Digital business cards can use static or dynamic QR codes to share contact information. Doorway uses dynamic QR codes for enhanced security and a better user experience.
In this post we summarise the benefits and downsides of the two types of QR codes, and we explain why Doorway chose to use dynamic QR codes.
Simple or Static QR Codes
Static QR codes typically link to a public URL where the data is then available for transfer. This approach comes with a number of advantages and disadvantages.
The upsides of Simple QR Codes:
- They can be printed and the most up-to-date information will be shared.
- Easier to scan as the QR code density is usually quite low.
- The number of times that the QR is scanned can be tracked via the URL.
The downsides of Simple QR Codes:
- Data sometimes can’t load since a good internet connection is required for successful use.
- Poor data security since data must be stored on a publicly-available URL that can be easily accessed by anyone with the link.
- Can have a poorer user experience, as it requires a longer process and internet connection to work.
Dynamic QR Codes
Dynamic QR codes contain more data embedded within the QR code itself, which offers flexibility and added security.
The upsides of Dynamic QR Codes:
- The user can share data immediately and without the need for an internet connection. Dynamic QR codes don’t need to route via a public URL to access the data.
- The QR code can be dynamically updated by an individual or central control, allowing new data to be immediately pushed to all users.
- Data can be served via a closed-loop system, allowing for a high data security rating.
- Extremely fast and easy user experience.
The downsides of Dynamic QR Codes:
- Some older devices may take longer to recognise the QR code, due to the extra data contained within the code.
- You only have analytics access for how many times a QR code has been scanned if the code is being scanned by a person or system integrated with one of Doorway’s public APIs. Those not integrated with a Doorway API will not appear in tracking.
Why Doorway uses dynamic QR codes
Doorway chose dynamic QR codes for a few crucial reasons that help deliver the best corporate identity solution for enterprise businesses.
Security: No public URLs
The ability to scour the internet for public URLs with PII data is accelerating. We don’t want a vulnerability in our service that puts a business or individual’s data at risk. Doorway offers the enterprise security layers that enterprise customers expect.
Doorway gives you comprehensive functionality
Businesses and employees change all the time. We wanted to create a solution that is as flexible as your business. Static QR codes don’t allow to do that, given their permanent state whereby any update requires a brand new QR code to be generated.
Instead, using dynamic QR codes keeps the fluidity of business in mind, allowing you to update details based on promotions, branding updates, contact information changes – or even allowing for custom information sharing based on the individual you are talking with.
Doorway works anywhere you are
Thanks to dynamic QR codes, your Doorway will work wherever you are, as long as you have battery. It doesn’t matter whether you are in public transport, an aircraft, a business event with slow internet, or the top of a mountain – Doorway will work.
We believe that a digital business card and corporate identity service should be as functional as possible, and work whenever and wherever you and your employees are.