QR Code: Definition, Types, Benefits, and Functions

QR Code is a technology that is increasingly popular and widely used daily. You may have seen QR Codes on the products you buy, in advertisements on the street, or even on entrance tickets somewhere.

However, what exactly is a QR Code? What are the benefits? This article will discuss its meaning in more depth and review the many advantages this innovative technology offers.

Understanding QR Codes

Understanding QR Codes

You can scan a QR Code using a scanner or smartphone camera to access information quickly and easily. These codes, consisting of black and white lines on an object, can display various information such as a website link, contact information, or even plain text.

QR Code technology simplifies accessing information by eliminating the need to manually type in a web address or phone number.

In addition, QR Codes can also help manage data more efficiently, for example, in the process of inventorying goods or online payments. Thus, the QR Code is an innovative and practical solution for various communication needs and access to information.

Understanding QR Code According to Experts

According to experts, a QR Code consists of black and white lines on an object. It can be read using a scanner or a cellphone camera with a QR Code scanning feature.

When the code is scanned, it displays information associated with the code, such as a link to a website, contact information, or even plain text.

QR Code is a technology that can make it easier for us to access information quickly and easily without manually typing in a web address or telephone number.

In addition, QR Codes can also help manage data more efficiently, for example, in the process of inventorying goods or online payments.

Based on this definition, the QR Code is an innovative and practical technology for various communication needs and access to information.

The development of the use of QR Codes

Using the QR Code started in 1994 when this technology was first discovered by an informatics expert named Masahiro Hara.

However, it was only in 2007 that the QR Code began to be widely used in Japan, especially in advertising and marketing. Then, in 2009, the QR Code began to spread to various parts of the world, including Indonesia.

The QR Code has been used for various purposes, such as online payments, account verification, and even as a ticket to enter a place.

The use of the QR Code is also increasingly being carried out by various companies and agencies as a way to increase efficiency and speed in communicating and accessing information.

Thus, the development of the use of QR codes has experienced rapid growth in recent years and is believed to continue to grow in the future.

What is the Function of a QR Code?

1. Store information quickly and easily

QR Codes can store information such as website addresses, telephone numbers, or even plain text. So, we can access this information quickly and easily by simply scanning the code using a scanner or a cellphone camera with a QR Code scanning feature.

2. Increase efficiency and speed in communicating

Using a QR Code, we no longer need to manually type in website addresses or telephone numbers. Hence, sharing and accessing information becomes faster and more efficient.

3. Helps in managing data better

QR Codes can assist in inventorying goods or online payments, making it easier to collect data.

4. Simplify the account verification process

QR codes can also be used to verify accounts, such as in social media applications or online financial services. By scanning the code, we can easily verify membership or ownership of performance.

5. As a ticket to enter a place

QR Codes can also be used as a ticket to enter a location, such as a museum, theater, or stadium. It’s enough to scan the code at the entrance, so we can immediately enter the site without showing a physical ticket.

Benefits of Using QR Codes in General

QR Codes can make it easier for us to access information quickly and easily and increase efficiency and speed in communication. And also help manage data better, simplify the account verification process, and even be used as an entrance ticket to a place.

In addition, the QR Code can also increase the security and confidentiality of information because it can only be read by devices that have the QR Code scanning feature. Thus, using the QR Code has many benefits that can help us daily.

Benefits of QR Code for Business

QR Codes can make it easier for customers to access information about products or services offered quickly and easily. It can increase efficiency and speed in communicating with customers and help manage data better. Also, simplify the process of verifying customer accounts and even be used as an entry ticket to a company. 

In addition, QR Codes can also help companies increase brand awareness and customer loyalty. Thus, using the QR Code in business activities has many benefits that can assist companies in improving business efficiency and profits.

Advantages and disadvantages of using QR Code

The following are the advantages and disadvantages of using a QR Code:

Pros of QR Codes:

  1. Provides access to information quickly and easily.
  2. Increase efficiency and speed in communicating.
  3. Helps in managing data better.
  4. Simplify the account verification process.
  5. As a ticket to enter somewhere.
  6. Increase the security and confidentiality of information.

Disadvantages of QR Codes:

  1. Requires a device that has the QR Code scanning feature.
  2. An internet connection is stable enough to access the information stored in the QR Code.
  3. Scan errors can occur if the QR Code is too small or damaged.
  4. Only some people know how to use a QR Code.
  5. Some applications require a fee to access the information stored in the QR Code.
  6. There is a security risk from data theft or hacking if the QR Code used is not secure.

QR Code Parts

QR Code parts are the components that make up the structure of a QR Code. The following are the parts of the QR Code:

1. Finder Patterns

Finder Patterns are the three corners of the white squares that appear on the QR Code. Finder Patterns assist scanning devices in recognizing and reading QR Codes correctly.

2. Timing Patterns

Timing Patterns are the black lines between the Finder Patterns. Timing Patterns serve to provide information about the size and orientation of the QR Code to the scanning device.

3. Alignment Patterns

Alignment Patterns are the black lines contained in the QR Code. Alignment Patterns function to assist scanning devices in determining the position of each symbol in the QR Code.

