Have
you ever scanned a code with your smartphone to make payments? Then,
you are no stranger to the QR code! QR codes have become
immensely popular to engage users, carry out an action and to grow
your business. Around 11 million households in the US are
expected to scan a QR code in 2020. In China, transactions worth USD
1.65 trillion were done through QR codes.
The
use of QR codes is growing rapidly all over the world. It has become
a favorite tool of marketers to woo customers who don’t want to
wait for anything. If you are wondering how QR codes can benefit your
business, we have the right answers for you.
In
this post, we will take a closer look at QR codes and how they work.
Then we will discuss some use cases and industries where QR codes
have brought immense change and growth.
What is QR Code & How does It Work?
QR
codes are a subset of barcodes and refer to Quick Response Code. The
technology was first introduced in Japan by a subsidiary of Toyota
called Denso Wave. QR codes can hold more information and advanced
features compared to barcodes and can be programmed to perform
various actions. QR codes contain information both vertically and
horizontally and can be read through a camera-enabled device like a
smartphone.
QR
codes need two basic technologies to work-
QR
code generators: You
can find many online sites to generate QR codes for free. The QR
codes can carry any information you like including product details,
offers, coupons and more. You can also program the QR code to
automatically initiate various actions like dialing a number,
directing to a URL, sending SMS and so on.
QR
code scanner: You
will need a device to scan and decode the information in a QR code.
iPhones and Android smartphones and tablets are ideal to do the job.
You just need to download a QR code reading app, most of which come
for free.
The
QR scanner app will scan the QR code using the camera of your phone
or tablet. Then it will display the information or perform the action
which was programmed into the code.
QR
code offers a simple and quick way to provide information to your
customers. You can also save their work by programming QR codes to
carry out various tasks like making online payments, viewing
transport schedules and more. The technology which has its roots in
Japan is now revolutionizing businesses all over the world.
