How different types of QR Codes work for your business?

QR codes are 2 dimensional codes that are generally used to store information for quick retrieval. These codes can only be decoded using a QR code scanner on your smartphone devices. Although QR codes look similar there are different types of QR codes that are categorised based on the storage capacity, code size and error correction level. QR codes are widely used by several industries for various purposes such as brand monitoring, tracking time, processing record, object recognition and other general communication applications. QR codes can be broadly classified into 2 types –  Static and Dynamic QR codes. Lets see what these are and how they benefit business.

Types of QR Codes

Static QR Code

As the word suggests, static refers to a code wherein the information is fixed. With this type of QR code the data that you feed at first remains there forever and cannot be changed. Therefore, the encoded content is embedded in the pattern alignments found on these codes. Generally, static QR codes are a basic form of QR codes that stores only the targeted content. It can only be read horizontally and hold very little information such as URL, WiFi passwords, contact details, or serial code.

Dynamic QR Code

A dynamic QR code on the other hand is an upgraded version of QR codes. It has a redirection URL encoded onto the squares, the vertical and horizontal dimensions. Unlike the static QR codes which have information embedded in the code, the dynamic QR code has a URL. This makes the dynamic QR code editable, adaptable and trackable. The information behind the dynamic QR code is changeable even when it is printed and deployed. Custom QR Code designs are a type of dynamic QR code which is in trend for branding and marketing purposes. A dynamic QR code can read vertically as well as horizontally and can hold a lot more information than a static QR code.  

Where to use Static QR code?

Static QR codes can be made in bulk and hence can be used anywhere. Here’s where you can use a static QR code.

• To manage inventory – You can use static QR code on each product to easily maintain your inventory.

• On product packages – You can deploy a static QR code on the product inorder to provide additional information about the product. For example, you can add a QR that provides the details about product specification for an electronic product.

• In catalogues – You can add a static QR code in the product catalogue to add in some additional and interesting facts about the product.

• To manage events –  Since static QR codes can be produced in bulk, it can be put to great use in the event management industry. For instance, a static QR code can be placed at different locations for easy access of event schedules.

• On business cards – A static QR code on your business card can help you share your contact details easily. 

• On employee ID cards – Similar to the business card, a static QR code can be used on employee identity cards to share employee information.

• Other uses – You can also use static QR codes on a variety of other things such as gift cards, entertainment games, projects, images or anything of your choice. Always remember to add a suitable title for the QR code so that the end user is aware of what they’ll get from scanning the QR code.

Where to use Dynamic QR code?

Dynamic QR codes can be edited at any time making it more flexible. Custom QR code designs are another form of dynamic QR codes which come in different colours, sizes and shapes as per your requirement. Here’s where you can use a dynamic QR code.

• In Advertising – Dynamic QR code can be an eco-friendly alternative for printed advertisement material. As these QR codes are editable it is easier to change content if after sharing the code with their audience.

• Menu Cards – If you are into the food and beverage industry you can make use of a dynamic QR code to replace your printed menu cards. It is highly cost-effective as you can change content multiple times and save printing costs.

• Effective Payment – Dynamic QR codes can be used as an effective way to perform contactless payments. The massive degree of information required for such payments can be easily embedded in a dynamic QR code as it has more storage space than traditional QR codes.

• Easy Tracking – Dynamic QR codes allow businesses to track details such as where, when and how a particular code was scanned. Hence it is easy to track marketing metrics and make changes as and when required.

In a nutshell

QR codes are a cost-effective means of data storage that is easy to access and available at all times. With the difference in the types of QR codes their purposes also vary. You know your business better and thus, it is best that you consider your business requirements before deploying a QR code. Both static and dynamic QR codes are beneficial if used appropriately. Make sure to add a helping text along with the QR codes so that the end user knows what the QR code is linked to.