How to Build Your Own Envoy
Replace Envoy with a custom build. Reduce onsite risk before visitors arrive
Build Difficulty: 5/5
Build a working replacement in a weekend with AI tools
Estimated Timeline
Based on 42 features at Weekend Project difficulty, expect about One weekend with AI-assisted development.
Recommended Tech Stack
Full-stack React framework with API routes and server components
PostgreSQL database, auth, and real-time subscriptions
Utility-first styling for rapid UI development
Key Features to Replicate
Top features across 8 categories. See all 42 features
Visitor Management(12 features)
Print name badges for each visitor with customizable design and expiring badge security
Allow guests to sign in with plus ones and create group registrations
Let visitors access multiple locations on your campus with one invitation
Enable multiple sign-in kiosks with iPad pairing
Guests can provide details before they arrive to speed up sign-in
+7 more in this category
Notifications(5 features)
Coverage outside regular business hours for virtual front desk
Backup contact routing for virtual front desk calls
Comprehensive call log for Virtual Front Desk interactions
Call transcripts for Virtual Front Desk interactions
Notify hosts when their visitors arrive via email, SMS, Slack, Teams, or in-app
Customization(4 features)
Create conditional questions and rules for customized sign-in flows
Customize visitor sign-in experience with branded content and messaging
Create global sign-in flow templates for standardized processes across locations
Choose from 31 languages for sign-in experience
Integration(4 features)
Integrate with access control providers to manage building entry
Build your own integrations with open API and webhooks
Automatically provision Wi-Fi credentials for visitors
SAML single sign-on and employee directory integrations with directory management
Security(4 features)
Check internal block lists and enable integration with third-party restricted parties lists
Validate emails sent to visitors with DKIM
Auto-sign in returning visitors via facial recognition
Verify visitor IDs with included scans per year plus add-ons for higher volume needs
Analytics(3 features)
Real-time occupancy and visitor analytics to manage capacity
Anticipate busy days with a real-time invite log
View analytics to reveal visitor trends and patterns with customizable reporting
Administration(2 features)
Create custom admin roles and automatically provision roles via SCIM
Manage multiple locations with global views, activity logs, and centralized sign-in flows
Compliance(2 features)
Support compliance with regulations like ITAR, EAR, OFAC, and C-TPAT
Have visitors sign legal documents digitally with automatic email and storage
Cost Calculator
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Build It Yourself
Total Cost Comparison
DIY hosting estimate based on Vercel + Supabase free/pro tiers (~$20/mo). Build time estimated from 42 features at very easy complexity.