Category Archives: Barcode Equipment

There are perhaps no innovations as ubiquitous as the barcode. From supermarket checkout counters to the warehouses where all types of businesses store and move the products we buy, barcodes are intricately involved in nearly everything we do. Beyond its usefulness and versatility, what makes the barcode a particularly interesting innovation is that most people don’t think of it as an innovation at all. If asked to list the most important innovations to their daily lives, few people would have the black and white barcode bubble up in their mind. Their attention would probably turn toward computers, cell phones and other pieces of technology apparent throughout their house; they wouldn’t think to look at the barcodes on these items or the barcodes on the boxes and containers of food their pantry. Barcodes are in this sense an innovation that has made and continues to make other innovations possible. With the rise of data analysis tools, the use of barcodes is also increasing. New industries like healthcare are seeing businesses and organizations buy and rent barcode equipment in order to collect data and reap the insights that are now available. With the use of barcodes going up, it only makes sense that everyone’s knowledge about barcodes should increase as well. Here is a basic breakdown of exactly what a barcode is and how it works.

 

The Bars

 

Understanding barcodes begins with considering how they got their name in the first place. To some degree, barcodes are literally codes made up of bars. Anyone who has ever glanced at a barcode knows that the bars are black and white, but only a closer look reveals that the black and white bars are actually each of different lengths and widths. Even if you have looked close enough to see the difference in the lengths and widths of the black and white bars, you still might not understand exactly how it works. What happens is that the barcode reader “reads” the lengths, widths and spaces between the barcodes in order to identify the unique “bar code.” A computer either internal or external to the barcode reader translates the unique bar code pattern into numbers. There is a certain pattern that equals “0,” a certain pattern that equals “1,” etc. Most barcodes are known as linear codes, which mean they’re meant to be read from left to right in a straight line, just as you would read the words on a page.

 

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The Numbers

 

We just learned that the pattern of the bars on a barcode is translated into numbers by a barcode reader. Don’t confuse this with the actual numbers that are usually included below the bars. This number is usually the UPC (Universal Product Code) of a product. There is a single number at the beginning, usually 0, that indicates what type of numbering system the code is using. After that comes a series of numbers known as the manufacturing code, which indicates what company or company division made the product. Thus, two products from the same company will often have identical manufacturing codes, at least for the first few numbers. Then comes the item reference numbers, which is the code that identifies the specific product. That’s right; each specific product has its own number. So, just by looking at the numbers below the barcode, we can tell what country’s number system it uses, who manufactured it and exactly what product it is.

 

The System

 

Just whose job is it to keep track of all the codes? Believe it or not, there is an organization that does this. There is an international barcode standards organization called GS1 that coordinates all the UPC codes across the globe. Some countries have developed their own system, but for the most part this international group tracks every single product bought and sold at every mall and market from Minneapolis to Mozambique. Barcodes are truly a universal language.

 

 

 

A chain is only as strong as its weakest link, as the saying goes, and it turns out it is a saying that is just as applicable to supply chains. When most outside observers think about the links in a supply chain, they think in terms of broad categories like production, shipping and inventory. Of course, a glaring problem with any major aspect of a supply chain, such as those previously mentioned, is going to dramatically diminish the functioning of the overall process. What those who follow supply chains more closely understand, however, is that each broader category contains within it a series a series of sub-categories and sub-processes that are also crucial for the overall success of the entire supply chain.

 

Considering each aspect of a supply chain at such a micro level is important for several reasons. A breakdown in a major area such as shipping is obviously problematic, but it is usually such a glaring issue that it will receive the immediate attention it needs in order to get things back on track. By contrast, a problem with a small aspect of shipping, such as inefficient communication between a supply chain manager and a temporary trucking company manager, may be a subtle inefficiency that goes unnoticed for months or years at a time. Over the course of such an extended lifespan, a slight problem can build up even more long-term consequences than an obvious disaster. With that importance of attending to details in mind, here is a look at a few factors to remember that can affect the overall quality of an inventory system and thus the overall quality of a supply chain.

