Making the Elvanto Check-in System work for your Church

While it can be expanded to include adults, this guide focuses on how to make it work for your youth ministry.

Using Barcodes with Elvanto Check-In

Settings You’ll Need to Set

  1. Navigate to Settings > Check-in Settings.
  2. Change your code type to ‘Manually set a code at first check-in’. This allows you to have pre-generated barcodes ready for youth when they check in for the first time.
  3. Choose your Family Codes setting:
    • Each person within a family must have a unique security code: Each family member will have a different barcode.
    • Allow family members to use the same security code: The entire family will use one barcode.

Equipment You’ll Need

  • Barcode Scanner: Any barcode scanner from eBay or Amazon should work fine. Higher quality scanners are preferable.

Generating Barcodes

  • Online Tools: Use tools like Avery for generating barcodes from CSV files.
  • Dymo Software: For generating and printing single barcodes.

What Value to Use for the Barcode

The barcode value should match the individual’s security code. Have pre-existing barcodes ready to scan in as the member’s security code when adding a new person or family.

Compatible Label Printers

Note: If you would like to use multiple printers we recommend purchasing the same model.

Supported DYMO Printers

  • DYMO LabelWriter 450 Turbo
  • DYMO LabelWriter 450 Twin Turbo
  • DYMO LabelWriter 550 Turbo (NEW)

Notes for Specific Printers

  • DYMO Legacy Devices: Older models may be compatible, but only the 450 series and newer are supported.
  • Twin Turbo Printers: Only one opening can be used at a time.
  • DYMO Wireless Printers: Requires a shared wireless network connection. Wired connections are more reliable.

Security Codes and Session Codes

Security Codes

  1. Disable searching by phone numbers or last name in Self Check-in settings.
  2. Set a format for randomly generated codes, including predefined suffixes or prefixes.

Session Codes

  1. Enable session codes for an additional layer of security.
  2. Specify the format for session codes, similar to security codes.

How Check-In Can Work for Your Church

Self Check-In

  1. Parents or youth check themselves in at the check-in desk.
  2. Print labels and drop youth off at the appropriate room.
  3. Volunteers focus on looking after youth instead of managing check-in.

Staff Check-In

  1. Staff check youth in using tablets at the check-in desk.
  2. Ensure correct labels are given to parents.
  3. Quickly access information needed for youth care.

How It Works

  1. Volunteers use tablets to access the ‘Check-in’ screen.
  2. Print labels at the correct station after checking in youth.

Quick Check-In

  1. Designed to work with barcode scanners.
  2. Members scan their barcode to check in without further interaction.
  3. Automatically checks in if only one service and room option is available.
  4. Prompts for a decision if multiple services or rooms are available.

For more detailed information and step-by-step guides, visit the relevant help pages linked throughout this article.