"Working sessions with the Softjourn team were very productive since we didn’t initially have a clear idea of what we needed. When their solutions architect came to us with suggestions and recommendations, it was much easier to make smart decisions and proceed in the right direction with the project.”
Ticombo: Empowering Streamlined Ticket Validation with a New Access Control App
ABOUT THE CLIENT:
The Challenge
Tixnet came to us because they wanted our experts to support them in developing cross-platform ticket validation applications.
The Solution
The complexity of the project was mainly connected to the changing scope of the backend. Due to issues with API, the team rearranged the frontend development in order to finish everything by the agreed-upon deadline.
The Benefits
- Seamless ticket scanning experience
- Advanced functionality on both iOS and Android platforms
- Reduced system vulnerabilities
- Flexible architecture
- Improved scalability
The Challenge
Tixnet, a subsidiary of the German company Ticombo GmBH, specializes in delivering innovative ticketing solutions for events. Tixnet and Softjourn have maintained a successful partnership, collaborating on multiple projects, and in the most recent one, Tixnet came to us because they wanted our experts to support them in developing cross-platform ticket validation applications.
Softjourn assembled a team of ticketing experts experienced in developing over 20 access control applications to create a list of requirements and provide their consulting services regarding the application's design.
While Tixnet does already have a ticket application, it has certain limitations in terms of scalability. That's why our client felt that it was the right time to develop a new application to handle ticket scanning, validation, and scanning activity tracking.
The first phase of the project was a detailed analysis of the current state of things, requirements analysis, completion of the Project Discovery Document, and discovery phase.
We then moved to the second phase of the project, which involved developing the proposed React Native-based access control app.
The Solution
Every project at Softjourn starts with a productive working session so the teams can receive key information about the software development project flow. We believe open communication and transparency are crucial when it comes to our collaboration with clients.
During the initial project discussions, our client outlined several key features they wanted in the application:
- Offline mode - The application should seamlessly incorporate a fallback approach that makes it work online by default. However, if an issue occurs, it would easily switch to local data storage. In addition, the access control application would allow event organizers to change the scanning mode depending on their preference or the type of event.
- NFC tag readability - The application should enable a quick and easy option to read the NFC tag on the customer's side of the application, as it would allow them easier and faster access to the venue.
- Tickets for one entrance per day - Despite multi-day events, the application should offer the option to permit only one entrance per day.
- Permission for manual check-in - Another important feature is the ability to manually validate patrons' tickets, in the instances that they have an issue with their phone or digital ticket.
The complexity of the project was mainly connected to the changing scope of the backend. Due to issues with API, the team rearranged the frontend development to finish everything by the agreed-upon deadline.
Softjourn's team approached this project with a lot of flexibility, as our goal is always to create the best solution tailored to fit exactly what our client needs.
Once the development team received and analyzed the needed API documentation, the next step was to clarify with the client when we would start developing the access control application.
Implementation Plan
Once we've obtained and analyzed all necessary documentation, we finalized our implementation plan, which included the following steps:
1. Setting up Google and Apple Development Accounts
Tixnet will set up Apple and Google development accounts before the project starts, and Softjourn developers will be added to their accounts as admins to set up the app distribution.
2. Cross-Platform Development
Softjourn will implement the access control application on ReactNative and will build it as both an Android and iOS app.
3. Data Security
To secure consumer data, we set up the app so that any sensitive information that is stored on the device for offline ticket scanning will be encrypted and deleted as soon as an event ends.
4. NFC Integration
Softjourn made it so NFC integration will be done via OS native SDK integration, with no external attachments support. The access control app will be designed to support offline mode - any conflicts will be resolved on the backend side.
5. Offline Mode Supoort
The Application was designed to support offline mode, with any conflicts resolved on the backend side.
The Benefits
Tixnet's primary goals were to facilitate seamless ticket scanning regardless of internet connectivity, prevent fraudulent behavior at events and offer patrons a user-friendly means of accessing events.
Utilizing React Native as a mobile app development framework ensured that the client's app would appear nearly identical to applications written with native code but would work on both iOS and Android.
Ensuring impeccable access control mobile performance is what our teams do for all our clients. This includes writing clean code, checkups for any type of vulnerabilities in the source code, and the creation of a flexible architecture that facilitates sustainability and scalability.
Softjourn provided the following project deliverables to Tixnet:
- Application source code
- Installation notes
- Applications published in Google Play and App Store
After the completion of this project, Tixnet joined the group of satisfied Softjourn clients as we were able to help them develop solutions that respond to the ever-changing needs of their patrons.
Conclusion
With almost two decades of experience in developing access control systems, Softjourn has gathered subject matter experts in ticketing who are ready to create custom-made solutions for our ticketing clients.
Using standardized processes, our developers build software that our clients can offer to various types of events, venues, event managers, and other industry professionals. If you are interested in developing access control applications, please reach out, and our experts will help turn your ideas into reality.
If you are considering the development of an access control application, we invite you to connect with our experts. Together, we can transform your ideas into great products.