Questions estates ask
Does the gate work when the network is down?
Yes. The Android app keeps the register and the paid list on the phone, checks plates there, and sends the gate log when the network returns. The screen always shows how old its paid list is.
What if the camera misreads a plate?
Plates are compared in a way that forgives the usual mix-ups: O and 0, I and 1, B and 8, S and 5. If a plate is one character out, the gateman is shown the nearest cars to pick from instead of being given a wrong answer. They can also type the plate or scan the sticker.
Is a car refused automatically when a house owes?
No. Red always flags and records. Whether the car is let in, held or turned back is a setting each estate chooses, and the gateman can still use judgement on the day. What they did is logged.
Can residents pay inside the app?
Today the estate records cash and bank transfers and issues receipts. The ledger is already built so a dedicated bank account number per house (Paystack or Flutterwave) can be switched on, after which transfers post themselves.
We already have a list in Excel and a layout drawing. Do we start again?
No. Plot outlines come in from KML or GeoJSON, and arrears are brought forward as opening charges. We help with the first import.
Who can see residents' phone numbers?
Estate admins and exco. Gate phones carry plates, house labels, resident names and a paid or owing flag only: no phone numbers and no amounts. Every change is written to an activity log.
Do iPhone users need an app?
No. Residents and exco use the web app in Safari and can add it to the home screen. Camera plate scanning and offline gate checks are in the Android app.