The days of unsafe venues, fraud and forged tickets in South Africa are numbered.
Computicket has introduced a specially designed, two-dimensional bar code on all its tickets. This makes tickets "machine readable", enabling computerised control of the use of tickets. It removes the dependency on human verification with associated risks regarding fraud, bribery and corruption. No longer is it required for tickets to be visually inspected by security staff at the gates.
The bar code on the ticket contains encrypted information that is read by scanners at the gates. As part of each scan, the ticket is verified as a valid ticket, checked that it is for the correct event, correct gate and that it has not already been used or been red-listed. Within milliseconds the system will provide visual confirmation if the ticket is valid and if the ticket holder can access the venue. If linked to a turnstile type gate, the lock mechanism will be opened to allow access. Scanners are all linked to a central venue control server and software. The system centrally provides real-time information on all gates and stadium capacities. This solution, developed by DexSecurity Solutions, was successfully rolled out for the 2003 Cricket World Cup in South Africa.
Computicket and DexSecurity Solutions have joined forces in providing this solution to venue managers and owners, to radically improve access control at local mass gatherings.
"South Africa can rightfully be considered among world leaders in the development and management of access control systems," says Jans Wessels, Director of DexSecurity Solutions. He says the safety of spectators, as well as fraud and forged tickets are stumbling blocks at mass gatherings worldwide.
"Organisers of sports meetings, music concerts and big exhibitions all over the world lose as much as 20% of gate money because of fraud and illegal tickets," Wessels says.
Some of the most common fraudulent practices are used tickets being passed on through the fence to friends waiting outside, or the duplication of tickets using commonly accessible scanners and colour printers. This will no longer be possible.
During the 2003 Cricket World Cup tournament in South Africa, over 15 000 recorded fraudulent attempts to access venues were prevented.
Wessels says besides the loss of income for the organisers, the safety and comfort of millions of people are affected each day by poor access control. Scores of people have lost their lives in recent years as a result of problems caused by poor access control.
The Dex stadium access control technology is now implemented by Cricket South Africa at various stadiums, as well as many sports venues overseas. There are also mobile solutions for smaller gatherings on a rental basis.
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