How to Scan a QR Code in Mission Control

As a gate attendant, QR codes provide the fastest way to verify and process visitor entry. Mission Control's QR code scanning feature allows you to instantly identify visitors, retrieve their information, and grant or deny access—all in seconds. This guide walks you through the complete scanning workflow.

Overview of QR Code Types

Mission Control supports three types of QR codes that visitors may present:

• Single-use QR codes – Valid for one-time entry only. Once scanned and approved, these codes expire immediately.
• Time-limited QR codes – Valid for a specific date range. The system automatically checks whether the code is still active.
• Permanent QR codes – Valid indefinitely until manually revoked by a resident. Commonly used for regular service providers or frequent guests.

The scanning process is identical for all three types. Mission Control automatically validates the code type and status for you.

Step 1 – Enter Mission Control

Mission Control is your primary workspace for processing all gate activities. Access it from:

• The Dashboard – Click Enter Mission Control in the property header.
• The navigation bar – Click the grid icon (four small squares) on the left side of any page.

Once Mission Control opens, you'll see the property search interface with several panels for managing visitor entry.

Step 2 – Access the QR Code Scanner

1. Look for the Scan button located in the top center of the Mission Control interface. This button is prominently displayed and clearly labeled.
   

1. Click the Scan button. The QR Code Scan Dialog will appear, ready to capture codes from your scanning device.
   

The scan dialog remains open until you successfully scan a code or manually close it, allowing you to prepare your scanning device without rushing.

Step 3 – Scan the QR Code

Using the Zebra DS8178 Scanner:

1. Ensure your Zebra DS8178 scanner is properly connected and powered on. The scanner should emit a ready tone when active.
2. Point the scanner at the QR code displayed on the visitor's mobile device or printed pass. Hold the scanner 4-6 inches away from the code.
3. Press the scanner trigger button. The scanner will emit a beep and a light indicator when it successfully reads the code.
4. The scanned data is automatically transmitted to Mission Control. You do not need to type or enter anything manually.

Manual Entry Option:

If your scanner is unavailable or malfunctioning:

1. In the scan dialog, look for the manual entry field.
2. Type the alphanumeric code displayed below the visitor's QR code.
3. Press Enter or click Submit to process the manually entered code.
   
4. If the above is not possible, process the visitor manually, following contact priority list guidelines.

Manual entry should be used only as a backup, as scanning is significantly faster and reduces input errors.

Step 4 – Review the Scan Results

After a successful scan, Mission Control processes the QR code and displays results in the interface:

If the visitor is found in Watchtower:

• The 'Scanned Data' and 'Clear Scanned Data' buttons will become visible on the top bar.
• Their full information populates in the Entry Management panel on the right.
• Any special instructions, notes, or restrictions associated with the visitor are displayed.
  

If the visitor is not found:

• You will need to create a new visitor record before granting entry. Click New Visitor to begin this process (see the related article "How to add a guest or vendor at the gate").

Step 5 – Verify Visitor Information

Before approving entry, always verify the information displayed in the Entry Management panel:

• Visitor name – Confirm it matches the person standing at the gate. Ask for photo identification if needed.
• Property address – Ensure the visitor is going to the correct location within the community.
• Valid dates – For time-limited codes, verify the current date falls within the allowed range.
• Status tag – Review any status indicators such as Guest, Vendor, or Restricted.

Special attention for Restricted status:

If a visitor shows a "Restricted" status tag, do NOT grant entry without supervisor approval. Contact your shift manager or community management immediately. Restricted visitors have been specifically flagged for denial of access.

Step 6 – Approve or Deny Entry

Based on your verification, take the appropriate action:

To approve entry:

1. Click the Approve Entry button in the Entry Management panel.
2. Mission Control records the entry with a timestamp and logs all relevant details.
3. The entry appears immediately in the entry log for audit purposes.
4. Inform the visitor they may proceed and provide any necessary directions.

To deny entry:

1. Click the Deny Entry button in the Entry Management panel.
2. A dialog appears asking for a denial reason. Select the appropriate reason from the dropdown menu or type a brief explanation.
3. The denied attempt is logged with the reason for record-keeping and security review.
4. Politely inform the visitor that you cannot grant access and suggest they contact the resident directly to resolve the issue.

Step 7 – Confirm the Entry Log

After approving an entry, you can verify it was recorded correctly:

1. Look at the Recent Entries section at the bottom of Mission Control.
2. The visitor's entry should appear at the top of the list with the current timestamp.
3. If you need to review entry details, click on the entry row to expand the full record.

The entry log provides a complete audit trail of all gate activity during your shift, including approved entries, denied attempts, and any notes you've added.

Handling Common Scanning Issues

QR code won't scan:

• Ensure the code is fully visible and not damaged or obscured.
• Adjust the scanner distance—move slightly closer or farther away.
• Increase screen brightness if scanning from a mobile device.
• If scanning fails after three attempts, use the manual entry option.

Scanner not responding:

• Check that the scanner is properly connected to your workstation.
• Look for a solid light indicator on the scanner showing it's powered.
• Try unplugging and reconnecting the scanner.
• If problems persist, use manual entry and notify your supervisor about the equipment issue.

Expired or invalid code:

• Mission Control automatically detects expired time-limited codes and displays an "Expired QR Code" message.
• Do not grant entry with an expired code. Ask the visitor to contact their host for a new code.
• Log the attempt as denied with "Expired code" as the reason.

Visitor information doesn't match:

• If the scanned name doesn't match the person at the gate, verify their identity with a photo ID.
• The visitor may be using someone else's code (a security violation).
• If the mismatch cannot be explained, deny entry and report the incident to your supervisor.

Tips for Efficient QR Code Processing

• Keep your scanner within easy reach and ensure it's powered on at the start of your shift.
• Familiarize yourself with the different QR code types so you can quickly identify potential issues.
• For visitors with permanent codes who arrive frequently, you may recognize them by name—but always scan their code to maintain proper entry logs.
• During high-traffic periods, scan codes quickly but always verify the displayed information before approving entry.
• If a resident mentions they've sent a QR code to someone and that person hasn't arrived yet, you can search for the visitor by name to see if they have an active code in the system.

What Happens After Approval

Once you approve a visitor's entry:

• Single-use codes are immediately invalidated and cannot be used again.
• Time-limited and permanent codes remain active according to their settings.
• The resident who created the visitor pass receives an automatic notification (if enabled) confirming their guest has arrived.
• The entry record is permanently stored in the system for security audits and reporting.

By efficiently processing QR codes in Mission Control, you help maintain security while ensuring a smooth experience for authorized visitors and guests. For assistance with creating new visitor records when codes cannot be scanned, refer to the related article "How to add a guest or vendor at the gate."