Check-in System Part 4: Cards and Codes

To check-in parents have a choice of using a card containing a barcode which we call the 'Flash Pass' or their phone number. We intentionally did not call our card a check-in card because we want to use it for more than just checking in kids. In a large church to hardest thing to avoid is lines. Currently, our card can be used for check-in and also as a stored credit card (gift card) for our bookstore, coffee bar and cafe. In the future we hope to also use it in our library, volunteer check-in and other uses.

When a new family arrives they are given the registration form below. Once they complete it we enter their names and child ages into the system using a quick entry registration app (all other info is entered in the office during the week) and scan the barcode to link the family to the card. We then tear the registration form off from the cards along the perferation and hand the card portion (with FAQ) back to the family. The registration form has a copy of the barcode on it in case we need it.

The barcode on the card uses the Code 128-A standard. We found this scans much easier than the normal Code 39.

From a marketing and communications perspective we decided to use a picture of our campus. That way everyone is caring a picture of their church around with them in their wallet or keychain. I think this is an awesome idea, and I wish I could take credit for it, but it was our senior pastor's idea...