Guest Post: QR codes represent a key trend in business

by Dr. Jerry Osteryoung

When new technology comes out, you have to make a very careful assessment of whether it is appropri­ate for your business. Addition­ally, you must ask yourself if this is a passing fad or will it change the way you use technology. Here is one of those new technologies that I believe will change the way you are currently using this type of technol­ogy.

Quick Reference (or quick response) codes are a new trend in soft­ware technology that will have wide applications in business. Commonly referred to as “QR codes,” they were developed in Japan more than 10 years ago and are widely used there, but are just now catching on here. While a normal one-dimension­al barcode can only con­tain 20 characters, a QR code can handle thou­sands. Their value is that they can quickly and eas­ily transmit information through a smart phone.

Though QR codes are just beginning to see widespread use, now is the time to start consid­ering how you can imple­ment this technology so you can be ahead of the curve rather than behind. So far, the most common use is directing a custom­er to your website, but QR codes can also be used to promote discounts and new products, and even as business cards.  You can read about the many ways the technol­ogy can be applied, includ­ing temporary tattoos, here.

Creating a QR code is quick and painless, and there is no learning time required. Even I was able to do it. Using sites such as ScanLife and Kaywa, all you have to do is enter your website information, and your QR code is gen­erated in seconds. You can then copy and store the code for future use.

To read the QR code, you need a scanner app. iPhone, BlackBerry and Android all offer a number of options. The i-nigma and RedLaser apps for iPhone are both free and allow you to take a picture of the code with your phone. The photo is converted into the appropriate action (visit a website, for example).

Likify is a neat service that uses QR codes to help generate “Likes” for your Facebook page. Users who scan your Likify QR code are directed to a page where they can tap the “Like” button.

QR codes are great, and they will be even great­er with time. However, it will take a while before adoption is complete, so when considering using QR codes, you will want to make sure you have the right audience. Customers who are into sophisticat­ed technology will be the ones most likely to accept and utilize QR codes right now. You may also find that a certain amount of edu­cation will be necessary to teach customers how to use them.

Now go out and find out if QR codes can benefit your business.

You can do this!