Sep 19

QR Codes: Can They Get Any Bigger?

If you had any plans to create the largest marketing portal on Earth, you may be out of luck. A Canadian cornfield now hosts the largest QR code in the world.

Veterans of the corn maze industry, the Kraays contacted their maze designer, who helped make their dream a reality. Working together, they constructed the 15 acre maze, 7 acres of which are taken up by the QR code.

Creating a fully functional QR code out of corn is no mean feat and the process did run into a few snags along the way. “The first time it didn’t and work and we figured out that it was because the paths weren’t dark enough compared to the corn.” Rachel Kray said. They went back, she said, to darken the paths in order to make the code functional.

The final numbers: 309,570 square feet! So, what does this mean for you? If you really want this record, the good news is that this code can’t last forever. The cornfield will either be harvested or wither or die this winter. So, if you really wanted this title, I guess you could try to fill that void. But if it weren’t for the publicity surrounding the record, how effective would this effort have been? How many of their potential customers would have been in a position to capture the QR code that would require a person to have a smartphone thousands of feet in the air?

Don’t worry if you don’t have half a dozen acres for your marketing purposes. When it comes to QR codes for your business, focus on getting them where your audience can see, scan, and act on the codes. Don’t worry about creating a big splash or making headlines. Concentrate on creating a realistic return on investment you would like to see in your campaign and get your code in the best location to match that goal.

You can create a free QR code via our Barcode Generator and see what you can do with the power of the QR Code.

Aug 16

Place QR Codes Wisely

Once, QR codes were the darling of the technology world. Now, some talk about this concept with a sneer. Why the dropoff in perception? Unfortunately, some companies and individuals have abused the purpose of the tool and there’s concern that QR Codes can become a joke. Where the QR code sends the scanner is important, but so is the physical location of the code itself.

Forbes staff writer Eric Savitz has some suggestions on Why QR Codes Don’t Work. He blames the lack of standardization in QR Code reading applications but also the lack of benefit to the person scanning the code.

Again and again we see companies launch full-scale campaigns that include QR codes which lead to desktop sites. Giving the consumer an option to scan a QR code which leads them to a website that is not optimized for the device they use to scan it is like sending someone with a broken arm in to get a full-body physical. People use QR codes to take action directly, so don’t make them jump through hoops, pinching, zooming and navigating through a messy desktop site. Give them what they want: a mobile experience.

The article goes on to suggest offering consumers a benefit for scanning such as providing a discount, special offer or access to some sort of exclusive program.

But what you offer is only part of the QR process. You also have to allow your customer to actually scan it. All the time and effort of creating and experience for your audience goes out the window if they can’t get to the code to scan it or if the code itself is obstructed like the one in the picture.

Consider where you will place the QR Code once you create it. Will people be able to reach it? Is it clearly labeled so that they have an idea of what to expect once they scan it? Are you placing the code in an area where cell phone reception is working?

If they can’t see the code, get to it, physically scan it, or have access to cell coverage or wifi, then their mobile experience is over even before it is done.

Want to try it for yourself? You can create a free QR code via our Barcode Generator and see what you can do with the power of the QR Code.

Aug 7

iPads & Tablet PCs At Home On Construction Sites

We’ve been hearing from more and more companies in the construction industry who are interested in using iOS and Android tablets onsite for business purposes. They’re finding it much more efficient than the old paperwork and clipboard method. For example, Turner Logistics recently contacted us about devising a way to track items onsite using an iPad 3 that could access their Sharepoint database.

RACO Industries successfully delivered an iOS application to access Turner Logistics Sharepoint folders via the iPad Safari web browser. Here’s how it works: Turner labels their equipment with labels sporting custom QR codes. The manager would capture the code with the iPad’s embedded camera. While on the secure network, that scan would bring up the specific information sheet for that particular product. The manager would then input the necessary info, save it as a PDF, then upload the form to Sharepoint. This would also include any required signatures captured on the device as well as pictures taken, if needed.

This new process is working so well, Turner is looking at expanding this to improve their offerings. Following the job, they can go to the building owner with a complete record of every piece of equipment and its maintenance history. This allows Turner to provide added value to their customer by informing the owner of what service needs to be done and when.

Try doing all that with paperwork and clipboards.

If you’re looking at using tablet computers in the field, we have expertise on multiple platforms like iOS, Android, RhoElements, and more. Contact a product specialist at 1-800-446-1991 to learn what mobile solution is right for you.

Jul 23

Turning To QR Codes In Trying Times

We’ve been seeing more and more stories lately about companies and people turning to QR Codes when other marketing platforms can’t get the job done. We’ve seen a few examples of how QR Codes can breathe new life into a stagnant part of your business’s life and even help you stand out in a crowd. Read More