Issuing PassFlow mobile passes for Apple/Google Wallet
This article primarily focuses on issuing Apple VAS and GoogleSmartTap NFC passes. Apple VAS passes are limited to specific use cases such as sports clubs and gyms. For more information, please get in touch.
Other pass types can also be issued using similar API methods:
- Issuing HID Mobile Access passes (iOS/Android)
- Issuing HID Mobile Access passes for Apple/Google Wallet
- Issuing Apple Access mobile passes
About PassFlow
PassFlow is a DoorFlow service that manages digital credentials in the form of barcode, QR code and NFC passes. Passes can be issued directly from within a DoorFlow account or via the DoorFlow API.
Pass types that be managed by PassFlow include:
- Loyalty Cards
- Membership Cards
- Coupons
- Event Tickets
- Boarding Passes
Apple Value Added Services are a collection of services using NFC for communication. Google offers similar facilities via its SmartTap framework.
Pass distribution for Apple VAS and Google SmartTap
Passes can be distributed to the recipient in two ways:
- Via email invitation
- Via the Client App. The invitation code is obtained via the API and either sent within the body of an email or presented within the partner app as an "Add to Wallet" button
The Person must always be asked whether to "Add to Wallet". Passes cannot be added silently without the Person knowing.
Sequence diagram
This sequence diagram shows two approaches
- (a) pass issuance triggered from the DoorFlow UI and;
- (b) pass issuance triggered via the API.
All interaction with PassFlow services are handled by DoorFlow to ensure a consistent flow for all credential types. Issuing credentials for other mobile schemas is done in a similar way via the DoorFlow API.
You cannot remove an Apple pass from Apple Wallet remotely. It can only be removed by the Person through their Apple device. Instead the credential is removed from DoorFlow and access is now longer possible.
In this case:
- The Apple/Google Wallet is an app on the respective mobile platform. Adding to the wallet must be approved manually by the Person. Adding to the wallet without the Person knowing is not possible
- The Person is the end user
- DoorFlow is the access control platform that manages connections between all parties
- The Client App populates DoorFlow as/when access control is required
- The DoorFlow Admin User is the admin interface that customer staff can use to manage the access control platform
Also see