Frequently Asked Questions¶
General¶
What is DFACS?
DFACS (DragonFly Access Control System) is a door access control application that integrates with your gym management software. When a member scans their barcode, DFACS checks their membership status in real time and unlocks the door if they're active.
Does DFACS store member personal information?
No. DFACS never stores personally identifiable information (PII) locally. Member details are fetched from your gym management platform at scan time. Only barcode values and membership status flags are cached locally for offline operation.
What happens if the internet goes out?
DFACS automatically switches to offline mode, using a locally cached copy of your member database. Members who were active at the last sync can still scan in. Check-ins are queued and sent to your gym platform when connectivity is restored.
What happens if the DFACS computer loses power?
DFACS starts automatically when Windows boots. Your schedules, configuration, and member database are all preserved. There is a brief startup period (typically under 60 seconds) before the system is fully ready.
Can I run DFACS on multiple doors?
Each DFACS instance controls one relay (one door). For multiple doors, install DFACS on a separate device per door. All devices can be managed centrally through the DFACSWAN portal.
Hardware¶
Which barcode scanners are compatible?
Most standard USB barcode scanners work as USB HID devices (plug-and-play). Serial scanners are also supported. DFACS has specific compatibility with Hitone Fitness scanners in continuous scan mode.
What relay hardware do I need?
The native hardware is the DragonFly relay controller, which supports full two-way communication. DFACS also works with ABC relay controllers and generic "dumb" relays. Contact DragonFly sales for hardware options.
Does DFACS work with magnetic locks?
Yes. Wire the magnetic lock to the relay's NO/COM terminals. Make sure the lock has a dedicated power supply — do not power it from the relay's USB connection.
Can DFACS track how many people are in my facility?
Yes, with optional RTE (Request-to-Exit) sensors. Install an RTE sensor at the exit and connect it to the DragonFly relay. DFACS will count entries and exits and show a real-time occupancy count on the dashboard.
Software & Integrations¶
Which gym management platforms are supported?
Glofox, Zenoti, Antaris, Paramount Acceptance, Fliip, and Standalone (CSV file). More integrations can be added — contact DragonFly for custom integration requests.
How often does DFACS sync with my gym software?
Full sync intervals vary by platform (typically every 15–60 minutes). Delta syncs (incremental updates) run more frequently. You can force a manual sync anytime from the dashboard.
A member's status changed in my gym software — how long until DFACS reflects it?
At most one sync interval. You can force an immediate sync from Dashboard → Status → Force Sync if you need the change to take effect right away.
Can I use DFACS without a gym management platform?
Yes. Standalone mode lets you manage access using a CSV file. You maintain a spreadsheet of barcode values and DFACS reads it on a scheduled interval.
Schedules & Access Control¶
Can I set different hours for different days?
Yes. Create separate schedules for each day pattern (e.g., one for weekdays, one for weekends). Each schedule specifies which days of the week it applies.
Can I override the schedule temporarily?
Yes. From the dashboard, you can manually unlock or lock the door. A manual lock holds for 1 minute before schedule control resumes. A manual unlock lasts for the configured unlock duration.
What happens when a valid member scans outside open hours?
If you have a schedule that locks the door outside business hours, the scan is denied with the reason OUTSIDE_SCHEDULE. The event is logged. Members can still be granted access by removing or pausing the schedule.
DFACSWAN Portal¶
What is DFACSWAN?
DFACSWAN is the DragonFly cloud portal for managing one or more DFACS installations remotely. From DFACSWAN you can view access logs, manage schedules, monitor device status, and deploy updates across all your locations.
Is DFACSWAN required?
No. DFACS operates fully standalone without DFACSWAN. The portal is required only if you want remote management or multi-location oversight.
How does DFACS connect to DFACSWAN?
Via MQTT over an encrypted connection. DFACS initiates the connection outbound — no inbound ports need to be opened on your firewall.
Security & Privacy¶
Is the dashboard password protected?
Yes. The configuration page requires a password. You should change the default password (admin) during initial setup.
Is communication between DFACS and the dashboard encrypted?
Yes. The dashboard uses HTTPS with a self-signed SSL certificate. Your browser may show a security warning on first access — this is normal for self-signed certificates.
Can someone bypass DFACS by tailgating?
DFACS controls the electronic lock only. Physical security measures (vestibule design, staff awareness, camera coverage) are separate from access control and outside DFACS's scope.
Updates & Maintenance¶
How do I update DFACS?
Updates are distributed through the DFACSWAN portal or provided directly by DragonFly support as an installer. The update process preserves your configuration and member database.
Do I need to back up anything?
DFACS stores its database in the install directory. Periodic backups of C:\Program Files\DFACS\database\ are recommended but not required — the member database is rebuilt from your gym platform on each full sync.
How do I restart DFACS?
Right-click the DragonFly tray icon → Exit, then relaunch DFACS.exe. Or restart the computer — DFACS starts automatically on boot.