 

Staying Organized

 

For a type A, hyper-organized personality, there are few things more satisfying than setting up or analyzing a warehouse categorization system. Warehouses often hold tens of thousands of parts, a scale that requires a thorough, effective system of organization in order to locate what’s needed when it’s needed. As an example, many warehouses employ a categorization system referred to as ‘ABC classification,’ wherein the pieces of the inventory are given an A, B, or C label based on factors like the item’s value and the level of documentation that it requires; items given an A designation may be the most valuable and have the most documentation required in the event they need to be moved. There is more than one way to implement an inventory categorization system, and some are more conducive to different inventory sizes. Whatever system is used, it should be simple and easy to understand—and not just for one expert warehouse manager. To promote growth and efficiency, new people should be able to quickly learn the classification system.

 

Tools Of The Trade

 

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Though warehouses don’t seem like a hub of modern technology, using the latest technology is a surprisingly vital part of modern inventory control. Inventory tracking hardware and software, which collects usable data by scanning inventory barcodes, is one example. Many businesses with smaller inventories choose to rent inventory scanners for this purpose. Integrating mobile technology through a warehouse management system and upgrading conveyor belt-based shipping systems are other ways a warehouse can improve its inventory control processes.

 

Relationships

 

While tech is important, old-fashioned personal relationships are also a vital part of warehouse and inventory management. Maintaining strong working relationships with each shipping supplier can help maintain success and efficiency. Often, a warehouse management system can be programmed to track supplier performance (by a number of different metrics such as communication and scheduling). This allows warehouses to assess the performance of each supplier and potentially provide incentives and consequences based on performance. In this way, new technology and old-school business practices need to stay competitive in today’s inventory game.

Most business sales and marketing, these days, takes place without any face-to-face interaction. One of the last stands of in-person business networking is the trade show. Of course, like everything else, even the face-to-face, in-person sales and marketing aspects of a trade show have been automated in recent years. The trade show transition online, however, is perhaps a little more subtle than in other areas of business. In fact, a lot of trade show modernization is found in an unlikely little place: the trade show badge. Trade show badges were once an afterthought of the trade show experience, a way to introduce oneself before getting on with the real business. Now, the trade show badge is a more integral part of the experience. This is because trade show badges can now be barcoded with vital data and information; they can then be scanned using a tradeshow badge scanner and have this vital data and information stored for later use and follow up. The value of data makes this data collection and follow-up process a more crucial aspect of a successful trade show than it has been in the past. So, exactly what are the key elements of a trade show badge that makes it such a great tool for businesses? Here is a look at the essentials.

 

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Contact Information

 

Contact information relayed by trade show badges isn’t just limited to name and company. They also frequently display the wearer’s status at the event, whether they are an exhibitor, attendee, buyer, member of the press, speaker, student or have some other designation that can be useful for sales, marketing and/or networking purposes. Not only does this allow businesses to be more selective in speaking with their target audience on the day of the trade show, it also allows the follow-up process to be more efficient and effective as follow-up communication can be customized and tailored based on different groups of people engaged with at the show. Of course, the individual’s name and company are also displayed on the badge.  Attendance tracking, which is keeping track of names, titles, locations and company affiliation, also streamlines the follow-up process and helps businesses remember each interaction they had at the trade show and maximize its potential.

 

Barcode

 

What makes storing all of this information possible is the barcode on the badge. This may be a standard barcode but may also be a QR code. It is usually located in the center of a trade show badge. These barcoded badges are only possible at a well-organized event that pre-registers attendees, solicits their contact information and assigns it to a specific barcode. Often times, trade shows are businesses in and of themselves, so it behooves them to be as organized as possible to be more conducive to conducting business both at the show and in the future.

 

Equipment

 

The missing link between the barcoded badge at the event itself and the valuable data it stores that can be accessed and used later is the tradeshow badge scanner. A highly-organized event with lots of motivated buyers isn’t as useful as it could be if the vendor doesn’t have a scanner to collect the information on the barcoded badges. After it’s collected, trade show vendors also need the right software to store and transfer the information. Scanning a badge might seem like a silly process at first, but any vendor who has experienced a successful trade show follow-up campaign understands that the scans bring serious value.

 

There’s no denying that smartphones have changed the way we communicate. On a personal level, it’s never been easier to quickly get in touch with people and to quickly execute a range of everyday functions—from banking to getting driving directions—all from phones that are getting smaller and more capable seemingly by the day. Of course, the increasing functionality, portability and efficiency of smartphones also means they’re changing the way many businesses function. Many of the smartphone facets that have changed our personal lives have the capacity, if scaled and adapted properly, to similarly change the way we do business.

