All batches

Nightly Idea Factory — 2026-02-14

10 ideas generated — Recommended build: GateKeeper

Score Comparison

All Ideas

A standalone visitor management system for gated communities — QR codes, pre-registration, and guard-station dashboards.

The Problem

Most gated communities still manage visitor access with handwritten logs, phone calls to residents, and paper guest lists. Guards waste time verifying visitors while cars stack up at the gate. Residents have no visibility into whether their guests actually arrived.

The Solution

A web app where residents pre-register guests who receive QR codes via text/email. Guards scan QR codes on a tablet dashboard to instantly verify and log entry. Residents get real-time notifications when their guest arrives.

Portfolio Connection

Direct spinoff from Sea Pines guest pass workflow. The workflow engine's guest pass state machine (requested → approved → active → used → expired) maps perfectly to this standalone product.

Tech Stack

Next.js (App Router), Tailwind v4, shadcn/ui, QR code generation (qrcode.js), Supabase (auth + database), Vercel deployment

Monetization

SaaS — $29/mo per community (up to 200 units), $79/mo for 201-1000 units, $149/mo for 1000+. Resident app is free. Target: 50 communities at $29/mo = $1,450/mo within 6 months.

MVP Scope

  • -Resident registration and guest pre-authorization form
  • -QR code generation and email/text delivery (via Resend or similar)
  • -Guard station dashboard with QR scanner (camera-based)
  • -Real-time visitor log with search/filter
  • -Resident notification when guest checks in
  • -Admin panel for community setup and unit management
  • -Mobile-responsive design for guard tablets

Scoring Breakdown

DimensionScoreRationale
Feasibility9QR + CRUD app, well within overnight scope
Monetization8Clear SaaS model, communities pay monthly already
Portfolio Synergy9Direct Sea Pines guest pass extraction
Market Size8370,000+ HOAs in the US alone
Differentiation6Some competitors exist (GateGuard, DwellWell) but most are bloated enterprise tools
Build Time8~5 hours for core flow

Score Profile