Accepting QR Codes
Like regular barcodes, a QR code can allow for automation using a two-dimensional barcode that gets printed or scanned by devices. QR codes provide an easy way for encoded information on an ID card to be read very quickly.
However, unlike linear barcodes, QR codes typically take users to a website URL when scanned with a mobile phone, giving the impression that they can hold a significant amount of data.
Since the pandemic, the acceptance of QR codes has increased significantly. QR codes can give users instant access to detailed information for a cardholder including name, company name, title or position, complete contact information, background experience, certifications, and more.
Standard Usage of QR Codes
When compared to a standard barcode, QR codes have become common for low-access enterprise security applications that require automation in a contactless, frictionless environment; regardless of whether the workforce is remote or hybrid, in addition to in-person workplaces.
Instead of being limited to using USB readers connected to a computer to read a standard UPC barcode, QR codes are usually read by smartphones or tablets. This is because QR code scanners work with IOS and Android operating systems!
Many free apps are available for reading QR codes, but now the vast majority of mobile devices have built-in capabilities to read QR code information; show images and display text or contact information contained within, connect to a wireless network, or open a web page in their device’s browser.
Apple iPhones and Android mobile phones are examples of mobile devices that can instantly, and automatically, scan and take users to a website using the built-in camera feature.
Applying to ID Card Systems
Using most of our ID card systems, you can now print QR codes directly onto ID badges or membership cards for a more comprehensive and secure identity solution when coupled with other ID card security features. QR codes can serve a wide range of ID card applications, including tracking customer usage and activity with loyalty cards, membership ID cards, entertainment, and event ID badges, transportation ticketing, and more.
Some applications may be better suited for an RFID credential including HID prox, iclass, or Seos which are commonly used for a physical access control system.
QR Codes Combine Comfort and Convenience
Imagine a visitor check-in process that utilizes QR codes on-screen or printed onto a visitor ID card. When the visitor registers they can receive an email with an embedded QR code to see the latest instructions for arrival and parking. Upon arrival at the facility, they can scan a separate QR code with their personal mobile device and confirm their arrival. This will automatically notify their host so they can streamline an in-person meeting without the need for an office receptionist.
Customized visitor management solutions allow for all these possibilities and typically include training for your personnel in addition to assistance with configuration to ensure IT has support for meeting your organizational goals.
QR codes can even be used to support automation in the setup process for secure log in to devices with multi-factor authentication. MFA is also known as two-factor authentication (2FA) and it ensures that a user verifies their identity with more than just a username and password.
QR codes are not usually used as the alternate form of identity authentication in a secure environment, however. When configuring these systems it is common to use a QR code on-screen or with email instructions to start the process by taking the user to the correct URL. This allows IT to connect their users to the right starting place in addition to FAQs to reduce helpdesk requests from their workforce which saves time and money for their organization.
Making the Next Step
ADVANTIDGE uses a consultative approach to work with organizations who need to streamline identity verification with secure contactless scanning, for automation and authentication of employees, visitors, and other check-in and out solutions, or utilizing RFID to make your ID card printer a turnkey system that’s more efficient and secure for today’s high tech environment.
