Theben AG, manufacturer of time switches, lighting and climate controls, and components for KNX building system technology, is implementing a pioneering project with INFOLOX .
In future, all Theben AG products will be accompanied by brief operating instructions with a printed QR code, which will then redirect users to the detailed long version of the operating instructions on all smartphones. This will lead to significant cost reductions for Theben AG in terms of printing and shipping.
QR codes – a bridge to further information
The idea focused on the customer's situation on site: basic information about a product is needed on a construction site, for example, but what about all the details required by law? No: According to DIN EN 82079-1, it is possible to make detailed instructions for a product "electronically available" if this is clearly indicated on the product or on/in the packaging.
Theben AG realises this possibility with the INFOLOX QR Code Manager and a multitude of advantages.
QR codes are being used in more and more print media to build a bridge to mobile websites or other mobile content. That is why Theben AG, in collaboration with INFOLOX GmbH, decided to use this technology for itself. Short operating instructions with the most important hazard warnings and technical data were designed for each product. A QR code (and URL) placed on the instructions leads to the long version of the operating instructions. When scanned with the appropriate device (iPhone, Android phones, etc.) and software, the QR code redirects directly to the PDF file of the long operating instructions. This is optimised for smartphones and includes a linked table of contents for quick information searches.
It is clear that the short operating instructions will significantly reduce the printing and shipping costs for Theben AG's product documentation.
And there are even more perks: Thanks to the straightforward and independent data maintenance in EPIM, Theben AG can update the quick start guide straight away whenever there are changes to the product details.
The quick guides are created in a layout that has been agreed in advance with INFOLOX. It was particularly important for the internationally active company to achieve a high degree of linguistic diversity in the quick guides. The implementation now provides for 12 languages per quick guide in a double-sided print. The long versions are created with fluid layout in InDesign.
