QR Codes are abbreviated as Quick Response Codes. They are two dimensional bar-codes which can store much more information than it's predecessor - one-dimensional bar-codes. QR codes can hold virtually all types of data including numeric and alphanumeric data types, most commonly used. Some popular usage of QR codes are: URLs, Contact information, Coupon codes, Email Message, Social Networking and E-Calendar. Example of QR codes are displayed below (Scan to find out now!):
Two-dimensional QR Codes were first designed for automotive industry in Japan by Denso ADC. Before that one-dimensional codes were in existence (since 1966) and could store more than a little information. In an attempt to increase storage capacity, 2 dimensional bar-codes were invented. These bar-codes are two-dimensional which can store information in both horizontal and vertical directions unlike one-dimensional bar-codes which stores information in horizontal directions only.
After being introduced for Automotive industry, QR codes quickly became popular because of some of it's unique features. QR codes are fast readable, has greater storage capacity than it's predecessor, has auto error correction and most importantly QR code has no license. More information about QR codes can be obtained here. Apart from automotive industry QR codes are being used in Manufacturing, Warehousing and logistics, Retailing, Healthcare, Life Sciences, Transportation, Office automation and Marketing & Advertisement as stated here.
Now a days QR Codes are driving Virtual Stores across the world. I found this particular usage of QR code quite fascinating. It's amazing how this little piece of square has potential to change the world and enrich people's day to day life.
Virtual store is changing the way people shop their daily needs from their favorite retail stores. Instead of physically visiting stores and shopping daily needs, consumers can scan QR codes of various household items placed in large banners at Train stations, Shopping malls, Airports and inside bus, for example. Consumers can make payment right on the spot as item gets added to shopping cart upon scanning QR codes. Consumers receive their purchased items on their doorstep via shipping.
Virtual store shopping is very convenient and reduces overall time when consumers wants to buy certain household items frequently. Such virtual stores exists in Canada, South Korea, Argentina and many other countries. Walmart and Peapod have already benefited from such virtual stores. South Korea's HomePlus global grocery and merchandise retailer experienced 76% increase in new registered members and their online sales increased by 130%. A short video on HomePlus's success shows the power of QR codes.
With an increase in number of mobile users, Virtual store will take virtual shopping to a whole new level. Virtual stores will help companies increase their online sales and at the same time lowering their need for large number of physical stores.
This post initially talks about barcodes and QR codes. It says about various ways QR can be used before talking in detail about the virtual stores. Second sample QR code is nice. Origin and history of QR code is discussed briefly. Various advantages and conveniences in QR codes in virtual stores are explained in detail. The short video which is included is nice. Stating the increase in number of mobile users support and justify the concept of using QR code in virtual stores.
ReplyDeleteOverall, it is an effective blog about powering virtual stores.
I really like your post regarding QR code. It’s very informative showing how and where QR codes were invented and their transaction over original bar code. QR codes have become very popular due to its fast readability and greater storage capacity. In addition to your examples regarding their uses, QR codes have been used in product tracking, item identification, time tracking, document management and general marketing. I like how you mention QR codes are driving Virtual Stores. They play very important role in our real lives, making it easier and convenient for all of us. However, I hope you could have talked a little bit about the risks that QR codes do encounter. The risks include linking to dangerous web sites with browser exploits, sending personal information, corrupting privacy settings and stealing identity.
ReplyDeleteYou make some excellent points. That totally makes sense for a restaurant or other store where you don't just want anyone to have access. I like how you also touched on the idea that since most QR codes use shortened URLs, there remains a possibility that they can lead to some sort of malicious website or script. Safety is definitely still a concern when it comes to QR codes.
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