Check-in Kiosk and Name Tag Printing

Check-in Kiosk

To track student or alumni attendance for an event or fair, you’ll want to launch Handshake’s check-in kiosk feature.  This is a relatively easy process to set up. 

• For hardware, you will ideally use a laptop or tablet, and a card reader.  

  • The card reader can be a simple “IDTECH” card reader that many of us already use in our individual offices or for events.  

• Reference How to Launch a Check-in Kiosk for step by step instructions (including screenshots)  on setting up and running the check-in kiosk.

To print name tags for event/fair attendees follow the Name Tag Printing process.

Kiosk Set Up

Prior to setting up the Handshake kiosk feature, ensure you have the below items:

• Computer with 2 USB ports. Must have updated Dymo software downloaded. Reference Handshake article- How to Print Attendee Name Tag for how to check.

• Magnetic stripe card swipe reader (plugged into a computer)

• Dymo Printer (LableWriter 450 Turbo used) (plugged into a computer)

• Name tags that fit into your Dymo Printer.

• Computer chargers

How to set up Kiosk for Fairs & Events:

1. To access the kiosk function, first, open your Fair/Event (e.g., CLA Job & Internship Fair - 2019)

2. “Open check-in Kiosk” on the lower left-hand side.

   • Check the box “allow all sessions” DO NOT check the box “keep me logged in”

3.  You are now set up! Make sure you try it to ensure it is running correctly.

   •  A green box will appear in the lower right-hand corner if a person has successfully signed in- “You have successfully checked in”

   • If you receive a message that “user is not found”, try swiping again. As long as there is a green box, stating “You have successfully checked in”, the person is accounted for.

• If a student is not registered for a fair/event, a box will come up with the title of the event. You must click on that big box to verify what fair/event the student is attending.

Name Tag Printing

The first time you do this, give yourself lead time to troubleshoot potential issues that may come up during setup. Testing at least 2 weeks prior to your event/fair is highly recommended, especially the first time. 

To print name tags using Handshake’s Kiosk feature the following equipment is needed:

• Computer with 2 USB ports. 

• Magnetic stripe card reader plugged into your computer

• Dymo Label Printer (DYMO LabelWriter 450 or 450Turbo model is recommended) plugged into your computer

• Name tags that fit into your Dymo Printer.

• Computer chargers

To set up the DYMO Printer, you must have the latest version of the DYMO’s label software installed on your computer. Follow the Name Tag Configuration Guide and note the system requirements.

• Once you’re set up, double check that you’ve completed the following list, then test your printers:

  • Become familiar with the kiosk hardware requirements and process

    • Check In Kiosk Hardware Recommendations

    • Launch a Check-in Kiosk

  • Acquired and set up a name tag printer on the computer you'll be using the day of the event or fair:

    • Name Tag Printing System Requirements

  • Enabled name tag printing on the event or fair and added configured XML

    • Name Tag XML Formatting

  • If you plan to use card swipe check-in, make sure card swipe is enabled

    • How to Enable Card Swipe Check-in for Students

• Test your printers using these instructions. Reference the troubleshooting guide or troubleshooting steps for Macs if you run into issues. Tips:

  • Attempt using DymoConnect (most recent compatible version) first.  If this works, great.  If it does not work, you may need to install DymoLabel software onto your computer - only do this after you have exhausted all possibilities of using DymoConnect.

  • When Handshake refers to a “text editor”, most computers will have access to “Notepad”.  This is a “text editor”.  To open a “.label” file in Notepad, you will need to select “All Files” as the file type.

  • To view an example event using proper XML language for DYMO printer setup within Handshake, search in Events for:  “TEST session - This is NOT real”.  Your search criteria will need to include past events. 

• If you have walked through all these steps, consulting with your unit’s IT department, and still have issues, reach out to Handshake support - you may ask for Brandon Nguyen who’s been helpful to us with this issue previously.

• If Handshake support is not able to help and/or directs you back to your institution, reach out to Becky Hall (include her in your email).

Troubleshooting

For additional troubleshooting, options check out the following Handshake article:

• Kiosk and Name tag printing configuration and testing guide

• Mac troubleshooting guide