In today’s episode of IT in Plain English, Tammy Ven Dange answers, “What is a QR code, and how are they used in Not for Profits?“
By now, I’m sure you’re familiar with the little black-and-white squares you can scan with your phone to go to a website.
While many governments used it to track movement during Covid. Restaurants also embraced them to provide virtual menus.
But… did you know that QR codes or Quick Response codes were originally created in 1994 by a Japanese car manufacturer? They became more popular than standard barcode systems because they can hold more information.
Now, there are two types of QR codes available: static and dynamic.
- Static ones always link to a single website address.
- Dynamic ones can change.
A lot of Not for Profits use QR codes to allow attendees to check into events that will link to their CRMs.
I’ve also seen them used to provide quick information about a rescue pet available for adoption.
However, if your organisation is using them, ensure you’re implementing cybersecurity measures such as “encrypting the data” in the codes and regularly monitoring any suspicious activity related to their links.
Because as with anything digital, even QR codes can be compromised by bad people.
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Tammy Ven Dange is a former charity CEO, Not for Profit Board Member and IT Executive. Today she helps NFPs with strategic IT and data decisions.