4. Format Information

Format Information is the code found on the top left and bottom right of the QR Code. Format Information contains information about the type of error correction used by the QR Code and the orientation and size of the QR Code.

5. Data Regions

Data Regions are the most significant part of the QR Code, which consists of black and white symbols. Data Regions contain information stored in a QR Code, which can be text, website links, or other data.

Types of QR Codes

The types of QR codes are variations of QR codes with different specifications and features according to user needs. The following are the types of QR Code:

1. QR Code Static

Type of QR Code that cannot be changed or updated after it has been generated. Static QR Codes usually store information that doesn’t need to be updated, such as company names, website addresses, or telephone numbers.

2. QR Code Dynamic

Type of QR Code that can be changed or updated after creation. QR Code Dynamic is usually used to store information that needs to be updated, such as event entry tickets, discount vouchers, or gift coupons.

3. QR Code Custom

Types of QR Codes can be printed with designs that can be made according to the user’s wishes. Custom QR Codes are usually used to improve branding or make QR Codes more attractive to customers.

4. QR Code Contact

A type of QR Code that contains contact information, such as name, email address, and telephone number. QR Code Contact is usually used to facilitate exchanging contact information between individuals or companies.

How to generate a QR Code for free?

How to generate a QR Code for free

To generate a QR code for free, you can use one of the several QR code creation services available on the internet. Here are some steps you can follow to generate a QR Code for free:

  1. Go to a free QR code generator site, such as QR Code Generator or QRStuff.com.
  2. On the site’s main page, select the type of QR code you want to generate. Various QR codes are available on these sites, including URLs, text, email, phone numbers, etc.
  3. After selecting the desired QR Code type, enter the information stored in the QR Code. For example, if you chose the QR Code type for the URL, enter the URL address you want to share.
  4. Click the “Generate QR Code” button to generate a QR Code.
  5. After the QR Code has been created, you can download the QR Code by clicking the “Download QR Code” button or the like. You can also share the QR Code by sending the QR Code link provided by the service.
  6. For the record, some QR Code creation services may provide additional features such as color selection and different logos or text on the QR Code. Still, these features may be available for a fee. If you want to use these features, you may need to subscribe or pay a specific price.

Difference Between QR Code and Barcode

QR Code (Quick Response Code) and barcode are two codes used to store and scan information. However, there are some critical differences between the two types of code, namely:

  1. Physical form: QR Code consists of a checkerboard pattern in the middle, while the barcode consists of vertical lines at the bottom.
  2. Information that can be stored: QR codes can store more and more complex information compared to barcodes. QR Codes can store information such as text, URL, email, telephone number, etc. In contrast, the barcode can only store information such as product code or registration code.
  3. Usage: QR Code is usually used to facilitate access to information by smartphone users, while barcodes are generally used to identify products in stores or warehouses.
  4. How to read: QR codes can be read using a QR Code scanner on an application or smartphone. While barcodes can be read using a barcode scanner in a store or warehouse.
  5. So, QR Code is a type of code that is more flexible and can store more information than barcodes.

QR Code is usually used to facilitate access to information using a smartphone. In contrast, barcodes are generally used to identify products in stores or warehouses.

QR Code For Fixed Asset Management

QR Codes can be used in fixed asset management to facilitate the identification and monitoring of fixed assets owned by a company. Here are some ways to use QR Code in fixed asset management:

  1. Adding QR Code to fixed assets: QR Code can be attached to fixed assets owned by the company, such as computers, machines, equipment, etc. The QR Code can contain the inventory number, purchase date, price, etc.
  2. Scan the QR Code to access fixed asset information: To access fixed asset information, workers can scan the QR Code. This is contained in the fixed asset using a smartphone’s QR Code scanner application. The application will display the information stored in the QR Code, such as inventory number, purchase date, price, etc.
  3. Record maintenance of fixed assets: Every time a fixed asset is given care, workers can scan the QR Code contained in the asset. And workers can record the maintenance information in the asset management application. Thus, companies can monitor the condition and maintenance of fixed assets more efficiently.
  4. Monitor lent fixed assets: If a company leases or lends fixed assets to other parties, the QR Code can be used to monitor the whereabouts of these assets. Parties who borrow assets can scan the QR Code in these assets every time. The assets are lent so that the company can monitor the whereabouts of these assets more efficiently.

By using the QR Code in fixed asset management, companies can facilitate the identification and monitoring of their fixed assets and increase efficiency in managing them.

Fixed Asset Management Application Recommendations Using QR Code

One software you can use for company fixed asset management and QR Code technology is TAG Samurai. With a QR Code, you can easily access fixed asset information, record fixed asset maintenance, and monitor fixed assets lent.

You can see the TAG Samurai Fixed Asset Management page for complete information regarding this software! If you want to consult, we provide Free Asset Management Consultation services!

Conclusion

QR Code (Quick Response Code) is a type of code consisting of a checkerboard pattern used to store and scan information.

A QR Code can store more and more detailed information than a barcode and is usually used to facilitate access to data using a smartphone.

Finally, QR Codes can be generated using QR Code generation services freely available on the internet. They can be used in various applications, such as fixed asset management, marketing, etc.

Reference:

Investopedia – Quick Response Code

Andini Sabrina