QR Codes

QR codes or QR bar codes, were initially used for tracking parts in vehicle manufacturing. QR Codes are now used in a much broader context spanning both commercial tracking applications and convenience-oriented applications aimed at mobile phone users.

QR Codes storing addresses and URLs may appear in magazines, on signs, buses, business cards or just about any object that a user might need information about. A user having a camera phone equipped with the correct QR reader software can scan the image of the QR Code. The QR code will cause the phone's browser to launch and redirect to the programmed URL.

This act of linking from physical world objects is known as a hardlink or physical world hyperlinks. A user can also generate and print their own QR Codes for others to scan and use by visiting one of several free QR Code generating sites.

How QR codes work

A discount on a product is offered to the consumer in a commercial displayed on screen in a store, shopping mall or billboard. The consumer responds by sending an sms with a code to a short code (i.e. type code 14345 and sent to short code 4040). In reply the consumer receives a sms coupon (QR code) on her/his mobile phone.

The message sent by the retailer creates an instant mobile response. The consumer validates the sms coupon at a validation terminal in the store, where she or he receives a bar code coupon.

If you haven't tried using a QR code yet, give us a call at 0845 121 3777 or email us to give you more information on how you can use it to your advantage.