August 2011: ICON System QR Code Integration

Background

Quick Response (QR) Codes are 2D matrix barcodes. They were developed in Japan in 1994 by a subsidiary of Toyota to allow the rapid tracking of parts in vehicle manufacturing.

Whilst the codes have been popular elsewhere for a number of years, they have only recently been appearing in the UK on newspapers, tickets, food packaging and on television where they are being used for such things as linking to online recipes.

As QR Codes have become more widely used, ICON has been looking at ways of utilising their potential within the ICON System.

ICON System Integration

In this initial development of the QR Code Integration, ICON has been revising the various schedules, that are generated automatically by the ICON System, so that a corresponding QR Code image is displayed alongside the other information in the schedules.

When generating equipment, finishes, lighting, door and signage schedules, the user now has the opportunity to display a corresponding QR Code image with each item of equipment (refer to the stage 1. image). If these images are scanned with compatible scanner, such as can be found on or installed onto most modern mobile phones, the corresponding specification (refer to the stage 3. image) can then be directly accessed.

Some potential uses for QR Codes

• Put a QR Code on or near the door to a room where hazardous material is stored, linking the reader to a current inventory and Product Safety Data Sheet (PSDS).

• Put a QR Code on a piece of infrequently-used equipment (a generator for example) with a link to operating instructions.

• Print a QR Code that links to a health and safety statement, put it on the door of an electrical room so that the maintenance engineer can read the current policy before entering the room.

• Use QR Codes to link to the asbestos register held in the ICON System.

• QR Codes could be used to track an item's maintenance history by linking to the ICON System.

• Use QR Codes to link to a risk assessment prior to operating or maintaining a piece of machinery.

• Put a QR Code on a light fitting and order a replacement bulb via the ICON System.

• Use a QR Code to access the manufacturer's contact details and phone them for a service call-out.

QR Codes compared to RFID

QR Codes can have several advantages over RFID (radio frequency identification) chips:

• When placed in view, they are easy to spot.

• No special equipment is required to use them - free applications for reading QR Codes are available for most smartphones.

• They can be deployed easily, quickly and cheaply - no need to buy and install a chip, just print and locate the black-and-white image.

• They are based upon an open standard so no special reader or database is required to use them.

Whilst RFID require more technological hand-holding, there are obviously circumstances where QR Codes would not be appropriate. RFID is especially useful in situations where vast quantities of goods must be moved or tracked, or where tracking of item-specific information is necessary. RFID is also able to supply much more detailed information.

What's Next?

Commenting upon the potential for this new development, ICON MD, Chris Lovelock, stated:

"We are initially approaching this from an asset management and maintenance viewpoint. We will shortly be embarking upon a further research and development project, initially assessing what our existing clients might want to use this technology for, where it will fit into the ICON System and existing client processes."

If you would like to know more about this development or get involved in scoping it's direction, please contact us.