When do you need QR-codes

QR-codes are everywhere these days and for good reason. They're extremely useful as most smartphone cameras can now scan them in a flash. But there's no point using one for the sake of it. So, when is the right time? From physical space to digital experience There's one basic rule of thumb when it comes to QR-codes. If you want to take someone from a physical to a digital experience, then a QR-code is the way to go. You're at a music festival and need to find your way around. Scan the QR-code and it will give you directions and all the latest information. Or you've just bought a new product and the code takes you to all the content you need to get the most out of it. The digital experience enhances the physical one. Joy! More information than I have space for Another big reason for QR-codes is when you need to inform in a way that can't be done in the physical space. That bar of chocolate just doesn't have the space to tell the full sustainability story but it does have space for a QR-code that brings the reader to the relevant content. Or you have a product and the QR-code takes you to the user manual, safety instructions and a link to buy spare parts. When information changes throughout the year A sign is an extremely direct communications channel but what happens if the information on that sign needs to change a few times a year. You don't want to keep buying new signs. A nature-reserve has certain rules for fishing for some months of the year and different rules for other times. A QR-code can lead to a digital page that someone updates to keep everyone informed. Kolla is providing this service today in Sweden's nature reserves. Taking payments A lot of us have ordered at a restaurant via a QR-code rather than with a waiter. Sure. We'd prefer to talk to a waiter but we get it; it's quite fast and you know you've got your order into the kitchen. Ordering and payments are one of the major use-cases for QR-codes. There are clearly endless opportunities with QR-codes and if you decide you want to use one, then the next question will be which kind; dynamic or static qr-codes. Here's what you need to ask yourself.

1. Will I need to change the URL at some point? Static QR codes work fine for permanent information like:

• Contact details
• Wi-Fi passwords
• Product serial numbers

Dynamic QR codes are better for:

• Product information
• Marketing campaigns
• Event schedules
• Restaurant menus

Basically. If you have content that is likely to change from time to time and there's a chance you are going to need a new URL, then go with a dynamic QR-code. 2. Speed and stability If speed is a critical factor for your business, then you should look at dynamic QR-codes. This is not going to be an important factor for everyone and static QR-codes, while slower, are usually acceptable for the average user. But this depends a little on how much data is packed behind your QR-code and even which device is scanning the code. Dynamic codes have a lot less data to decode so they always scan faster.

3. Budget reality For one-off uses or small business needs, static QR codes might make more sense. However, larger organisations or ongoing campaigns often find better value in dynamic codes through:

• Eliminated reprinting costs
• Content update flexibility
• Advanced tracking capabilities
• System integration options

If you have a lot of QR-codes to work with, then a platform to manage all those QR-codes and have them all in one place is also vital. If you're going down this road, then you're likely to get dynamic QR-codes as part of the deal and then you don't even need to debate the topic.