Comparing Apple's Check In to site check-in tools: Similarities and Differences

There's a buzz amongst Apple users about the upcoming Apple Check In feature. It's set to be included in the next iOS 17 update and offers iPhone users a convenient way to check in through iMessage. Whilst still in beta, we understand this feature will focus on personal check-ins and use your phone's location service, contacts, and encrypted messaging.*
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Solving similar check-in challenges

You might be wondering if this technology could be used for workplace sign-ins. Typically visitors, contractors, and staff use workplace sign-in tools to record that they are on-site and have understood specific safety measures for that site. Workplace sign-in tools, like EVA Check-in, are designed for businesses. They notify relevant staff of a visitor's arrival, are used to assist in evacuations, and, depending on capability, can fulfil general site safety compliance activities.

In contrast, the Apple Check In feature is promoted as a personal feature. Primarily it is a way to let your family or friends know you have arrived safely at your destination. You set your destination from an iMessage chat and Apple estimates how long it will take you to get there. Once you're there it notifies your contacts in the chat. If you don't arrive on time and don't respond to Check In's prompts, then your contacts are automatically notified with information about your last location and even the route you're taking.

EVA Check-in also uses location information but in a different way. It links site sign-ins to locations to track and record visitor and contractor movements. QR code, kiosk, or app sign-ins relate to a specific site, and geofence check-in uses a phone's location services to record check-in and out automatically.

So both products solve a similar challenge – to reliably record location presence and share it with nominated people (or organizations).

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Differences in capability  

Are there any big differences, then?

1. Platform limitations: Apple's personal Check In feature is exclusive to iPhone users. On the other hand, EVA Check-in can be used by anyone on mobile phones and tablets, Apple, and Android, making it accessible to the broadest range of users.

2. Changing locations on the go: Apple's personal Check In location can be updated in a snap as needed (for example, going to a party at a friend's house is a new check-in location). In contrast, a site check-in solution tends to be tied to the fixed location of the business.

3. Customization and integration: Apple's personal Check In is built directly into iMessage and is not customizable. In contrast, EVA Check-in users can easily tailor the check-in experience to their needs – adding additional questions on check-in - and integrating it with communication platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams.

4. Visitor management: While Apple's personal Check In feature and EVA Check-in offer check-in capabilities, EVA Check-in goes beyond this by providing a well-rounded visitor management and site safety solution. This includes pre-registration, inductions, badge printing, evacuation tools, and contractor management – all of which enhance overall site  safety.

5. Reporting:  EVA Check-in has reporting designed for businesses – while Apple is personal and does not have any reporting capability that a business would expect to use.

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Use case determines suitability

Both Apple's personal Check In feature and EVA Check-in serve the fundamental purpose of digital check-in systems. Apple's upcoming feature has the advantage of being integrated into an already widely used messaging platform, however, Apple's focus in on an individual safety. While a workplace sign-in solution is about checking people in at work and being safe while they are on site.  

Ultimately, the choice between Apple's personal Check In feature and EVA Check-in will depend on what you're trying to do. However, it's likely that Apple's personal Check In feature will be inadequate for workplace check-in. And workplace check-in tools, like EVA Check-in, are unsuitable for personal check-in.

If you'd like to road-test EVA Check-in – and see how it differs from iOS sign-in, take a tour here to see the welcome experience.

*Techcrunch - https://techcrunch.com/2023/06/05/how-to-get-use-ios-iphones-new-check-in-feature-imessage

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