The short answer is yes.

Digital Integration is a tool to create better experiences in the printed products that you create. For example:

• Instead of typing in a web address, an NFC chip can open it by just holding it close to your phone.
• NFC and QR codes can provide tracking and data to show how people use your print products (and where).
• You can even reduce the size of brochures or catalogues. Using NFC and/or QR codes to open up a website with expanded product data is becoming more and more popular.

It all comes down to thinking about how we can make things easier for the individual using what you print. A great user experience is always rewarded with a happier and more engaged customer.

1. Providing product information: An NFC tag could be placed on a product packaging, allowing customers to scan the tag with their phone and learn more about the product’s features and benefits.
2. Offering discounts and coupons: An NFC tag could be used to provide customers with a discount or coupon code that they can redeem online or in a store.
3. Launching a mobile app: An NFC tag could be placed on a billboard or other physical advertisement, allowing customers to quickly download and launch a related mobile app.
4. Providing access to exclusive content: An NFC tag could be used to provide customers with access to exclusive content, such as a behind-the-scenes video or a virtual tour of a company’s facilities.
5. Running a social media promotion: An NFC tag could be placed on a physical object, such as a poster or a product, and used to launch a social media promotion or contest. Customers could scan the tag with their phone and enter the contest by sharing a post on social media.

Have an idea? Let’s talk about your project.

NFC (Near Field Communication) makes it easy to access information or perform actions without the need for typing or scanning a barcode.

1. An NFC tag is a small chip or sticker that can be placed on (or in!) a physical object.
2. When an NFC-enabled device, such as a smartphone, is placed near the NFC tag, it can read the information stored on the tag and perform an action based on that information.
3. For example, an NFC tag could be used to automatically open a website or launch an app on a smartphone when the phone is placed near the tag.

When to use NFC:

• With close personal interaction, directly in front of customers
• Where branding is important
• When high security is paramount

When to use QR:

• Where distance or scale is increased (e.g. on a banner)
• When there is a higher volume of print collateral (direct mailing)

Both NFC and QR:

• Where redundancy is required for a better user experience (either NFC or QR will always work)
• To acquire usage data

There is no one technology that is better. It comes down to the function of how you are using it. Both are touchless, and in general: NFC is for close-up and QR is for any distance.

Frequently using both together done as an industry standard.

• NFC tags do not require a QR scanning app on your phone
• Older smartphones don’t include a QR scanning app – all new phones have native NFC scanning ability
• Tapping an NFC tag is much faster than a QR scan using your camera
• QR codes need optimal lighting conditions to work properly
• NFC tags are more resilient but QR codes don’t work if damaged
• NFC tags are more secure because they cannot be duplicated
• QR codes cannot be changed after printing but you can change the URL/destination from either an NFC tap or QR scan with our mobile app and backend system

Here are some definition of the terms discussed on this page. If you have any questions, please contact us!

• NFC: Near Field Communication
• QR: Quick Response Code
• NFC Tag: The microchip which is read by a device
• Taps/Scans: When a phone or other NFC capable device receives data transmitted from a NFC Tag
• Tag Link: The URL location that is pushed to the mobile device from the NFC tag
• Multi-links Page: A tag link page that contains multiple links (learn more, find us, etc.)