A visitor management system (VMS) is software used to invite guests, record their arrival, and issue them a credential — physical badge or digital pass — for access to a building or space.
Historically VMS meant an iPad kiosk at a reception desk. The category has since split into enterprise lobby systems (Envoy, iLobby, SwipedOn) and digital-pass systems for solo practitioners (Visitor.Place) that skip the lobby entirely.
Core VMS capabilities include visitor invitations, digital or printed badges, visitor logs for compliance, and integrations with physical access control.