QR Code are an interesting way of storing & exchanging text information inside images. These black & white images may make no sense to the human eye but the information contained inside the image can be extracted instantly on the desktop or a mobile phone using free decoders. For instance, the QR coded image above stores the login details of a fictional bank account. That information can be easily extracted by passing this image through a QR code decoder application. Unlike the more popular bar codes, a QR Code stores data in both the vertical and horizontal directions and hence have more storage capacity per unit area.
What is a QR Code?
Developed in 1994 by Denso-Wave, QR Codes are a type of 2D symbols used to store information. The QR Code provides more information, measurable data and integrative solutions than any code before it. In use in Japan for over 15 years, QR Code technology has evolved into the perfect tool for many purposes.More powerful than a 1D code and other standard 2D codes, QR Codes offer a gateway for the development of innovative Marketing applications, as well as Manufacturing, Logistics and Service solutions.QR Codes are the most comprehensive and powerful solution available today, with over 300 times the capacity of any other code system.
QR Code Features
QR Code provides the following features compared with conventional bar codes.
- High Capacity Encoding of Data
While conventional bar codes are capable of storing a maximum of approximately 20 digits, QR Code is capable of handling several dozen to several hundred times more information. Up to 7,089 characters can be encoded in one symbol.
- Footprint Size Smaller than Traditional Bar Code
Since QR Code carries information both horizontally and vertically, QR Code is capable of encoding the same amount of data in approximately one-tenth the space of a traditional bar code.
- Dirt and Damage Resistant
QR Code has error correction capability. Data can be restored even if the symbol is partially dirty or damaged.
- Can be Read From Any Direction in 360°
QR Code is capable of 360 degree high speed reading. Code accomplishes this task through position detection patterns located at the three corners of the symbol. These position detection patterns guarantee stable high-speed reading, circumventing the negative effects of background interference.
Tracking & LogisticsUse QR Codes to track goods.
Logistics and the mobility of consumers merge when QR Codes act as points of sale on their smartphones, and the merger occurs when consumers pay for products or services by a quick scan of a QR code. QR codes potentially transform any smartphone into a payment gateway. Using them as a payment gateway, it reduces wait-time, and enhances the variety of payment methods offered to consumers. It centralizes payment information that makes tracking logistics easier. Having more points of sale, it increases revenue streams. With more money, companies can continue adding resources needed when operating their businesses. QR codes helps logistics; however, they help companies provide links to websites and other information.
Links to websites and information via QR codes located on a business card or signage are other ways companies use QR codes. They take up very little advertising space. Business cards become entry points for consumers who need access to information or websites. By placing QR codes on business cards, companies ensure their websites are readily accessible to consumers without need of laptops or desktops. QR codes allow access to information; however, inventory remains a major purpose of why companies use them. Companies use QR codes when accounting for their inventory. QR codes make keeping inventory easier, and it provides more information about a product than a typical barcode. By storing links to ordering forms, it reduces amount of time required when ordering new products. They help closely monitor the entire inventory received and shipped by a company. Some companies ship coupons along with their products. QR codes deliver coupons to consumers. Companies save money when they use QR codes instead of paper for their coupons. They reach more people by using QR Codes, and it improves their return on investment since more consumers are more responsive to the QR code than the paper coupon.
One Code Inventory
Look at some of the boxes currently in your warehouse and you’re likely to see 2 or more linear barcodes per box. This is because your current system requires multiple scans in order to access specific information found on a detached database. By incorporating QR Code Technology into your current system, all necessary inventory information would be integrated into one place, the QR Code. Have your inventory system running smoothly and supplying valuable information at every critical point and equip your operators on the road with access to track, modify or report on deliveries.
Customs and Freight Forwarding
Incorporating QR Codes to printed documents such as your in-house B/L, shipment notices can considerably increase efficiency.
Courier Tracking SystemsHave instant access to 300x more information than a standard bar code using QR Codes for your Courier Tracking System. Include QR Codes on your packages & shipping documents, supply your staff with PDA scanners and have instant access to more information with less labels & less scanning.
Custom Tracking
By including QR Codes that contain information about producers, origin, purchase orders, invoice data, etc, you can implement a traceability system that can supply key information anytime, anywhere, from a 300 Kg drum of honey to a 300 gm presentation at a supermarket. You can also add encrypted codes to finished products to control sensible information such as date of sale, production batch/lot info and expiry dates. This enables a supplier to track special information on products to determine if the store moves your products efficiently. Additional information stored in a code can also supply key information for quality control.