QR Codes and Their Role in Business
The QR code, also known as "quick response" in its English translation, is not a novelty in the technological world. It was created by Masahiro Hara, an engineer at Denso Wave Inc, and the history of QR codes dates back to the 1990s. The first appearance of the QR code was in 1994 when it found its application in the automotive industry, particularly at Denso Wave Inc, a subsidiary of the well-known automotive giant Toyota. Initially, the technology was used internally within the company, but it was later introduced to the public and became widely spread.
Visually, a QR code is a square pixelated image that can be read both horizontally and vertically.
The content of a QR code can include various types of data:
- Links to websites, products, services, or to download mobile applications;
- Payment details;
- Diverse information for verifying users and products.
QR codes are divided into static and dynamic. Static QR codes store permanent information and are ideally suited for fixed functions such as event registration, employee monitoring, Wi-Fi setup. Dynamic QR codes allow information to be updated as needed, which is useful for collecting statistics and reviews, as well as for organizing marketing campaigns.
Applications of QR Codes in Advertising and Everyday Life
- Marketing: promotions, electronic business cards, special offers.
- Payment: an alternative to cash registers and acquiring.
- Quality control of production: monitoring the production process, ensuring quality (for example, the "Honest Sign" marking system).
- Identification of employees and providing them with individual information.
- Navigation: often used in tourism to provide information about objects.
- Education: using QR codes for access to virtual libraries and educational resources.
Scanning a QR Code
Data in a QR code can be encoded in various ways, including byte, hieroglyphic, alphanumeric, or purely numeric formats. Modern mobile devices, as well as specialized applications, can scan QR codes, identifying them by their black-and-white pattern. Scanning is possible not only from the original carrier but also from images or photographs.
Creating a QR Code
To create a QR code, online generators or applications can be used. The user needs to specify the data for encoding and select the size of the image. There are also services for creating QR codes with unconventional designs.
Advantages and Disadvantages of QR Codes in Business
The positive aspects of using QR codes include the simplicity of creation and use, the possibility of contactless payment, the expansion of marketing opportunities, time and resource savings, as well as a wide range of applications and the durability of the codes.
Among the disadvantages are the requirements for skills and loyalty of users to the technology, the need for adaptation and training of clients, the necessity of an internet connection for the technology to function, and potential customer distrust of innovations.