What is a QR code?
The textbook definition of a QR Code is a two-dimensional
bar code created by Japanese corporation Denso-Wave in 1994.
The “QR” is derived from
“Quick Response.” A type of Matrix or Two Dimensional
bar-code. Rather than use a linear or laser type reader you
use an imager –like the camera of an iPhone or a bar-code
scanner that will scan linear and also has an imager.
My definition? Another
existing technology that will solve many business problems.
There are several QR code versions all of which allow
varying amounts of information. The size of the QR code has
little impact. In fact, if you have a QR code displayed on a
screen during a presentation, it’s likely that someone in
the audience could use their iPhone or Android to take a
photo of the code and if they have the app on their phone
then action could be taken concerning the contents of the
code. It’s very common to embed an URL in the QR code which
directs you to a website.
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Now I really
don’t care who developed the code or the specifics of how
it’s constructed, but I do care about what it can do for us
in both our personal and business lives. Being able to look
past the technology, and imagine the use, is the key to
using it to the fullest. In fact, there are many creative
ways to use QR codes all of which solve business challenges.
Hey linear
bar-codes… you’d better look out! QR codes could ultimately
replace you!
QR Codes: A
Case in Point
The Case: A company servicing the Oil and Gas
industry has a substantial vehicle fleet worth tens of
thousands of dollars. They use a robust web hosted software
solution to manage the maintenance and other information
regarding each of the fleet assets.
The fleet
being mobile, they struggle to keep timely and accurate
maintenance schedules and physical locations of each asset.
They also find it difficult to gain a mobile-in the field
view of any given asset.
When vehicles
are not in the field they are not generating new business or
income.
The
Solution: QR codes were placed on each vehicle. Fleet
managers capture the code on an iPhone, iPad, or other
imaging device and they are taken directly to that asset in
their software solution.
This can be
done not only at their facility but anywhere they have phone
coverage – like in a corn field. Information can then be
viewed or updated regarding that asset. In fact we also
placed the QR code on a key chain so if you have the keys to
any vehicle you can also access that assets information.
The
Benefits: Vehicles no longer sit unused. Timely updates
of where the vehicles are, the maintenance history, and what
the vehicles are doing is now updated visible in the system.
Asset number entry is now accurate resulting in credible
historical data. Management and staff are now able to focus
on income generating and customer care events.
The result? You guessed it… PROFIT!
Dan Belanger is the President of BELTECH - the Belanger
Technology and Consulting Group. His background includes
thirty years of solution based action in multiple business
models including Distribution, Manufacturing, Warehousing,
Facilities Management, Service, Retail, and Information
Systems.
Contact Dan at: 702-785-7331 or
dan@beltechgroupinc.com. Visit him on the web at:
www.beltechgroupinc.com. You may also reach Dan at:
www.linkedin.com/in/belangerdan/
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