🌟Mobile Apps for Event Check-in and Management Using Flutter

[justusweigmann]

I haven't found any information yet about whether mobile app planning is included. From my perspective, it would be beneficial to develop a scan app for check-in operators and an admin app that can revoke check-ins or issue tickets on-site.

I'm currently starting with Flutter and looking for a good starting point. I'd like to use this for our association to transition away from our current solution in the coming year.

Suggested App Development Plan

Is your feature request related to a problem? Please describe. Our association currently lacks an efficient mobile solution for event check-ins and ticket management. We're frustrated with our current system's limitations, particularly in handling on-site operations and real-time updates.

Describe the solution you'd like

1. A Scan App for Check-in Operators:

   • QR code/barcode scanning functionality
   • Quick check-in process
   • Real-time synchronization with backend
   • Offline mode capabilities

2. An Admin App:

   • Check-in management (view, revoke)
   • On-site ticket issuance
   • User management
   • Event management
   • print QR-Codes (via print features)

These apps should work together to streamline our event management process and provide a more efficient solution than our current system.

Describe alternatives you've considered We've considered:

• Upgrading our existing system, but it lacks the mobile functionality we need
• Using off-the-shelf event management apps, but they don't offer the customization we require
• Developing native iOS and Android apps separately, but Flutter's cross-platform capabilities seem more efficient for our needs

Additional context We're planning to transition away from our current solution in the coming year. As we're starting with Flutter, we're looking for guidance on the best way to begin this project, including recommended packages for QR code scanning, state management, and backend integration. Any resources or best practices for developing event management apps with Flutter would be greatly appreciated.

[daveearley]

Hi @justusweigmann,

I’m not too familiar with the Flutter ecosystem, so I can’t offer much guidance on recommended packages for QR scanning, state management, etc.

However, a good starting point would be to check out the Check-in API endpoints, which can be found here. You’ll also need to look into the Check-In List endpoints if you want to create check-in lists within the app.

There have been several requests for a check-in app, so it’s definitely on the roadmap. As for technology, it’s still undecided. I’ve considered Flutter, but I’m currently leaning toward React Native with Expo due to my familiarity with TypeScript, which would speed up development.

Having said that, if you're developing a Flutter app, and are planning to open-source it, I'd be happy to contribute.

[justusweigmann]

Hey @daveearley, Alright! Thanks for the clarification. The app I plan to develop will definitely be open source, simply because your main application already is open source. I will start with the simpler part: the Check-in Operator app (https://github.com/justusweigmann/JB-EventOS-CheckIn-MobileApp/tree/development). I'm not sure when the first commit will be done; at the moment, I'm working on the sign-in process and building the offline capability. I will update you as soon as possible.

[elronalds]

Thoughts on adding PWA features and support before a mobile app is created #244 ? I feel like a check-in mobile app would be a great addition to the solution.

[daveearley]

@elronalds PWA features will be added in addition to having a native app. I’m currently exploring what’s possible with a PWA for offline check-in, and so far, it seems pretty straightforward to implement.

The main reason for also considering a native app is to offer better offline support and improved barcode reader performance.