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Overview

A scan represents the action of reading a pass (either via NFC or barcode) using a PassEntry-compatible reader. The Scans API is essential for businesses that need to validate and process passes at physical locations. Common Use Cases
  • Event access control
  • Membership verification
  • Ticket validation
  • Loyalty program check-ins
  • etc.

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Validation Methods

The Scans API enables validation of passes through two different methods:

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Internal PassEntry Validation (Default)

  • A simple and convenient out-of-the-box solution
  • Validates passes against PassEntry’s database
  • Ensures the pass is valid and active
  • If a validity period is configured, ensures the pass hasn’t been scanned within that timeframe
  • Returns immediate validation results and reader instructions
  • Scan value (NFC/barcode) must be the pass UUID or external ID
  • /scans endpoint is used for this flow

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Third-Party Validation

  • Your system handles all validation logic
  • Highly flexible – define your own validation rules and business logic
  • Scan value can contain any data format you need:
    • Multiple values (e.g., "customerID-promoCode")
    • Custom formats
  • Full control over reader behavior through reader instructions:
    • Currently supports display messages
    • Future expansion planned for LED colors, sounds, icons, and more controls depending on the reader type
  • Results are logged back to PassEntry for analytics and reporting (only available for PassEntry Reader)
  • /scans/log endpoint is used for this flow
  • Available with PassEntry Reader and VTAP reader
Both methods support NFC and barcode scanning, and provide detailed scan information, including timestamps, pass details, and validation status. The validation type is configured in your reader settings on the PassEntry Dashboard.