for your business, providing a modern, scannable experience that delights your customers.
However, it’s important to recognize the limitations of barcode passes, particularly their vulnerability to screenshots and the need for additional authentication measures in high-risk scenarios. By carefully considering these factors and implementing appropriate validation processes, you can ensure a secure and seamless experience for your customers.
Ready to get started? Sign up for PassKit today and take the first step toward transforming your customer experience with barcode wallet passes!