First created back in 1994, QR codes were created by Denso Wave, a subsidiary of Toyota, to aid the manufacturing process in tracking parts and vehicles. Compared to the commonly used barcodes, QR codes are faster in terms of decoding speed where it was named after—Quick Response Code. However, despite its obvious advantages and wider capabilities to store data, QR codes did not become globally recognized and used until the 2000s.
Today, QR codes are increasingly becoming more popular and commonly used for storing data knowing that it has more variation than what barcodes could offer. It is now used for different tasks and transactions such as storing data in different sectors in the industry as it can meet the demand that doesn’t limit to just storing very limited information.
In this blog, we will discuss what a QR Code could offer more than a barcode does.
What Exactly Is A QR Code?
Unlike a barcode, a QR code is a two-dimensional code but acts the same function of containing machine-readable information about whatever subject it’s attached to. The only difference is, it is two-dimensional which means making the information it contains in both horizontal and vertical directions. It can store up to 2,509 numeric characters or 1,520 alpha-numeric characters, storing information that is far greater than what barcodes can offer which is 209 to 43 characters.
Lastly, compared to the typical alphanumeric characters, it can byte/binary and kanji data mode.
QR Codes Uses
As mentioned, the QR code’s main purpose is to store be able to store information. But to narrow it down, here is a list of what can be stored when using it:
- Names
- Email addresses
- Product information
- Website URLs
- Dates like calendar appointments
- Messages
- Images
- Geolocation data
- Plain text
You can use a QR code to scan and be redirected to the information in it, assuming that you use it online. Smartphones, nowadays, have a QR code reader that is capable of scanning which today plays one of the key roles in terms of processing and tracking products, and payment methods.
Utilizing QR Codes In Today’s Society
Nowadays, QR codes are commonly used in many ways, particularly in marketing and campaign. Because it can be read and understood by our devices, particularly smartphones, the usage of QR codes became accessible for everyone. So, basically, it can be utilized for far more great uses, especially when engaging and converting leads to customers in business.
Stand Out From The Crowd
Any business today is a tough competition, almost all products have their counterparts whether from a different brand or such. And to make your business stand out from others, you have to be creative and innovative so that the people would remember your business. And using a QR code for your business could definitely help them differentiate your business from others as you can make a new approach.
Offer Convenience
Now, more than ever, people are particular with their time. They are always on the go and don’t want to get sidetracked. Luckily, QR codes are convenient for those people who don’t have the time to stop longer for certain things such as when they see something interesting. For example, you see an advertisement but you’re late for something, you can quickly scan the QR code to get the information and just deal with it later whenever you have free time.
Innovate Advertisments
Static advertisement has become the norm over the years which makes signage skipped over by passersby. But adding a QR code in it whether for contact information, redirection to a website, or to a landing page makes the ad interactive like on the web. This gives a new flavor to what we normally see and keeps people interested.
Faster Payment Transactions
Payments via QR codes has been introduced long ago, but it is only since the pandemic happened that a lot of people realized the convenience of using it. It makes cashless transactions of sending and receiving money more convenient. Furthermore, anyone can generate their own QR code through their mobile wallet, as applications offer it, giving us a more centralized and smoother way of managing our finances electronically.
The Conclusion
Though there’s no denying that a QR code is not a perfect solution for everything at least for now, it doesn’t mean that it is not a good choice to use it. Though it has some downsides, it is actually an opportunity for developers to keep on making it more convenient for the future. And we cannot deny that what it offers now is a real convenience. Imagine when giving out information, it can save a lot of space.
Furthermore, QR codes are actually a space-saving solution when it comes to providing information in a much more compact form.