 

In some ways, smartphones offer functions specifically relevant to the business world. One such function is their increasing ability to work with barcode technology. Smartphone apps are being developed that function as mobile barcode scanners, with the capacity to scan barcodes in order to store and transfer their data. When most people think of barcode technology and barcode scanners, they might think of supermarkets or the retail industry more broadly. While barcode technology has certainly been a growing part of the retail industry, it has also been a significant part of increasing efficiency within the manufacturing sector. As smartphones are increasingly able to scan the barcodes used by warehouses, how are business leaders within the manufacturing sector best able to gauge whether smartphones might be a good option for their situation? Here is a look at some factors to consider.

 

Range

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In a warehouse setting, it is vitally important that a barcode scanner have the necessary scanning range. Many barcode scanner and inventory scanner rental options come equipped with an impressive range that warehouses are comfortable with. To this point, the consensus seems to be that the range of most smartphone barcode scanning apps is not yet up to part with the hardware that is designed specifically for the purpose of scanning inventory. Before eschewing regular barcode scanners completely in favor of smartphone scanners, make sure the smartphone scanning range is going to work for your warehouse.

 

Speed

 

Warehouse scanners also need to be able to scan quickly. Not only do they need to scan quickly, they need to be able to scan barcodes that are potentially difficult to read due to being smudged or dirty. Anyone familiar with warehouses understands that the environment isn’t the same as a clean, quiet office. To realize the economic and efficiency benefits that come with a barcoded inventory system, it is important that a scanner be able to move quickly through the inventory. Smartphone scanners are making progress as far as speed goes, but it may still limit your ability to use them for a warehouse, especially for relatively large inventories.

 

Cost

 

While the range and speed may limit your ability to use a smartphone scanner in the warehouse, the cost may be one variable in the smartphones’ favor. Considering the cost of a phone or tablet, a protective carrying case and the scanning app itself, there may be some cost savings when compared with a traditional barcode scanner. Renting barcode equipment may be the answer, getting all the power and efficiency of actual barcode scanners & varying equipment, at costs significantly lower than purchasing. Though it depends significantly on the nature and quantity of your inventory, a smartphone scanner may be something to consider even if it’s only as a supplementary tool.

A recent report, “Barcode Scanner Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment, 2017-2027,” released by Future Market Insights (FMI), takes a look at recent, current and projected trends in the barcode scanner market. The major takeaway form the report is that the use of barcode technology is increasing at a significant rate. The use of the technology is rising in a variety of industries, with notable growth occurring within the retail and manufacturing industries. To most observers of the barcode technology industry, the report comes as no surprise. Over the past decade, more businesses than ever before are purchasing barcode scanners, while others are renting barcode scanners for seasonal, temporary or trial purposes. Not only does the FMI report observe a general upward trend going forward, it also comments on the specific reasons for the more widespread adoption of barcode technology. Here is a look at some reasons why businesses are incorporating more barcode technology into their operations and why they are projected to continue doing so in the future.

 

Fewer Errors

 

Tracking data using barcodes and barcode scanners has proven to result in fewer errors than when using manual data entry systems like spreadsheets. Current barcode software makes it easy to transfer the scanned data into spreadsheets so that companies can still perform all the data-oriented tasks they’re used to, only with the added benefit of more accurate numbers. As mentioned above, the greater accuracy is helping to improve the efficiency and bottom lines of many companies in the retail and manufacturing sectors. The report points out, though, that the sector benefitting the most from this accuracy going forward is the healthcare industry. Professionals in the healthcare industry—from pharmacists to physicians to those in administrative roles—are using barcode scanners to cut down on medication errors and greater analyze data related to things like the manufacturing dates of medication.

 

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Less Manual Labor

 

Because of the improved accuracy involved in collecting data with barcode scanners, there is a concurrent reduction in the costs associated with the manual labor of data entry. This doesn’t necessarily mean jobs will be eliminated; often, the quick, accurate data provided by barcode scanners simply frees up workers to focus on other tasks and thereby improves the overall efficiency and bottom line of a company.

 

Data Analytics

 

Another reason for the increasing use of barcode scanners is the increasing effectiveness of data analytics. Data is only as valuable as the tools used to work with the data. Thanks to data analysts and data analysis software can do more with data than ever before, from incorporating it into their marketing strategy to increasing the efficiency of their supply chain. As a result, data is more valuable than ever. As a company is able to access it more quickly, it becomes more valuable; as a company is able to better ensure its accuracy, it also becomes more valuable.

