The rise of QR codes

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From reading menus to boarding planes, the use and prevalence of QR codes are on the rise.

The QR (quick response) code was originally invented in 1994 to overcome the limited storage capacities of the barcode and was initially used to track parts in vehicle manufacturing.

With the evolution of QR reading technology such as smartphones and cameras, QR codes have been growing steadily. Still, it wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 that their use skyrocketed.

These days, QR codes are everywhere, heavily used in advertising, marketing, manufacturing, warehouse stock control, ticketing, product labeling and more, and have more recently been used to store bank account or credit card information to enable QR code payment.

They are also being used to detect counterfeit products and in product traceability.

The QR code is a type of 2-D matrix barcode made up of symbols that consist of an array of nominally square modules arranged in an overall square pattern.

QR code is the recommended model for new, open-system applications. The international standard that defines it, ISO/IEC 18004, is thus globally recognized as the standard that describes QR codes.

It has just been updated to keep up-to-date and aligned with technological trends. 

All IEC standards can be found in our e-shop.