What is Better for Offices: NFC or QR Codes?

Both NFC and QR have been used for years to direct customers to websites, share photos and videos, leave reviews, and even check attendees into events. Since neither NFC nor QR codes can cover every situation, a careful breakdown of the pros and cons of each should be compiled in order to use the right technology.

What’s the difference between QR codes and NFC?

Both QR codes and NFC have their benefits and drawbacks in certain situations.

Quick Response (QR) Codes were created for exactly as the name suggests: Fast access to information. Smartphones are able to recognize the barcode and provide a more interactive approach to a physical item. In today’s world, QR codes are easily recognizable by most everyone.

Near-field communication (NFC), on the other hand, is an actual wireless communication technology operating in a short range. In effect, it allows smartphones to be even smarter. NFC creates a better user experience with its simple tap and go method – rather than needing to open the phone, get into the camera app, and then scan the QR code to be able to access the information it contains.

Because NFC offers two-way communication, people can interact with the technology by both sending and receiving information.

When should I use QR rather than NFC?

Since QR codes are actually printed on labels, flyers, signs, and products themselves, they often align with purchases of physical items. With QR, customers can learn more about products, follow a company on social media, or even find assembly and care instructions for an item.

QR codes are best used in places that won’t need to be updated frequently. For static event registration and sales pages, using QR can make an experience more interesting and interactive.

Image of someone using a QR code versus someone using an NFC tag in an office.

When should I use NFC instead of QR codes?

To be able to add value to their products even after customers have purchased, companies utilize NFC embedded within the product itself. This can create a connection from customers to the brand, allowing companies to understand customer journeys better, upsell other products, and push other company information. Large in-person events have also started to sway more towards NFC tags to streamline registration and check-in, as well as keep attendees engaged as they enjoy the conference. For branded content and materials in general, NFC is often the way to go.

Why do office management software programs tend to use NFC?

When debating between using a QR system versus an NFC system for office management software, NFC tends to win out.

While they both offer onsite check-ins and contactless booking, that is where the similarities end. NFC has the potential to provide auto cancellations/check-ins, search functions, smart prevention of overbooking, and better control over specific employee use. More accurate reporting and data encryption (which isn’t a functionality of QR codes) means companies can get the best use out of their office space!

Ready to see what inspace can do for you?

With inspace, you don’t have to worry about a lengthy, complicated installation process. Instead, the entire NFC booking management system can be installed by anyone in your organization, with the bonus ability to mount to any surface. You can even blend the inspace hardware seamlessly into your office with customized colors and branding!

Rather than working with a clunky multi-step QR code, use a simple, frictionless NFC booking system with inspace to make reserving a desk space easy for every employee! To see what your NFC desk management system will look like for your office space, schedule a free trial with the inspace team today.

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