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Technology

QR, NFC, RFID and the software that connects them.

QR Tech works with QR codes, NFC, RFID, smart tags and digital identity, and builds the software, analytics and experiences around them. Here's how each technology works, where it fits and how the three main touchpoint technologies compare.

Compare QR, NFC and RFIDTalk to QR Tech
Program code on a dark screen

Explainers

The technologies we work with

Touchpoint

QR codes

Two-dimensional codes that any phone camera or scanner can read.

A QR code stores data, usually a web link, as a pattern of square modules. A camera decodes the pattern and the phone opens the link. Dynamic codes point to a short link that can be redirected after printing.

Strengths

  • Works with any camera phone, no app needed
  • Almost free to print on any surface
  • Easy to update when the code is dynamic

Considerations

  • Needs line of sight and good print quality
  • Easy to copy, so not enough for authentication on its own
  • Packaging
  • Menus
  • Print and signage
  • Tickets
  • Documents

Used in: QR-based solutions, Smart tags & digital identity, Digital experiences, Business automation, Custom technology solutions

Touchpoint

NFC

Near Field Communication

Short-range radio that lets a phone read a tag, card or product with a tap.

An NFC tag holds a tiny chip and antenna. When a phone comes within a few centimeters, its radio field powers the chip and reads the data stored on it, often a link or an identifier.

Strengths

  • A fast, intuitive tap
  • Built into most modern smartphones
  • Some chips support secure authentication

Considerations

  • Works only at very short range
  • Tags cost more than printed codes
  • Tap-to-connect
  • Smart cards
  • Access
  • Product authentication

Used in: NFC solutions, Smart tags & digital identity, Digital experiences, Business automation, Custom technology solutions

Touchpoint

RFID

Radio-Frequency Identification

Radio identification that reads tags without line of sight, often many at once.

A reader sends out a radio signal that powers passive tags, which reply with their ID. UHF systems can read many tags per second at several meters, even inside boxes.

Strengths

  • No line of sight needed
  • Reads many items at once
  • Works through packaging

Considerations

  • Needs dedicated readers
  • Metal and liquids can affect read accuracy
  • Inventory
  • Logistics
  • Asset tracking
  • Access control

Used in: RFID solutions, Smart tags & digital identity, Business automation, Custom technology solutions

Touchpoint

Smart tags

Labels or inlays that carry a machine-readable identity, often combining QR, NFC and RFID.

Each tag links to its own digital record. A customer might scan the QR code or tap the NFC chip, while your systems read the RFID chip along the supply chain.

Strengths

  • One tag serves several audiences
  • Links every item to its own data

Considerations

  • Design depends on materials and production
  • Hybrid tags cost more than single-technology tags
  • Product identity
  • Authenticity
  • Lifecycle tracking

Used in: NFC solutions, RFID solutions, Smart tags & digital identity, Custom technology solutions

Platform

Digital identity

A unique, verifiable digital record for a product, asset, place or person.

Each identity is created in software and bound to a tag, card or code. Every scan, tap or read can add to its history.

Strengths

  • One source of truth for every item
  • Makes verification and history possible

Considerations

  • Needs clear rules for data access and privacy
  • Authentication
  • Warranty
  • Access
  • Service history

Used in: NFC solutions, Smart tags & digital identity

Insight

Analytics

Insight into how tags, touchpoints and workflows are used.

Interaction events are combined into dashboards and reports, collected with privacy in mind.

Strengths

  • Shows which placements work
  • Highlights process bottlenecks

Considerations

  • Collect only what's needed, with consent where required
  • Scan analytics
  • Attribution
  • Operations reporting

Used in: QR-based solutions, RFID solutions, Digital experiences, Business automation

Experience

Digital experiences

What people see and do after a scan, tap or read.

Mobile pages, portals and apps open from a tag and can adapt to who is scanning, where and why.

Strengths

  • Most experiences need no app
  • Content stays up to date

Considerations

  • Must load fast on mobile networks
  • Landing pages
  • Portals
  • Dashboards

Used in: QR-based solutions, NFC solutions, Digital experiences

Comparison

QR vs NFC vs RFID

Typical characteristics. The right choice depends on the environment, the scale and the people involved.

  • QR code

    How it's read
    Optically, by a camera
    Typical range
    Centimeters to a few meters, by code size
    Line of sight
    Required
    Read by smartphones
    Any camera phone
    Many at once
    No
    Cost per tag
    Near zero when printed
    Typical uses
    Packaging, menus, print, tickets

  • NFC

    How it's read
    Radio, by tapping a phone or reader
    Typical range
    A few centimeters
    Line of sight
    Not required, but very close
    Read by smartphones
    Most modern smartphones
    Many at once
    No, one tap at a time
    Cost per tag
    Low
    Typical uses
    Tap-to-connect, cards, access

  • RFID

    How it's read
    Radio, by dedicated readers
    Typical range
    Up to about 1 m (HF) or many meters (UHF)
    Line of sight
    Not required
    Read by smartphones
    Generally no
    Many at once
    Yes, many tags per second
    Cost per tag
    Low in volume, more for rugged tags
    Typical uses
    Inventory, logistics, assets

Technology ecosystem

One ecosystem, from physical touchpoint to digital experience.

Tags and codes are the entry point. Software, identity and analytics turn each interaction into something useful.

  1. 01Touchpoints

  2. 02Platform

  3. 03Insight

  4. 04Experience

FAQ

Technology questions

How do QR, NFC and RFID differ?

QR codes are read optically by a phone camera. NFC is short-range radio, read by tapping a phone. RFID identifies tags by radio without line of sight, often many at once, using dedicated readers.

Which phones can read NFC tags?

Most modern smartphones can. Recent iPhones read NFC tags in the background, and most Android phones read them when NFC is switched on.

Can one tag combine QR, NFC and RFID?

Yes. Smart tags can combine a printed QR code with NFC and RFID chips, so customers and systems each use the technology that suits them.

Not sure which technology fits?

Choosing between QR, NFC, RFID or a combination is part of the work. Tell us about your environment and goals.

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