 

Going Forward

 

One interesting prediction noted by the report is a shift toward camera-based barcode readers. Currently, most scanners use laser technology to read barcodes, but this may change going forward. While laser scanners are expected to maintain the largest share of the market, camera-based readers will become more popular. As with other forms tech hardware like computers and cell phones, there will also be a continued trend toward smaller sizes. Hand-held scanners are also expected to rise in effectiveness and popularity going forward.

More industries than ever before are learning about and reaping the benefits of barcode technology. As the science of data analysis evolves, so does the value of fast, accurate data collection. Though barcode technology has been around and has been used successfully in certain industries for decades, the revolution in the way we think about and use data has afforded new respect to barcode technology. Professionals in industries from manufacturing to healthcare now see barcode technology as the conduit between their professions and the data necessary to improve the efficiency and success of their missions.

 

As anyone who has scanned a QR code understands, smartphones and tablets are beginning to offer apps that scan barcodes; the advantages that come with scanning barcodes from a smartphone or tablet are considerable because it allows the data to be quickly stored, transferred and acted upon. While these apps will continue to develop, barcode scanners are still the most effective hardware for mining the valuable data stored in those black-and-white barcodes. For companies who understand how to use data to improve their operations, barcode scanners are one of their most valuable tools. As more people use barcodes, more people are learning about barcode scanners. They’re learning about what can go right with the devices as well as about what can go wrong. Here is a look at some of the benefits and drawbacks of barcode scanners, regardless of the industry in which they’re used.

 

Pros

 

The main benefit of barcode scanners is going to be different from person to person and from business to business. Each of the main benefits of barcode scanners, though, work together synergistically to improve the efficiency of business operations. The main general benefits are error reduction, inventory control and times savings. Barcode scanners have been proven to reduce the human error that is inherent in any data collection process. Inventory control is another benefit, as barcode scanners help provide real-time information about the current status of a company’s overall inventory or the specific inventory of certain items at certain stages of a business process. Not only are barcode scanners more accurate than manual entry, they are a quicker alternative as well—limiting the amount of time a business must devote to this process and freeing up time for other areas.

 

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Cons

 

Obviously, barcode scanners cost money. For small businesses especially, a barcode scanner and the accompanying software that may be necessary for success can represent a significant investment. This is why a careful cost-benefit analysis must be conducted that considers the above benefits of barcode scanners and the value that those benefits will bring to a particular business. To mitigate the cost factor, many companies and organizations see leasing barcode scanners as an option either on a trial or temporary basis in order to get a better sense of their potential benefits. Like any piece of equipment, a barcode scanner may be subject to breakdowns and repair costs, and this should be factored into any potential cost-benefit analysis.

A greater proportion of business growth and sales than ever before happens online. Though these online sales usually happen without any face-to-face interaction between a customer and a representative of the business, the need to make connections with customers hasn’t diminished. Like sales, more business marketing than ever takes place online as companies invest significant amounts of money into learning how to create customer loyalty and develop a brand exclusively online. The primary factor in this shift toward online sales and customer acquisition is cost. Businesses are able to significantly cut down on their operating costs by operating partially, primarily or exclusively online; just think about the cost savings associated with not having to operate from a brick-and-mortar location. While this isn’t ideal for all businesses, many businesses that thrive online would find it difficult to exist without the internet.

 

One exception to the exodus away from in-person business toward online business has been trade shows. Trade shows have managed to maintain relevance and even grow in importance as the business landscape changes. The reason for this is that they offer businesses access to a large pool of customers who have already demonstrated interest in their product or service just by attending the trade show. The continued existence and relevance of trade shows is interesting because success at a trade show demands the traditional, in-person sales and marketing skills that are otherwise diminishing. As a result, businesses often need to shift their mindset prior to a trade show. As a way to begin doing just that, here is a closer look at some reasons why trade shows still matter.

