Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry professionals have found innovative uses of QR (Quick Reference) codes in their daily work. Architects, engineers, contractors, building owners, developers and municipalities are all using them to improve productivity and gain a marketing edge.
They have found practical applications of QR codes and are not using them simply because it is the mobile marketing tactic du jour.
What are QR codes?
The technology for QR codes was first created by Denso-Wave (a subsidiary of Toyota) in 1994 and has been used extensively for tracking parts in automobile manufacturing. They are now used for a variety of applications and are extremely popular, especially in B2C and retail marketing.
Scanning a QR code with a smartphone has become so commonplace that to most people, it feels as natural as clicking on a link in a Web page.
Practical uses of QR codes in the AEC industry
In my last post, I had briefly mentioned how manufacturers can use QR codes to link printed collateral to their online content. Here are some ways that AEC companies are using them for marketing and to do their daily jobs more efficiently.
Municipalities and local governments are using QR codes
Small and large municipalities and local governments are using QR codes to better serve their citizens while dealing with shrinking budgets.
QR codes for the dearly departed: This is not an application for the AEC industry but QR code technology has caught up with burying the dead and the human desire for remembrance. A Seattle-based company is creating burial markers that include a QR code placed on tombstones. Visitors to the cemetery can learn more about the dearly departed, leave messages for their loved ones, and record stories for others who may visit. I first heard about this QR application from Rick Short (@RickShort21) of Indium Corporation and here’s the full story from NPR.
How are you using QR codes as an Architectural, Engineering and Construction industry professional?
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Mark Franco says:
Good post Achinta. I think QR codes are going to change the way we do business more than we realize already, especially in the industrial market.