Internet update

Citation

Almond, N. (2012), "Internet update", Property Management, Vol. 30 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/pm.2012.11330baa.002

Internet update

Article Type: Internet update From: Property Management, Volume 30, Issue 2

In recent months many of you will have come across a matrix of black modules arranged in a square pattern on a white background. An example of this can be seen in Figure 1. These could be mistaken for a modern day barcode. In fact you would not be too far wrong. This matrix of squares is known as quick response code or QR code for short. Their appearance has become more commonplace since the growth in mobile technology. They are often seen in adverts. More recently I have seen their use being adopted by estate agents. But what exactly are these codes and what use are they to property professionals?

Figure 1 Example of QR code

Looking at the Wikipedia site (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QR_code) provides some historical context and details on QR codes. They were originally developed by a subsidiary of Toyota as a means of tracking vehicles during the manufacturing process. It has now become one of the most popular types of two-dimensional barcodes. With barcodes specially designed scanners can read data and match the code to product names, prices etc. They must also be read at a specific angle – anyone who has used self-service machines in supermarkets will testify to this. With a QR code data is encoded both horizontally and vertically in a grid of tiny squares. This allows for much more data to be encoded in a smaller space. Therefore when read with the appropriate software, it can trigger a variety of actions such as launching a website or downloading a file. Additionally, QR codes can be read from any angle.

Today these codes have really taken off following the development of smartphones. A number of apps, both free or paid for are available for a variety of different phones. I downloaded a free QR reader for my iPhone. There are a number to choose from. Some are free, others charge a small fee. Through launching the application, the camera on my phone is effectively turned into a handheld scanner. Pointing the camera over the code triggers a range of applications once the matrix is correctly scanned.

There are a variety of uses of codes in use today. For example at my local railway station I can scan a matrix on a bulletin board which then automatically launches a timetable from the web. There are different codes for the timetables available. On the train I can see some adverts. Scanning the code takes me directly to a website with more details on that particular item. Some museums and places of interest are also starting to use them. As you go around, you can scan the tags and pull up more information about a certain exhibit.

In the world of property there are a growing number of uses. One logical use is in the world of agency. A local estate agent to me has already started to use QR codes in its advertising (see www.ashtons.co.uk). Scanning the code in the shop window, or on their adverts in the free paper, enables a user to be taken automatically to the particulars for that property on their website. It will not be too long before commercial agents do the same for their sale particulars. It could even take a user to a specific website for a particular building or scheme.

I can easily see research reports produced by a variety of companies encompassing QR codes to enable readers to access further research, or obtain more details on a report. Similarly it might be possible for journals to embed codes. This could be to gain access to similar articles, or more details on a particular subject. In promotional material users might be able to access abstracts of articles, or even be pushed to a site where they could access articles for free or on a pay-to-view basis.

You can also get QR code generators. Simply type QR generator in a search engine and you will get numerous links. There are some free code writers out there, for example I came across this site from a simple search (http://qrcode.kaywa.com). On the site you can generate the code for a URL, some text, a phone number or SMS. A URL is most logical as this pushes a user to a particular site. You can also buy software to use as well. If you are planning to prepare numerous codes then it is probable best to acquire a generator. There are some that you can buy on the Apple store. I have not tried any of these specifically, so cannot recommend specific products or sites.

There are possible security risks with QR codes. If you scan an inappropriate code its possible that you could reveal person details on your phone to someone. As with most things being careful and selective in what you scan should prevent such breaches.

Some people are questioning how long QR codes will last. The development in near field communication tags (NFCs), which could become embedded in smartphones, may make QR codes obsolete. NFCs are effectively short rage wireless connections which offer greater security to QR codes and are likely to start become more commonplace this year. In this way the phone could automatically detect information from local wireless devices. Only time will tell. For the time being we are seeing greater adoption of these codes, and it is likely the two will work side by side. I certainly see the advantage of QR codes in marketing materials, enabling users to gain access to further information.

Acknowledgements

The views expressed are those of the author and not those of DTZ.

Nigel AlmondAssociate Director, DTZ. E-mail: nigel.almond@dtz.com