1. What is a QR Code?
- QR (Quick Response) is matrix barcode readable by mobile phones with camera and/or smartphones. This bar code can store text, URLs, contact or social media information that is accessible as soon as the phone scans the image.
2. What Challenge We Are Trying to Solve?
- Timeraiser is not only an event, but an ongoing volunteer program, that results in a lot of follow up communications. This is especially true for non-profit organizations represented at the Timeraiser and the volunteers looking to get involved with them. QR codes will enable participants and the non profits their interested in to instant contact information that will save our team the resources and staff time allotted to managing these connections.
3. What We Were Looking For in a Good QR Generator & App
- Instant Results: The QR generator/scanner must automatically upload the correct information easily and instantly into the phone, enhancing the functionality
- Supports Multiple Platforms: While some phones are more popular that others, the QR generator/scanner must be compatible with many different mobile phone companies and platforms.
- Multiple Applications: The QR generator/scanner must have multiple applications such as contact information, locational data, analytics and tech support, mass code upload abilities
4. Challenges Across Mobile Platforms (e.g. Android, BlackBerry, iPhone)
- Android: Uploading contact information is not allocated in the proper fields (i.e. will put both first and last name in the designated "first name" field)
- BlackBerry: Is not compatible with most QR scanners. Generally has problems uploading contact information directly into the phone. The BBM group scanner is not universal as originally promoted.
| Agency Poster | Artist Bid Sheet |
5. Why We Selected ScanLife
- Universal - works across multiple platforms (i.e. Android, BlackBerry, iPhone)
- Works across multiple platforms.
- On going tech and service support.
- Full analytics included
- Mass upload enabled
- Multiple code type supported (i.e.QR Codes, UPS, 1D, 2D)
6. Here is how it Works
- Select what type of code you would like to create (1D, 2D)
- Select what information you want stored in the code (i.e. calendar event, contact infomation, SMS)
- Input the pertinent information and create the code
- Download the code for you print materials, event materials, email campaign
- Modify your code at any time and see the changes in real time.
- See up to date analytic data
The following example was prepared for a United Way/Enbridge Demonstration. This demonstration is part of our potential participation at the 2010 Enbridge CN Tower Climb. The mock-up makes use of three QR Code types: 1) Add to Calendar, 2) Contact, 3) Social Media Link. You can use a Blackberry, Android or iPhone to scan the codes (we recommend downloading the ScanLife App).
7. The Other Vendors We Reviewed