Waterco embraces QR-coded manuals

It takes 170 pages of instructions and manual information in 12 languages to meet the requirements for every single item sold into the European Union.

If you multiply that across Waterco’s global product range, the environmental, logistical and usability challenges become clear.

To reduce paper waste and improve customer experience, Waterco has begun transitioning to a paperless system. Product manuals and warranty booklets are now becoming accessible via QR codes printed on the product, packaging and inserts, linking directly to digital instructions.

Waterco’s domestic water care product manager George Flory says that using QR codes is an efficient way to tag real-world objects and give them a physical context to digital data.

“It’s a smarter, more sustainable way to connect our customers with the most up-to-date information when they need it, where they need it, and in the language they need,” he says.

By scanning the QR code on a product or its packaging, users can instantly view installation guides, warranty documents and maintenance tips on their smart device anytime, anywhere.

This digital shift helps make the products more:

•                     Sustainable – significantly reducing paper waste across product lines;

•                     Convenient – simplifying access to product documentation at the point of use;

•                     Accessible – customers can easily access documentation in their preferred language;

•                     Modifiable – changes to technical specifications or instructions are reflected instantly.

“This is a win-win,” says Flory. “Our customers benefit from easier, faster access to product information and Waterco continues to lead with solutions that are efficient, sustainable and forward-thinking.”

Paperless manual direction has been rolled out across Waterco’s domestic water care range, with further product lines to follow.