QR Codes are Evolving to Benefit Fleet Managers

How QR Codes and Mobile are Strengthening Fleet Management

With the advancement of technology and through the application in advertising and marketing, the QR code has become a widely recognized symbol. In the consumer branding world, we have seen its application on everything from toothpaste to movie tickets, sweaters to signage. Visible predominantly in the retail space, these small, square matrix barcodes were most frequently used as a way to drive consumers to websites in hopes of a purchasing conversion. Today, QR codes are used in both commercial tracking applications and retail applications aimed at mobile-phone users. With an abundance of code generators for access in business and personal applications, QR codes can be used to add contacts to user devices, to display text or even to compose text messages. However, what might surprise users today is that these codes were initially developed in the automotive industry for use in tracking and security. To that end, it is no wonder they have become essential in the trucking industry and to fleet managers as a way to track everything from vehicle locations to loads and deliveries.

How it All Began

The QR code was invented by a Japanese technology company called Denso Wave, and introduced in 1994 as a way to track vehicles during manufacturing. The machine-readable optical label contained customizable information about the product it labeled. The quick response code (QR code) could hold more data than its traditional counterpart the UPC bar code, and because of that capacity to store large amounts of data as well as the speed in which it could be read, the QR code quickly became standard in the marketing and advertising arena. However, the application’s ability to perform product tracking, item identification, time tracking, and document management led to remarkable efficiencies in other arenas, particularly in the trucking, transportation and logistics arena. As a result, fleet managers are looking to fleet mobile capabilities to extend the value of the QR code even further.

Two Key Areas for QR application in Trucking and Logistics

1. Inventory Management

Traditional inventory management was time-consuming and very challenging. Those in charge of inventory had to be physically present in order to confirm check-ins and outs. With the introduction of QR codes, the stickers can simply be placed on trucks and equipment for easier communication between operators and inventory and fleet managers at their convenience.

Through an application, fleet managers can keep track of their cargo and equipment in real time. It has ensured that shippers can tell the exact location of check in or check out of pieces, who logged in the shipment, and timestamp the QR codes.

2. Cargo Tracking

QR codes have also enabled shippers and their customers to prevent numerous cases of cargo damage and loss. In the past, operations experts had to make several calls to their workers and clients in order to be sure that cargo was safely dispatched and delivered within the expected deadlines. QR codes have helped solve this challenge since they can be placed on packages to provide information at every stage of the shipping process.

While the application in inventory management and cargo tracking might be key, there is still a huge opportunity and potential that the industry is just beginning to explore. Mobile-tagging and geo-tagging will present security advantages to both the fleet managers and the drivers. GPS will allow for fleet managers to accurately track when and where packages are handed off but also to identify the location of the driver in the event of an emergency.

Mobile applications for QR codes are becoming more popular and, in a word, the reason is “payment”. Qualified QR codes can be accessed through banking apps allowing for banking payment options, transfer options and even testing options. QR code payments can be as fast or even faster sometimes than a traditional payment app, which is why a lot of payment software applications are employing their use. With businesses across the globe managing workflow and operations very literally on the road, companies like EFS are beginning to rely on the efficiencies that fleet mobile apps can offer and are developing even more capabilities for use in the trucking industry. Fleet mobile is a powerful tool that can be accessed anywhere and anytime. EFS mobile apps can deliver on-the-go convenience with the ability to manage cards and funds remotely from any iPhone, iPad or Android device or smartphone. EFS even offers an easier way to “weigh and pay.” The Weigh My Truck mobile app from CAT Scale makes it possible for drivers to both weigh and pay conveniently with their EFS Card using the CAT Scale Weigh My Truck mobile app without ever having to leave their truck. The convenience and accuracy this mobile app offers the driver and the fleet manager is exceptional.

Having control of the money is critical for fleet managers, and the ability to access funds is paramount for any driver. EFS CardControl for EFS SmartFunds® 2.0 is the innovative source that allows drivers convenient access to their EFS card functions through fleet mobile applications while on the go. This app allows drivers to manage their cards anytime and anywhere from their mobile device, which means fleet managers can look forward to organized, efficient card usage.

With EFS CardControl, drivers get the following benefits:

• Get real-time card balances and recent transaction details
• Register Checks
• Manage EFS SmartFunds
• Transfer funds to external bank accounts
• Find fuel prices and locations based on a specific location
• Find fuel prices and locations by route

It is safe to say that the future is in our hands by way of our mobile devices. QR codes have come a long way since 1994, and with mobile applications changing the way we are doing business, the potential could be endless.

Resources:

https://www.mobilepaymentstoday.com/articles/how-qr-codes-are-changing-e-commerce/?utm_source=MPT&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Top+10&utm_content=2018-03-06

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QR_code

https://www.airspacetechnologies.com/blog/how-qr-codes-changed-shipping