Using QR codes can make it easy for everyone
But you need to approach it the right way.
A QR code is simply a two dimensional, machine readable code that can be used to resolve to a web address, for example the appropriate page on your online asbestos register.
There are many companies who will produce QR coded labels so all you need to do is get some labels printed and you are on your way.
Not quite. You need to take the right approach so the system is easy to manage in the long term.
Before you start labelling
It is easy to just start putting stickers up but unless you have planned this work properly it is likely to be wasted effort. Here are four questions you need to ask before you begin.
What if are lost or damaged?
Things get painted and little fingers have a habit of peeling things off. What do you do if a label goes missing?
If your approach was to create a label that resolves to a particular web page then you are going to need to recreate that label and that can take time.
Modus implements QR coding schemes in a way which avoids that so if a label goes missing then it can be replaced with the next one on the roll and as long as you update the management system with the new serial number it will still point to the right place.
Where do you put them?
Most large buildings are complicated and have a lot of spaces with their own particular foibles. Where are the labels going to be applied so people can find them. A room is easy but what about corridors or large areas with multiple entrances?
You need to adopt a consistent strategy from the start so everyone knows where to look.
Modus can help you develop a labelling strategy which is robust and consistent.
Is there more it can do?
It takes time and effort to operate a labelling system so it would be much better if one label could do more than just point to the asbestos register.
Modus implements these schemes in a way which allows a user to scan a code and then be presented with a choice of which information they see.
Want the asbestos register, firedoor log, gas safety certificate for this area? It is all accessible from the same label.
Who will do it?
At some point you need to decide who will fix the labels. Just give the labels to someone with a floorplan and hope they put them in the right place?
No. You need to be sure that whoever is responsible for fixing the labels to understand the importance of the task. Remember of the label is wrong then people will get the wrong information.
Modus can help with labelling schemes and our systems allow us to work very quickly and accurately even in large buildings.
