This article goes over the use cases, configuration, and other notable differences between GateKicker and Axess.
Technical Information
GateKicker Technical Information
Help Center Article: GateKicker Installation
GateKicker Technical Information Use Cases
Turnstile near the Check-In desk
Check-in desk staffed (preferably) all hours of operation
1:1:1 ratio of barcode scanner to Gatekicker device (and subsequent turnstile) to computer that will be running Recreation Management
GateKicker Technical Information Configuration
A Recreation Management Tray App is needed
Organization options needed:
GateKicker Enabled for check-ins should be set to yes.
GateKicker COM port List: List out the Communication port (COM port) the GateKicker device is connected to.
The customer's IT team should be able to assist here but you can find the COM port by going to the computer's Device Manager and right-click on the GateKicker device and choose properties.
GateKicker Time (in seconds): This is the number of seconds that the turnstile will remain unlocked for entry.
To verify the GateKicker device is connected properly, please click the Send to Gatekicker Device to the right of the input field for this organization option.
Configure the following for all membership (activity sessions) options that should be granted access to the turnstile connected to the GateKicker:
From the advanced tab in the Membership Settings section (lower right corner) click to enable the Trigger Gatekicker checkbox.
GateKicker Technical Information Items to Note
This can only be used from the quick check-in option in the upper right corner of Recreation Management (just below the area that shows the name of the staff person who is logged in) or by the instant scan option.
CivicPlus' integration with GateKicker currently only supports version 1.0 and 1.3
The Recreation Management Tray app must be running when trying to use the integration with GateKicker. We recommend having it open as part of the computer start-up process, so staff don't forget to open it.
It is highly recommended to involve the customer's IT team as they will be able to assist in troubleshooting any hardware issues and be able to easily identify the COM port used with the GateKicker device.
Axess Technical Information
Axess Technical Information Use Cases
Can be used in similar use cases as outlined in GateKicker
Good when there is a door turnstile not near a check-in desk or that is not staffed during operational hours.
To be used at any time Recreation Management cannot be running and managed with a computer workstation, but access to a door or turnstile needs to be granted based on a valid membership in Recreation Management.
Axess Technical Information Configuration
Provide your Axess contact the Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) URL (Similar to an ArcGIS REST URL)
If you are working with a dedicated hosting customer, the URL scheme will be domain/soap/check-in (Example: HTTPS://ex-example.civicrec.com/soap/checkin)
Each turnstile/door will need a facility created.
All turnstile/door facilities can be under one location or you can add each specific turnstile/door to a location that makes sense (Example: Location = Aquation Center, Facility = Aquatic Center Front Gate)
Rental Options Tab
Be sure the Online Rental Mode is set to Hide Completely from Online Viewing.
Integrations Tab
When adding a new integration, choose Axess from the drop-down and input the following values (all provided by Axess to the customer):
Axess Username, Axess Password, Axess Project Number, Axess Point-of-Entry, Axess Lane Number, Axess Client Type, Axess Reader's Central Processing Unit (CPU).
No other configuration is needed for the facility.
Memberships granted access to the turnstile/door will need a session schedule created.
Schedule(s) should be configured per membership for hours of operation that specific membership is valid for (this will typically be the customer’s hours of operation but could differ if the membership is say, for teens and only available after school hours)
The facility of schedule should be for the turnstile(s) in question (for example: if there are three turnstiles at an entry and the membership should grant access to all you will have, at minimum, three schedules per membership.)
Axess Technical Information Items to Note
Scanning devices must be purchased from Axess.
The turnstile or door mechanism does not necessarily need to be provided by Axess but it is recommended the customer speak with Axess about hardware before purchasing the Axess scanner/product.
All information for the integrations tab of the turnstile/door facility will be provided by Axess (Similar to Musco Lighting’s Excel spreadsheet)
Scans are tracked at the Membership level; be aware that the Location name of the turnstile/door facility will show as the Location of the membership check-in.
For this reason, it is recommended that the turnstile/door facility be nested under the location where it physically resides (as opposed to having a location with all turnstile/door facilities under it)
The Scan History page (report) will show the check-ins but the Activity column will not populate with the membership (session) name.
Membership Scan History report entries that do not show a name or member number are unsuccessful scans, even though the report shows a result of SUCCESS.
Recommendation
GateKicker Might be the Better Choice if:
You have a check-in desk near your turnstile and prefer it to be staffed during operational hours.
You are using Recreation Management and want a straightforward integration with a 1:1:1 ratio of barcode scanners to devices to computers.
You are using CivicPlus' GateKicker versions 1.0 or 1.3.
You have the technical capacity to configure and maintain the system, including identifying Communication ports (COM ports) and troubleshooting hardware issues.
Axess Might be the Better Choice if:
You have situations where a turnstile or door is not near a check-in desk or is not staffed during operational hours.
You need a more flexible solution for granting access based on Recreation Management memberships, even when Recreation Management cannot be run on a computer workstation.
You are willing to work with Axess to configure the system to your specific needs, including setting up Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) URL and different parameters.
You are interested in tracking scans at the membership level and are comfortable with the unique location naming system.
Recommendation In Summary
The better integration depends on your customer’s specific operational requirements, technical capabilities, and the level of flexibility they need. It's recommended you assess the customer’s needs, infrastructure, and preferences to determine which system aligns best with their needs. Additionally, recommend that your customer consider reaching out to the respective vendors for more information or assistance in making the right choice.