 

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Sales

 

One of the most difficult parts of selling business to business, either in person or over the phone, is simply making contact with a person who has purchasing authority. Prior to the internet, most of a salesperson’s time was spent trying to get in touch with the right people. Trade shows have remained relevant partly because they reduce a business’s dependence on jumping through these hoops. Recent statistics show that over 80% of trade show attendees have buying authority. To a salesperson whom is used to spending only 10% of their time communicating with someone with purchasing authority, a trade show is obviously an incredible opportunity.

 

Marketing

 

Greater percentages of marketing budgets, more than ever before, are allocated to online marketing strategies. At a trade show, businesses often have to shift gears and focus on in-person marketing strategies. Making an effective, memorable presentation is one skill that trade show attendees should hone prior to attending. Listening and follow-up skills are also important, as are choosing strategic giveaways or “party favors” that help leave an impression on those who check out a particular product at a trade show. All of these skills help to build a business’s brand with customers and within a particular industry.

 

Networking

 

Traditional networking skills are also important at a trade show. In fact, more sales happen after a trade show, as a result of interactions at the show, than they do at the trade show itself. There is modern hardware and software available now, though, that can help with this face-to-face networking. Tradeshow scanner rentals allow a business to scan the barcoded badges that attendees at trade shows often have. This scanning records and stores their information and makes the process of following up, building a relationship and making a sale a much easier process going forward.

Whereas only recently RFID technology was considered a high-tech novelty, something that was more suitable for a futuristic science fiction movie than it was for a small or mid-sized business, more and more companies of all sizes are incorporating RFID technology into their businesses operations. Despite how common the technology has become, many business owners are still reluctant to use RFID. For some, this may be because being slow adopters of new fads and trends is part of the reason they’ve been so successful in business in the first place. For these people and others, the potential applications of RFID may not have been simply and clearly articulated to them. Generally, business owners with a track record of success possess the foresight and creativity to see how a technology can be applied to bring a benefit to their business. While RFID can certainly be understood at a highly complex, technical level, a broad overview of how others are using the technology can be a helpful starting point in understanding it. Here is a look at some uses businesses are finding for RFID technology.

 

Asset-Tracking

 

Nearly all businesses that sell a product—and many that provide services involving equipment—have an interest in keeping track of the physical objects that make their business go. From products and equipment to assets, people, documents and anything else vitally important to a business, leaders need to effectively manage and monitor these items. RFID tags associated with individual company assets can provide an efficient, automatic way of asset tracking. Having a running, accurate assessment of assets is about more than just keeping track; it provides businesses with the flexibility to make quick, smart decisions going forward.

 

Traceability

 

RFID also allows businesses to more easily trace an item as it goes through the supply chain or goes through any sort of internal business process. By tracking a product’s movement through the supply chain, businesses are able to better maintain quality control throughout each individual stage of the process and more easily identify strengths and weaknesses.

 

Inventory Visibility

 

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In the current hyper-competitive retail environment, it is more important than ever before for retailers to maintain inventory visibility at several different levels. RFID tags allow retailers to access up-to-date information about how much of an item is in stock, where it is displayed and how it is priced. The more accurate these totals are, the easier it is for retailers to analyze, compare and adjust these factors as necessary to improve sales. Many of the companies using RFID labels for inventory purposes also utilize barcode inventory rentals that allow them to rent the software and hardware necessary for optimum functioning of their inventory system.

 

Manufacturing

 

As the aforementioned section on traceability indicates, it is important to monitor each stage of a business process. This is perhaps most obviously seen in the manufacturing process. By assigning RFID tags and labels to parts, manufacturing plants—including automobile manufacturing plants—are better able to assess the strengths and weaknesses of their operations.  Implementing barcode software solutions that are customized to a specific business can do all this and more, even perform attendance tracking, inspections, and label printing.

 

Barcode software and hardware are well understood to have dramatically impacted the inventory management processes of businesses in recent years. The effects of barcode technology have extended into many different industries. In years past, barcodes have been considered to be something limited to grocery store checkout counters or businesses with inventories large enough to fill warehouses that necessitated an automated tracking system.

 

In recent years though, more and more companies in niche markets are investigating barcode equipment rentals to implement the technology into their business on a trial basis. Not only have barcodes developed to make this possible, but cloud-based data tracking software has evolved to a point where its capability and price point makes sense even for small businesses and industries that would not have traditionally considered barcode technology.

