All of a sudden it seem like QR Codes are everywhere: magazine ads and articles, newspaper inserts, bill boards and store windows. Is there any point to this other than always trying to sell us something or make us look fashionable and techie? What is the problem they are trying to solve? What is the point?

Is QR Code just a fashion statement or is there some actual value to them?

In an increasingly mobile world, more and more transactions are conducted from smart phones and tablet computers. Whether you are on foot in an unfamiliar part of town, in a cab or on a train, it’s not easy to input a full website url from a smart phone keypad—even if you could correctly remember it all. Scan a QR Code with your smart phone and it quickly, effortlessly, and without error takes you directly to the website.

The web address encoded in a QR Code need not be a static destination. You, the shopkeeper or the service provider or the online retailer can change content at that url—what the person sees when they scan your QR Code. Today it sends them to your services page; tomorrow it goes to a featured product or special time-limited offer. You don’t have to change the QR Code—you change the destination to which the QR Code electronically points: no fliers, no brochures, no advertisements to reprint. Use a QR Code for a coupon-like offer. You can change the offer at the back end without changing the QR Code. Today the symbol can send you to www.site 1.com; tomorrow it can refer to www.site 2.com. QR Code completely changes the marketing ROI algorithm.

QR Code completely changes the marketing ROI algorithm

Because the QR Code directs traffic to the web, sites that it points to can use web metrics to track where the visitor came from. Slight differences in the QR Code posted on the West side of town from the one on the East side f town can help marketers pinpoint where their target audience lives or waits for a commuter train or buys their morning coffee.

QR Code is not just about transactions—it’s also about capturing useful data. A QR Code can digitize your contact information on a business card, so your new business acquaintance can quickly and easily capture your V Card data info into their business contacts database.

QR Code is not just about marketing

A medical products company has begun selling bracelets to customers whose critical health information is encoded in a QR Code on the bracelet. Medical personnel can instantly retrieve that information in case of a medical emergency.

QR Code isn’t just for print media. That same business contact information can be scanned from the display of a smart phone or tablet; it’s easy and paperless. Flight boarding passes can be captured at departure in this way. Other access-restricted events such as theater or sporting events can be controlled in this way, without the risk of lost, stolen or counterfeited tickets. Building security can also be established and maintained with QR Code, which can be like a password that can be changed as often as necessary and securely conveyed only to authorized users.

What is the problem for which the QR Code is the solution? We have only begun to scratch the surface.

Questions or ideas about how  you might use QR Code? You can contact me at john@barcodetesting.com

 

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3db Barcode Testimonial

Our company (an advanced software company) recently worked with Barcode Test to source a barcode verifier.  Not long ago, we were awarded a contract requiring products to be marked with IUIDs in accordance with MIL-STD-130.  For that standard, marking labels must pass a verification test that evaluates many variables (contrast, size, clarity, syntax, modularity, and more).  After a thorough search, we reduced our options to a select few.

In our search for a verifier, the Axicon line caught our attention.  Barcode Test is our regional reseller for this product.   From the beginning, they were very prompt with their responses.  We ended up having a quick call with John Nachtrieb to go over our needs.  John was extremely easy to work with and provided a lot of great information.  He was very knowledgeable on the matter and was quick to offer up a demo unit (free of charge).

Upon receiving the demo verifier and testing it, a few questions arose.  John joined a call with us and answered all our questions.  Ultimately, the Axicon verifier wasn’t the best fit for us, so we shipped the demo back.  John was completely understanding.  A few weeks later, Barcode Test reached back out with another possible verifier for us to try.  While they didn’t sell that brand, they just wanted to help us find the best option that met our needs. They even offered to send us the unit that they have in-house to see if it worked to our liking. 

Barcode Test is truly a great company to work with.  Their service and willingness to help the customer are far beyond what you typically get from other companies.  They are experts in barcode quality assurance and seem willing to help in any way they can (even if that means not getting a sale and recommending another option that better fits the customer’s needs).  If anyone is in the market for barcode verification/scanning services or products, I would highly recommend giving Barcode Test a call.

Regards,

Production Manager