5 Tips for Tracking Your Summer Rental Equipment Using QR Codes and an App

Every business has assets. Because their organization spends a substantial amount to acquire these assets, every manager must consider tracking their business assets a priority and not a matter of choice. Sadly, many managers think otherwise. A study suggests that around 30 percent of businesses do not know what assets they own, who is using them, and their location.

Asset tracking is necessary to get the most out of your assets. Asset tracking software not just helps track assets but also alert administrators to approaching maintenance schedules. Earlier asset tracking methods relied heavily on human intervention. Manual asset tracking is not only time and effort consuming, but also leaves room for errors.

Businesses realize this and are moving from manual asset tracking to system-based asset management. Businesses today use different technologies for asset tracking. Among these technologies, the QR code is arguably generating the most hype.

What are QR codes?

Many managers consider QR codes as an extension of barcodes. They have several advantages over barcodes and can be scanned from any direction. Additionally, QR codes can store about 100 times more data than conventional barcodes. Unlike traditional one-dimensional barcodes, QR codes are two-dimensional and can be digitally scanned.

A typical QR code consists of black square and dots that can store both normal and special characters. QR codes mimic the functioning of barcodes. When a user scans the code with their device’s (smartphone) camera, the system converts the information it stores into a format that humans can understand.

To get your unique QR code, all you need to do is visit a QR code generator website. Once you are on the website, you’d be required to provide the information that you want to be scannable, after which the website will create a fully functional QR code.

The Reed Solomon Correction method 

The Reed Solomon Correction is an algorithm that allows codes to be scanned even when they are partially covered (for example, with an image). All QR codes have this method built-in. There is, however, a limit to the part of the image that can be covered. When determining the amount of your QR code that you can cover, you need to consider a number of factors.

To avoid confusion and know how much of your QR code you are allowed to cover, visit the QR code website. On the website, you will find a table that will give you a letter corresponding to your QR code. These letters signify how much of the QR code you can cover. If, for instance, you get the letter H, you can cover around 30 percent of your code.

The table is a rough guide. Instead of depending entirely on it, keep on testing your QR code to ensure that it is compliant with image size and other guidelines.

Tips on using QR codes for tracking your summer rental equipment

1. Use dynamic QR codes

Unlike their static counterparts, dynamic QR codes are editable. Additionally, dynamic QR codes can accommodate a number of features such as password protection, device-based redirection, and scan analytics. Dynamic QR codes can help create a less dense image, making it easier for cameras to scan the code.

A major downside of using static QR codes is that you cannot edit any information contained in the code, and have to replace it with a new one. Dynamic QR codes, on the other hand, can be edited.

Every dynamic QR code has an edit URL option. All you need to do is feed your short URL in the box corresponding to the option. The feature extends the code’s life, helping you avoid the costs associated with replacing them at regular intervals.

2. Perform scan tests 

Before starting to use your QR code, test it thoroughly to ensure the scanner does not encounter any problems scanning the contents. Make sure there are no broken links and the QR code redirects to the intended page. Add the necessary protocol (HTTP or HTTPS) as many QR readers won’t recognize your QR code otherwise.

3. Check the size of your QR code 

For QR codes that encode up to 72 characters (the length of a typical URL), the minimum size required is 20X20 mm. Make sure your QR code is not smaller than this. When deciding the length of your QR code, consider the distance from which it will be scanned.

4. Place your QR code carefully 

Place your QR codes at a comfortable height such that it is easily visible and users don’t face any accessibility issues when scanning it. For assets that are placed close to the floor, the QR code must be placed as close to the top of the code as possible.

5. Optimize for smartphones 

Make sure your QR codes are mobile-optimized and lead users to pages that are displayed well on mobile devices. Your users shouldn’t encounter any problems navigating the page and should be able to get information swiftly.