QR Codes Come to Construction, Facilities Management

PlanRadar has updated its application to include QR codes.

PlanRadar adding QR code functionality makes it easier to access asset information. (Image courtesy of PlanRadar.)

PlanRadar adding QR code functionality makes it easier to access asset information. (Image courtesy of PlanRadar.)

While having to scan a QR code to see a restaurant menu can be a little annoying, there is no denying the usefulness of these codes. PlanRadar, the developer of a management platform for digital construction, real estate and facilities, recently updated its platform offering with QR code functionality. The complementary addition falls in line with the company’s focus on helping companies incorporate technologies to make it easier to get real-time results and information.

“We strive to give our customers the best on-site experience, making it simple to get their day-to-day work done efficiently and correctly,” said Clemens Hammerl, chief product officer. “Linking PlanRadar to QR codes is a natural fit—reducing the time it takes to retrieve information on a project site and ensuring everything is properly documented at the precise location. QR codes and NFC tags can both be used to make a wide variety of information accessible in real-time and users can choose which format they capture and share information.”

Established in 2013, the Vienna -based company was cofounded by Domagoj Dolinsek, who had years of experience in construction management, along with Sander van de Rijdt, an established entrepreneur. While the construction industry has been slow to adopt technologies, the founders of PlanRadar see the benefits of creating cloud-based solutions for addressing communication and documentation challenges and offer their software as a competitive advantage for early tech adopters.

PlanRadar was created to be a software as a service (SaaS) field solution that enhances project management, communication and collaboration. Although suitable for use by various industries, construction companies may especially benefit from the platform’s range of offerings, which are designed to enhance every stage of the process.

The latest upgrade was added to help save time and simplify workflows. QR codes seemed a logical choice.

“QR codes and the PlanRadar app are easy to use and do not require any prior knowledge or training,” Imam said. “All you need is a mobile device. The result is a simple and cost-effective way to provide the most updated information—removing the need to replace signs on the entire construction site or in a building.”

Along with QR codes becoming more recognizable, which means more people will find making the adjustment to using them less stressful, they are also inexpensive to print and easy to install. People simply need a regular printer to print the codes which PlanRadar offers free of charge.

With the PlanRadar platform, codes can be placed in various locations on the worksite, enabling quick access to location-specific information. They can be used on anything from helping to manage deliveries to equipment maintenance and tracking or safety inspections. The user scans the code with the PlanRadar mobile app or a smartphone camera. Once scanned, the ticket information instantly opens. All information is date and time stamped, tamperproof and secure.

The platform also was designed for flexibility. It was already supporting the use of NFC tags to link to tickets. The QR addition lets users choose their preferred technology method. Whichever method is chosen, the shared, real-time information helps ensure clear documentation and allows collaborators to make quick decisions with the most up-to-date information.