Member Article

Sound of Music for Consumer Engagement App

A recent update to a consumer engagement app now allows consumers to be instantly linked to the on-line world through their smart device when it ‘hears’ sound.

Packlinc is an app originally developed to allow consumers to scan anywhere on product packaging and link to pre-determined, on-line destinations. The concept enables FMCG brand owners to allow their packaging to communicate beyond the printed message on pack in a contemporary way that suits today’s smart consumer.

The technology works through embedding hidden code within graphics on packaging, however now the same code can be embedded in sound, so that when the Packlinc app is enabled, a smart device will recognise the sound and instantly link consumers.

The app is the brainchild of North East based printing plate and colour management specialists, Reproflex3, who have been developing the app over the past year.

Reproflex3 Technical Manager, Richard Smiles, explains: “As a flexographic pre-press company, we began to realise how we could control the graphics in packaging and link that with today’s consumer who is increasingly using smartphones to support their experience with brand packaging”

“We created Packlinc to show brand owners the potential for their packaging to do more to engage consumers. Now this is possible using sound, such as music in-store or in other ways, like TV, radio or on-line.”

The app had it’s first live outing on supermarket shelves with the popular snack POM-BEAR during a Halloween campaign in 2013, and Mr Smiles anticipates more live projects to come.

“It is another, contemporary way to engage consumers through their smart device, and we are seeing big interest in the product from major brands who realise the potential of this technology”

The current update is available to Apple customers as a free download from the iOS store.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Reproflex 3 Ltd .