QR codes have become increasingly popular in recent years and are now widely used in a variety of industries. In this blog, we will explore the benefits of using QR codes for inspections.
Imagine arriving on site with paperwork to perform equipment maintenance, only to have an oil canister spill all over the work orders and new parts, causing hours of delays and thousands of pounds in lost production. This true story highlights the vulnerability of inspection certificates and associated documents, and the need for a simple technology solution – QR codes. By streamlining workflows and accessing information quickly, QR codes can save time and improve efficiency for inspection engineers.
What is a QR code?
QR codes, or Quick Response codes, are two-dimensional barcodes that can be scanned by a smartphone or tablet using a QR code reader.
Much like traditional barcodes, QR codes store data by using a series of patterns of black dots and white space. The patterns are scanned with the help of a camera or scanner and translated into readable text such as work orders, manuals, or images. They can be used on almost anything. For example, you can stick or tether QR codes to an asset, the shelves in a storeroom or even a work van.
QR codes allow easy access to information and provide real-time updates to that data. Most integrate seamlessly with iOS and Android mobile devices, making it an easy solution when trying to access information.
The benefits of using QR codes in inspections
Quick access to asset data and reporting history
When an asset needs inspecting, an engineer or technician is able to quickly scan the relevant QR code for that piece of equipment and can instantly retrieve any item details and associated report history.
With the QR code, technicians can access everything from asset movements, standards, manuals and on more sophisticated systems, real-time updates on the assets condition.
More accurate data collection
Using QR codes to collect and share asset information eliminates the need to track information in a spreadsheet or a paper document that might have been shoved in a filing cabinet.
Data can be updated in real-time instead of logging data at the end of an inspection, meaning the data you receive from the QR code is always the most accurate.
Enhanced safety
Having QR codes attached to equipment or assets allows you to see inspection history, specifically any observations previously noted for that asset so engineers know exactly what to look out for when inspecting it. For example, inspectors will know when the observation was previously made and when this is likely to become a danger to others, therefore reducing risk and avoiding a potentially fatal outcome.
Cost savings
By reducing the time and effort required for inspections, QR codes can help businesses to save money. By improving accuracy and safety, QR codes can also help prevent costly accidents and downtime.
Ways to use QR codes in your inspection strategy
QR codes can be used daily to make day-to-day tasks, such as pre use checks, inventory management, and asset tracking, easier. Here are a few examples of how your team can use this technology when on site.
Use a digital inspection and compliance management system
By using a digital inspection and compliance management system such as Kinetic, an Inspector can fill out details of each item of equipment, including inspection history, accompanying reports such as a declaration of conformity, instruction manuals, and any other associated files or documentation. Placing a QR code on each item of equipment, Inspectors can scan the code to pull up the item details, view past inspections, and even access the equipment’s instruction manual. With this technology, they are able to quickly inspect the equipment without spending valuable time looking for important information.
Use QR codes as a tool to plan a more accessible preventative compliance strategy
By placing them on equipment, QR codes provide information on inspections frequency, item status, and follow-up actions with a simple scan. Having engineers update the result of an inspection using the QR code makes tracking usage patterns easier. Pair this technology with the likes of Kinetic, and you have an all-in-one system to plan your facility’s preventative inspection and compliance strategy.
Empower your customers
Why not extend the use of QR codes to your customer base? Using the same QR codes used by your engineers to locate and inspect items of equipment, your customers too can benefit from quick and easy access to information that can influence better-informed decision making and streamline auditing.
Overall, QR codes offer a variety of benefits for inspections, including increased efficiency, improved accuracy, enhanced safety, greater transparency, and cost savings. As such, they are becoming an increasingly popular tool for organisations looking to streamline their inspection processes and improve their operations.
QR codes are convenient, inexpensive and easy to implement solutions to common compliance problems. Pairing their use with dedicated inspection software such as Kinetic will have lasting benefits and improve the efficiency of your operation.
Our dedicated inspection software, Kinetic, supports the use of QR code scanning and can help businesses to save thousands, or even millions each year depending on business size. Speak to us today to arrange a demo and free trial of Kinetic.
