Tag: qr code mobile

QR codes confronted with threat of being replaced

| November 9, 2012

 

qr codes replacement threatQR codes seeing rampant use that may soon render them useless

QR codes are popular in marketing and widely used around the world. The codes have proven useful in engaging mobile consumers in a dynamic way, allowing marketing campaigns to target people that have a history of being difficult to engage. QR codes saw early success when they first began seeing widespread use in the mid-1990’s, and now companies eager to appeal to mobile consumers are using the codes as much as possible. Without a clear strategy, the value and impact of QR codes has begun to diminish and many consumers are now wary of the codes and avoiding them entirely.

Poor experiences generate consumer fatigue

Poor execution has created consumer fatigue where QR codes are concerning. Spire Research, a market analysis firm, notes that QR codes are now only used by a minority of consumers that are exposed to them. Leon Perera, CEO of Spire Research, claims that QR codes have established a foothold in the print industry because they are considered examples that a magazine, newspaper, or other publication has adopted a more tech-savvy stance, not because they are being widely used.

Augmented reality and NFC technology may be more effective than QR codes

QR codes are coming under threat from other interactive technologies that may be more effective marketing and commerce tools. Augmented reality, for example, has proven popular among advertisers that want to provide consumers with dynamic digital content. In terms of mobile commerce, NFC technology is king. QR codes have been used in past mobile commerce initiatives, and are still considered an effective way to sell products to mobile consumers, but NFC technology is more capable in this realm than the codes.

ScanLife sees problems with widespread QR code usage

Mike Wehrs, CEO of ScanLife, a mobile engagement firm renowned for its use of QR codes, claims that the abundance of QR codes may actually be their downfall. Because so many companies make use of the codes without ensuring they provide quality experiences to consumers, many people are being put off by poor execution. Wehrs notes “just because you can place a code on something, doesn’t mean you should.”

QR codes to replace train tickets in the Ukraine

| November 8, 2012

 

qr codes ukraine train ticketsQR codes will be used as electronic train tickets beginning December 25

Ukrainian consumers will soon be able to use electronic tickets to board public transportation trains around the country. Beginning December 25, consumers will no longer have to carry physical tickets, if they have a smart phone. Vice Prime Minister, Minister of Infrastructure Borys Kolesnikov has announced that QR codes will be a replacement for traditional tickets that have long been used as part of the public transportation system. These codes will be accepted by the Intercity+Ukrainian Express.

Codes continue to gain popularity in marketing and commerce

QR codes have become a popular tool in numerous industries. They are considered valuable because they can provide consumers with access to information and digital content. QR codes have been particularly popular in mobile marketing because of this. The codes have been used sparingly in mobile commerce, where they can be used to link consumers to web-based payment platforms so they can purchase goods.

Consumers can present electronic tickets to train conductors, or simply print out codes

Beginning December 25, consumers with smart phones in the Ukraine will be able to purchase train tickets through the Internet. These tickets will not have to be printed. Instead, consumers will be able to save a QR code that is generated just for them. This code will represent the information connected to the ticket. Train conductors can verify that these tickets are valid through the use of a mobile access control terminal, which will be able to decipher the information contained within the codes. Those without smart phones can simply print out the QR codes as necessary.

QR codes expected to make transportation system more convenient

Vice Prime Minister Kolesnikov believes that the codes will help make the public transportation system more convenient for tech-savvy Ukrainians. QR codes represent an affordable way to issue tickets to those that rely on the public transportation system. More consumers are also growing dependent on their mobile devices, thus raising the demand for QR codes and other mobile services that will help improve quality of life.