The COVID-19 pandemic has spread across to most countries, and by the first quarter of 2020. It doesn’t seem to stop or slow down. By now, every country and its economy is heavily affected by the pandemic. So, how can the new normal function?
The COVID-19 pandemic has spread across to most countries, and by the first quarter of 2020. It doesn’t seem to stop or slow down. By now, every country and its economy is heavily affected by the pandemic. That said, the pandemic has triggered real unprecedented times. The entire world is still adjusting to the “new normal.” Economic activities are being done in a way that physical contact is avoided as far as possible. This is because the coronavirus spreads through contaminated surfaces. Amid this, contactless solutions have been in the spotlight. Companies are increasingly using QR code platforms to make it safer for customers and employees.
Sectors hit most by the pandemic are those that involve maximum contact. This includes companies in the leisure, hospitality, and entertainment industries. In these industries, as well as essential services like healthcare, contactless solutions are gaining never-seen-before traction. More companies are making use of zero-contact technologies and factoring in NFC, and QR Code plan costs in their marketing spend. Contactless solutions such as QR codes and NFC tags are being used in almost every function of a business to make customers feel comfortable and stay afloat in these times.
Here are some instances where QR codes and NFC are doing their bit in promoting a safer environment:
QR codes are being used extensively not just by restaurants and hospitality but also by the healthcare industry in order to book appointments. Personalized QR codes and NFC tags are being used by hospitals and clinics to book appointments, track appointments, patient records, and even tracing contacts for infections. The industry is trying to be as safe as possible and QR codes are the solution.
Restaurants are also increasingly using QR codes in place of physical menus to make ordering easy for their staff as well as customers. In fact, many restaurants are being innovative at even presenting their “specials” and “offers” via QR codes, replacing the conventional tabletops. The same goes for hotels that are heavily using QR codes for providing in-room info to guests rather than using paper menus and in-room booklets. QR codes and NFC tags have thus helped add a safety layer to these services for patients, customers, and guests alike.
Zero-contact payments are one area that has grown exponentially during COVID-19 times. Contactless cards, which are mainly QR codes, have been serving as super reliable and quick ways for payments. Governments across the world are raising the limits for contactless transactions so that there is no need for the exchange of cash. This minimizes the rate of infection spread drastically.
QR codes and NFC-enabled point of sales at the checkout aisles have made the lives of retail store employees a tad easier. Even hospitals are using these contactless payment solutions, offering a cushion of safety to both customers and employees.
Zero-contact delivery has been a boon in the times of COVID-19. From food delivery companies to eCommerce marketplaces, everyone is widely offering contactless delivery during the pandemic. This ensures the safety of customers who can safely get their packages home-delivered, rather than venturing out and increasing the spread of infection.
The handshake has been replaced by the “Namaste” or the elbow bump. Business cards have also taken the form of virtual cards (QR codes). These codes are being put up on business premises. Grocery stores and even buildings are using QR codes in order to scan information of customers/visitors, be it for payment or for bills.
At the same time, hotels and restaurants can use QR codes and NFC tags to collect information from customers. This information pertains to feedback for their services and seeks ratings on how safe customers felt while using their services. This has even enabled restaurants and hotels to market better.
For visitors, what was earlier a log in the form of a digital screen or traditional register is now being replaced with contactless QR-powered or NFC-powered registers. Hospitals are largely using these contactless forms for risk assessment, self-declaration, and apartment buildings for community contact tracing.
Traditional collateral used mostly in businesses that involve interaction with customers is being replaced with technologies such as QR codes and NFC tags to provide information about products and offers and collect information and feedback from customers, which can be used to better market products and services. These contactless solutions also enable customers to get information quickly on their own rather than inquire about it in person with the staff, be it in flights, airports, hotels, hospitals, or grocery stores.
Contactless is The Way Forward—Even Post-pandemic
The importance of contactless solutions cannot be overstated in such unprecedented times. Industries using QR codes and NFC tags in various functions are definitely contributing to flattening the curve by cutting off interaction, which was otherwise deemed as completely necessary.
QR codes and NFC-powered tags are thus a frictionless solution between customers and employees, minimizing the risk of infection on both ends. Due to the availability of these technologies, both businesses and customers can follow safety and hygiene practices.
The use of contactless services has also put back the trust of people in brands as businesses, through the use of these technologies, show that they are aware of the risk and care enough not to put their customers in danger. QR codes and NFC tags are thus showing how to ensure a safe environment amid the pandemic and allow businesses to function sustainably. These technologies are here to stay even post-pandemic, considering how easy they make it for businesses, employees, and customers alike.
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