You’ve probably spotted them on magazine adverts, billboards, restaurant menus, business cards and all sorts of other places.
The theory behind them is simple. Snap the blocky image with the camera on your mobile phone or tablet computer and a specific website will appear on the screen of your device.
But like all simple ideas, the practicalities are a little more complex. For your customers to access QR codes, they need a phone with a camera and an internet connection, along with an incentive to take a photo of the code, and often, to find the right app on their phone to make the process work.
Every one of these steps is a potential barrier to customers bothering to access a QR code. But firms are learning to overcome these difficulties. Restaurants find the codes work well on menus, as customers are a captive audience, as they sit at the table, waiting to order.
This gives them time to photograph the code, which often takes them to a page offering a competition or special offer. The restaurant benefits by capturing more information about their customers, by having them fill out contact details as part of the process.
Dynamic ID system using QR codes
Another practical use of QR codes has been provided by QRSecured of Dorchester, supplier of dynamic QR code management systems.
The dynamic ID system provides secure verification of ID cards using QR codes. For example, one of QRSecured’s customers, in the healthcare business, needed a quick and secure process that allowed clients to verify the identity of staff, when they turned up for a site visit. Many of the staff were employed on a short-term basis, so it was important that those they visited had a reliable method of identifying them.
The firm had been using identity cards which included a photo of the employee, but when their contracts expired, some staff did not return these cards. As a result, there was a concern that some ex-employees might be tempted to use them inappropriately to gain access.
By adding a QR code to the identity card, linked to a QR code management system, the firm can maintain up-to-date records on employee status. Those checking the card simply scan the code and get an immediate update on whether the card is still valid. In addition, the card holder’s manager receives an email alert every time a card is scanned.
This is just one example of where QR codes are being increasingly adopted by organisations to solve a specific problem.
If you think QR codes could help your business, contact Geoffrey Boult of QR Secured by calling 020 3002 0539, email geoffrey.boult@qrsecured.com or visit their website www.qrtaginsights.com.
Have you found another use for QR codes in your business? Share your QR code experience with other Bizoh readers by leaving a comment below.
By Andrew Knowles
