--- title: Magstripe Scanning description: Article describes the process to set up a magstripe reader to log a student into Pantrysoft. --- [Skip to content](https://support.pantrysoft.com/magstripe-scanning#main-content) English Show submenu for translations [More support](https://support.pantrysoft.com/kb-tickets/new?hsLang=en) ![pexels-caleboquendo-7807594](https://support.pantrysoft.com/hs-fs/hubfs/pexels-caleboquendo-7807594.jpeg?width=3480&height=892&name=pexels-caleboquendo-7807594.jpeg) Open main navigation Close main navigation - English Show submenu for translations - [More support](https://support.pantrysoft.com/kb-tickets/new) - [Go to pantrysoft.com](https://app.pantrysoft.com/login) [Go to pantrysoft.com](https://app.pantrysoft.com/login) Welcome to the PantrySoft knowledge base. How can we help you? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Knowledge Base](https://support.pantrysoft.com/?hsLang=en) 2. [Special Workflows](https://support.pantrysoft.com/special-workflows?hsLang=en) 3. [University](https://support.pantrysoft.com/special-workflows?hsLang=en#university) # Magstripe Scanning ## Can I use a magstripe reader to log a student into pantrysoft? ### Basic Answer *Technically yes, but it requires labor and maybe a purchase from your IT department.* ### Check-In Process Here's roughly how the process would work: - **BEFORE-HAND: Card reader setup/ purchase**. Set up a card reader that comes pre-equipped and configured for some necessary features (see ***Reader Setup and Hardware Requirements*** below). - **Pantrysoft Search screen.** Pantrysoft is showing a Client Search screen. This automatically "focuses" the cursor on the search field. - **Student swipes card.** The student swipes the card. - **Reader Parses Mag Stripe.** The card reader parses the information on the mag stripe and extracts the student ID number. (To get a little technical, the information on such a mag stripe sometimes includes multiple "tracks" of data, as well as specific data sets within each "track"; the reader in this example can extract only the student id number from all that information.) - **Reader sends Student ID into search field.** The card reader "types in" the student id and "hits enter." - **Pantrysoft Pulls up Student.** The student record is pulled up. ***Quick Visit?*** (optionally if you're using the Quick-Visit feature, a blank/ generic visit is auto-created in the background and a success message pops up) ### Reader Setup and Hardware Requirements *The mag reader in this example would need the following basic capabilities:* - Parse the full payload of data. - Output a single data point as a keyboard would, including inserting a hard-return. #### Shopping/ Vetting a Device When shopping for a magnetic stripe card reader that can be configured to parse data internally and output only specific data points, you should look for the following **phrases and features** in the product descriptions: 1. **Programmable/Configurable Reader:** Look for card readers that explicitly state they are programmable or configurable. This indicates that you can customize how the reader processes and outputs data. 2. **Data Parsing Capabilities:** Phrases such as "data parsing," "custom data parsing," or "programmable parsing" indicate that the reader can be set up to extract and format specific data fields. 3. **Keyboard Emulation (HID):** Ensure the reader supports keyboard emulation, which means it sends data as if it were typed on a keyboard. This is essential for easy integration with web applications. 4. **Track Selection:** Look for the ability to select which tracks (Track 1, Track 2, Track 3) the reader reads. This is useful for targeting specific data on the card. 5. **Custom Output Format:** Features like "custom output format," "configurable output," or "programmable output" are important for ensuring the reader can output data in the desired format. 6. **Configuration Software:** Check if the reader comes with configuration software. Terms like "configuration utility," "setup software," or "programming tool" are indicators that you can customize the reader's behavior. 7. **Field Isolation/Extraction:** Phrases such as "field isolation," "data extraction," or "specific field output" suggest that the reader can isolate and output particular data points. ### Example Product Descriptions: - **Programmable Magnetic Stripe Reader with Data Parsing Capabilities** - **Configurable Magnetic Card Reader with Custom Output Format** - **HID Keyboard Emulation Magnetic Stripe Reader with Track Selection** - **Magnetic Card Reader with Configuration Software for Custom Parsing** - **Mag-Stripe Reader with Field Extraction and Custom Data Output** ### Recommended Brands and Models Some reputable brands and models known for their programmability and configuration options include: 1. **MagTek:** Known for reliable and configurable magnetic stripe readers. - Example: MagTek USB HID Swipe Reader 2. **ID Tech:** Offers a variety of configurable card readers. - Example: ID Tech MiniMag II 3. **Unitech:** Provides versatile and programmable card readers. - Example: Unitech MSR213U 4. **Elo Touch Solutions:** Known for robust and programmable input devices. - Example: Elo Magnetic Stripe Reader (MSR) - [Getting Started](https://support.pantrysoft.com/getting-started?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Users](https://support.pantrysoft.com/getting-started?hsLang=en#users) - [PantrySoft Interfaces](https://support.pantrysoft.com/getting-started?hsLang=en#pantrysoft-interfaces) - [Inventory](https://support.pantrysoft.com/getting-started?hsLang=en#inventory) - [Guest/Client Registration](https://support.pantrysoft.com/getting-started?hsLang=en#guest-client-registration) - [Visits](https://support.pantrysoft.com/getting-started?hsLang=en#visits) - [Client Portal - Scheduling](https://support.pantrysoft.com/getting-started?hsLang=en#client-portal-scheduling) - [Reporting](https://support.pantrysoft.com/getting-started?hsLang=en#reporting) - [Additional Admin Guides](https://support.pantrysoft.com/additional-admin-guides?hsLang=en#main-content) - 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