The long-standing company BITZER has launched new measures in its fight against product piracy designed to make it more difficult to copy products. This means greater certainty for customers when purchasing compressors.
The compressor specialist has been applying QR codes to all of its products since April 1, 2015, allowing customers to use a simple standard smartphone app to verify the authenticity of each BITZER product. Several security features on all compressors and pressure vessels offer greater certainty: the QR code directs customers to the company’s Web site, and the URL always begins with https://www.bitzer.de. The matching serial number and correct compressor name then confirm that it is an original.
This QR code is also a form of added value, offering customers direct access to the BITZER range online. There they will find the corresponding manual and the operating instructions regarding compressor installation, electrical supply, oil charge and dimensions, as well as information about spare parts and application recommendations. The scanned compressor can also be opened directly in the selection software.
Concept to combat product piracy
“We’ve developed an extensive concept to take action against product piracy,” emphasizes BITZER Chief Technology Officer Rainer Große-Kracht. The company now protects all of its new developments with patents and registered designs. BITZER also ensures its entire production chain, from the suppliers to the sales partners. “Anyone caught working with counterfeiters is disqualified as our partner,” says Große-Kracht. And BITZER gets its customers involved with extensive information and a range of services. That’s because most buyers can’t tell at first glance that they have purchased an imitation.
Counterfeiters are not only responsible for untold economic damages throughout the industry. Their products can also be dangerous, as they are often unable to withstand the harsh conditions that refrigeration and air conditioning compressors are exposed to.
The compressor specialist has been applying QR codes to all of its products since April 1, 2015, allowing customers to use a simple standard smartphone app to verify the authenticity of each BITZER product. Several security features on all compressors and pressure vessels offer greater certainty: the QR code directs customers to the company’s Web site, and the URL always begins with https://www.bitzer.de. The matching serial number and correct compressor name then confirm that it is an original.
This QR code is also a form of added value, offering customers direct access to the BITZER range online. There they will find the corresponding manual and the operating instructions regarding compressor installation, electrical supply, oil charge and dimensions, as well as information about spare parts and application recommendations. The scanned compressor can also be opened directly in the selection software.
Concept to combat product piracy
“We’ve developed an extensive concept to take action against product piracy,” emphasizes BITZER Chief Technology Officer Rainer Große-Kracht. The company now protects all of its new developments with patents and registered designs. BITZER also ensures its entire production chain, from the suppliers to the sales partners. “Anyone caught working with counterfeiters is disqualified as our partner,” says Große-Kracht. And BITZER gets its customers involved with extensive information and a range of services. That’s because most buyers can’t tell at first glance that they have purchased an imitation.
Counterfeiters are not only responsible for untold economic damages throughout the industry. Their products can also be dangerous, as they are often unable to withstand the harsh conditions that refrigeration and air conditioning compressors are exposed to.