 

Bardoced Healthcare

 

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One of the industries that is finding greater use for the barcode is the healthcare industry. The effects of barcode technology in the healthcare industry are interesting because they have such a tremendous impact on peoples’ everyday lives. While awareness of the benefits of barcodes in some other sectors are limited to industry experts and business analysts, the barcoding of the healthcare industry is of interest to anyone who cares about the effectiveness of the modern medical system. Here is a look at how barcodes are being used in the healthcare industry.

 

Error Reduction

 

Research studies and statistical analyses have shown that barcoded inventory tracking systems produce fewer errors than manual-based data and inventory tracking systems. The benefits of this error reduction are obvious for businesses whose primary goal is to increase efficiency and thus promote business growth. In the healthcare industry, however, error reduction means a better quality of care for patients and can have a positive impact on the recovery of a particular patient. Increasingly, healthcare facilities are barcoding the medications they provide patients with the goal of reducing errors. There are several international standards that medical and pharmaceutical barcodes must be in accordance with, and many individual nations have developed their own standards to promote the safety and efficiency of medical systems.

 

Consistency

 

In addition to the potentially lifesaving efficiency and error-reduction offered by barcodes in the medical industry, the consistency they bring is also a benefit. The consistency is due to the fact that the same data on the production and shipment of medicine and medical supplies can now be accessed from many different locations. The healthcare industry is not a monolith; there are many different types of organizations involved in the care and treatment of patients. Because of barcodes, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, non-profit organizations and other treatment centers all have access to the same data about the use and effectiveness of their different resources. As a result, these organizations can better collaborate and innovate to determine the most effective allocation and resources and treatment procedures.

 

 

Going Forward

 

The integration of barcodes within the healthcare industry only appears to be increasing. State-of-the-art intensive care units are even being designed and equipped to use barcodes and barcode scanners to keep track of equipment and activity in their vitally important workspace. Special dietary requirements that are common in medical settings are also more easily adhered to thanks to barcoded systems. The effects of the barcode and barcode equipment on the healthcare industry are sure to be noticed by more and more people going forward.

 

 

Barcodes are an increasingly common part of everyday life. The first encounter that most people had with barcodes was at supermarket checkout counters in the middle of 20th century. Few people at that time could have imagined the scale on which barcodes are utilized in inventory management, advertising and all forms of data tracking processes today. More businesses than ever before are taking advantage of barcode scanner rental offers to see how barcodes might improve the efficiency of their operations. In just the few decades since their inception, they have adapted to a wide variety of uses in many different industries. People are finding novel uses for the barcode seemingly every day.

 

Perhaps the most interesting example involving new uses for barcodes recently took place in China: a beggar used a barcode to make it easier and more convenient for people to donate money to his cause. While there is no guarantee that all panhandlers of the future will be equipped with similar barcodes, the recent story from China is certainly an interesting case study in just how seamlessly barcodes can fit into modern life. Here are some of the details of the recent story.

 

Viral Images

 

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It all started in eastern China when a beggar was photographed with a QR code—which is a two-dimensional barcode—around his neck. As readers can imagine, the photograph was unique and told quite an interesting story. Whoever took the picture of the beggar with the barcode around his neck thought the photograph was so compelling that they uploaded the photograph to their social media account. Once the photograph was on social media, it went viral; people around the world were fascinated by the image and began sharing it rapidly with friends, family and everyone in their social media networks. Of course, beggars are a sadly routine part of everyday life in major cities all over the world, but the image of a beggar juxtaposed with such a striking symbol of modern technology evidently caught the imagination of many social media users.

 

The Bigger Picture

 

It wasn’t just the image that was interesting but also what the image represented. All over the world, fewer and fewer people are using cash in their everyday lives, favoring electronic payments like credit cards instead. The move away from physical cash toward electronic payments is even more pronounced in China. Thus, China made for an appropriate place for the photograph to take place. The beggar’s QR code allowed for people to donate money by scanning the barcode with their phone and selecting an amount to donate that would be deducted from their personal account.

 

Mixed Reactions

 

Observers around the world had mixed reactions to the photograph. Some applauded the convenient charity that was made possible by the barcode; if the barcode made it easier for the beggar to get help, then it could only be a positive development. Other observers were more skeptical and thought that it was unfortunate for a beggar to be considered such a normal part of life even as technology becomes more advanced. Regardless of whether the reactions were mostly positive or negative, the story certainly exemplifies the widespread use of barcoded technology in both business and personal life.