Feature · Network Buffer
Cloakroom network outage? Check-in and return keep going for a short time
Full house, overloaded mobile network, Wi-Fi acting up: the Network Buffer in the tapcoat® app bridges brief dropouts. Your team keeps taking in coats and handing them back for a limited time. Once the connection returns, tapcoat® reconciles the transactions. tapcoat® still needs a connection.
- Free plan, permanently free
- Start with the devices you have
- Hosted in data centers in Germany
Overview
Network Buffer at a glance
With the Network Buffer, the tapcoat® app bridges brief Wi-Fi or mobile network dropouts. Check-in and return continue for a limited time. Afterwards, tapcoat® reconciles the transactions with the server. For regular operation, tapcoat® still needs a connection, just not a fast one. The Network Buffer does not replace a connection.
Without tapcoat®
- The network stalls, and the line at the counter stops
- The team waits for the scan to go through
- Guests stand there holding their coats
With tapcoat®
- Your team keeps checking items in during brief dropouts
- Item return continues even if the network is briefly gone
- After reconnecting, tapcoat® reconciles the transactions
How it works
Network Buffer in 3 steps
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Work as usual
Your team checks items in and out in the tapcoat® app as usual.
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The network drops briefly
Wi-Fi or mobile data cuts out for a moment. Check-in and return continue for a limited time.
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The connection returns
As soon as the connection is back, tapcoat® reconciles the transactions with the server.
Benefits
Network Buffer: what you get
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Brief dropouts bridged
During brief dropouts, your team keeps checking items in and out.
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Reconciled afterwards
Once the connection is back, tapcoat® reconciles the transactions.
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Fewer hold-ups
A brief network dropout does not stop the line right away.
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Same app
Your team works with the same tapcoat® app it already uses.
Start for free with the Free plan.
Permanently free, and you can book add-ons as needed. You’ll find all plans and prices on the pricing page.
All prices plus VAT as of October 6, 2026
In detail
Network Buffer: more details
Brief network dropouts won't slow your cloakroom down
When many guests try to get online at once, mobile networks quickly struggle. During brief interruptions, your team keeps checking items in and out with Scan Check-in. Once the connection returns, tapcoat® reconciles the transactions. Afterwards, you see everything as usual in the central dashboard.
You still need a connection
tapcoat® needs a connection, but not a fast one: a scan only transfers a small amount of data. The Network Buffer bridges brief dropouts; it does not replace a connection. At return, the last known payment status is available on the device, because the device stores it locally. Existing wallet passes can still be scanned. New payments (including online), for example when a guest pays during the dropout, the live overview, guest Self Check-in and POS need a connection. For stations with poor reception, we recommend a mobile hotspot as a fallback. The support article Network and internet connection explains which connection you need.
The Free plan is permanently free, and you can book add-ons as needed. Set up your cloakroom for free
Who it’s for
The Network Buffer feature in your industry
FAQ
FAQs: Network Buffer
Your team can keep working for a limited time: check-in and return continue, and tapcoat® reconciles everything after reconnecting. For longer outages you need a connection again, for example via a mobile hotspot.
No. tapcoat® needs a connection, but not a fast one: a scan only transfers a small amount of data. During brief dropouts, the Network Buffer keeps check-in and return going, and tapcoat® reconciles afterwards. Existing wallet passes can still be scanned. New payments, guest Self Check-in and POS need a connection. For venues with poor reception, we recommend a mobile hotspot as a fallback.
Each of your team’s devices keeps a few free numbers ready in advance. That way it can keep checking items in during a brief dropout without asking the server first. When the connection returns, tapcoat® reconciles the transactions.
Check-in and return at the cloakroom. At return, the last known payment status is available on the device, and existing wallet passes can still be scanned. New payments (including online), the live overview in the dashboard, guest Self Check-in and POS need a connection.
The Network Buffer is designed for brief dropouts and bridges a limited time. We do not promise a fixed duration. For stations with weak reception, plan for a mobile hotspot.
Still have questions? Visit the Support Center or hello@tapcoat.com
Personal demo
Ready for a demo call? Lutz will show you tapcoat® live.
- Live walkthrough: check-in, item return and dashboard
- Tailored to your venue and guest numbers
- Clear answers on setup, hardware and pricing
Set up your first cloakroom.
Sign up, download the app to your smartphones and you’re ready to go. You’ll find the limits of the Free plan on the pricing page.