By Marinda Stuiver
Bar code SMS takes place when 1D or 2D bar code images are sentto mobile phones. The user saves the image and present it at theaccess / pay point. Bar codes could be sent using MMS, EMS orSMS technology. 1D Images are scanned with standard scannerswhereas 2D images would require a 2D scanner.
Anybody that frequents shopping malls are familiar with the barcoding systems used by retailers to ease the line at the paypoints. No more long lines at the till as the operator justpulls the product past the scanner and voila – the buyer paysand are on their way.
What most people do not realize is that the bar coding systemsentails more than just the code being scanned with the scanner.The systems normally plugs straight into a database, which isalso hooked up with the accounting system and the moment theitem is scanned, it deducts the item from the warehouse’sinventory. Each product in the database has a minimum stocklevel – the moment it reaches that stock level, it sends out analert that x amount of a product needs to be ordered. Automated,convenient, easy.
The above sample system serves to explain how and why bar codesare used in the offline or sales / Warehousing side of business.Nowadays the same principles apply to mobile technology.
With the ability of bar coding systems to be incorporated withOffice functionality, convergence of technology opened a newautomation arena in the business world. I am sure all of us atone point or another queued at the movie theatre to watch ourfavourite movie.
Just imagine no more long lines - you arrive at the movietheatre with your mobile phone, walk past a scanner where a barcode on your mobile phone is scanned and you take your seat toenjoy the movie!!! That is how easy it could be with mobileticketing (mobile bar coding).
The process is simple – let’s use e-ticketing as an example: Acustomer visits the venue’s web site where they book and payonline. Confirmation of their booking or ticket is received ontheir mobile phone via bar code SMS. The client saves the barcode SMS and present their mobile phone upon arrival at thevenue, where it is scanned and access allowed.
Now that is service!!!! E-ticketing will apply to many events –for example the upcoming 2010 World cup soccer in South Africa,the rugby and soccer matches which takes place weekly,conferences and events that are organized also requiring access– just to name a few.
Mobile bar coding also plays an important role in customerservices (CRM). Retail stores that send out discount voucherswith snail mail could now replace the paper work with bar codeSMS – on condition of course that customers give theirpermission. Instead of posting vouchers, retailers could SMS abar code discount voucher to their clients. The client saves thebarcode on their phone. Upon arrival at the store they presenttheir mobile phone with the saved bar code at the pay point. Thebar code is scanned in, discount allocated to the purchase totaland new balance due calculated.
Besides the convenience factor the marketing department alsoobtains a method of measuring response on promotions. With thebar code scanner hooked up to the till, which is hooked up tothe office back end and accounting system, tracking of clientsmaking use of discount vouchers is easy to obtain. A marketingexecutive’s dream, as reports are produced with the push of abutton.
Convergence of mobile and web combined with offline/onlinetechnologies are inevitable. We believe it is the companies thatjoin the wireless revolution that will benefit most. They willretain more clients as they show that they carry the bestinterest of their customers at heart through eliminating anysituation that could lead to customer dissatisfaction.
Article Source: www.ArticlesBase.com
