Have you ever seen a squiggly, blocky square in front of a cash register, a product or your smart phone?
That’s called a QR, or Quick Response code. It’s a 2D matrix barcode trademarked and created by Denso Wave, a Japanese company. In 1994, Denso was having problems with tracking vehicles that were used for manufacturing. Engineers created the QR Code as the answer to high-speed component scanning.
QR became so popular that its use expanded outside the automotive industry. It was in many ways better than standard UPC bar codes as it has a better response time and greater storage capacity. Today, QR has made its way on almost all aspects of our daily life.
In 2013, QR became an integral part in verifying degree transcripts and grades for background checks, whether for pursuing more advanced degrees or in landing a job. Somdip Dey of University of Essex thought about harnessing the power and function of the QR to simplify the verification process. The trouble with traditional degree checks is that universities normally take a month or two to process your transcript after they receive it. Moreover, it’s expensive, troublesome and prone to human error and delays.
Dey took together the conveniences of a fast internet connection, the wide availability of smart phones with cameras and Quick Response Code to develop a QR Authentication System. This new innovation is better than traditional transcript verification process as it’s less time-consuming, more effective and easier on both parties. Moreover, students and educational centers are protected from the dangers of forgery and fake degrees.
Any device that has the QR software can be used to verify a transcript’s content. Organizations can make use of PCs, laptops or a mobile phone in order to check and allow the procedure to continue to the next phase. In 2018, this type of QR is already making rounds all over the world, including India, Thailand, Mexico and more.