QR codes inventory management system is a scalable solution in the wake of COVID-19, where businesses need to manage unpredictable demand. QR codes are fast, accurate, and easy to use, making them a better alternative to traditional inventory management methods, which are slow, messy, and prone to errors.
QR codes were created in the 1990s by Denso Wave Corporation to encode more information on a product label. They are now used to store relevant information about products in-store and to organize complex warehouse operations. QR codes are a great way for businesses to improve the accuracy and efficiency of their inventory management processes.
QR codes inventory management can be used to track and manage any type of product, regardless of size, shape, or location. They are also relatively inexpensive to implement and use.
Overall, QR codes offer a number of advantages over traditional inventory management methods. They are faster, more accurate, and more scalable. If you are looking for a way to improve the efficiency and accuracy of your warehouse, inventory management with QR codes are a great option to consider.
WHAT IS A QR CODE?
QR codes, or Quick Response codes, are two-dimensional barcodes that can be scanned in both vertical and horizontal directions. They store more information than traditional one-dimensional barcodes by using a square grid of black and white pixels. A single QR code can store up to 4,000 characters, including product information, links to images, videos, and websites.
QR codes are becoming increasingly popular in warehouses and other industries because they can help to improve efficiency and accuracy. For example, QR codes can be used to track the location of inventory, identify products for picking and packing, and verify the accuracy of shipments.
QR codes are more adaptable and versatile than one-dimensional barcodes. They can store more information, including product details, batch numbers, serial numbers, and other data. This makes them ideal for inventory management, as they can help to track batches of products and determine where they were manufactured or imported. QR codes are also secure, as the data can be encrypted.
QR codes are becoming increasingly popular in warehouses and other industries because they can help to improve efficiency and accuracy. For example, QR codes can be used to track the location of inventory, identify products for picking and packing, and verify the accuracy of shipments.
How To Use QR Code For Inventory Management?
Setting up a QR code inventory management system can be time-consuming and challenging at first, but it is definitely worth the effort in the long run. Here are the steps involved:
- Generate a unique QR code for each item in your inventory using a QR code generator.
- Print out the QR codes and stick them to each item in your inventory.
- Enter the QR codes and important information about each item into your inventory software.
- To use the system, simply scan the QR codes with your phone’s camera. This is much faster and more accurate than looking up each item in your records manually.
The Perks Of Using A QR Code For Warehousing
Because QR Codes can hold more information than Barcodes, they were originally developed to modernize large inventory management systems. Today, they are used in many warehousing management systems to manage large product volumes.
The following are some of the advantages of using QR code inventory management software for warehouse operations over barcodes.
Readability
QR codes are 360 degrees scannable and you can scan them from any direction. Assume you’ve placed a slanted QR Code on your product. You can scan it and it is directed to the key information.
Storage Space
When you encode information in a QR code, it does not grow vertically. Data modules are used to store the information contained in QR Codes inventory management system. As a result, the QR Code becomes denser as more information is added.
As a result, QR Codes are small. It occupies less space and can easily place it on products of very small size.
Data Storage
QR codes for inventory tracking can store significantly more information and you can add up to 7,089 characters while one-dimensional barcodes can only store around 20–25 characters. Qr codes can store product information, website URLs, and plain text and maintain detailed information about every piece of Inventory.
Damage Resistant
An advantage of QR codes over barcodes is that a scanner can read partially damaged QR codes. Inventory management with QR codes can withstand up to 30% of damage. Miscounts caused by multiple scans of the same item are also excluded by QR codes.
THE BENEFITS OF USING CODE BASED OPERATIONS
The use of QR code inventory management software in warehouse operations bring some of the following benefits:
Speed and Accuracy
Code-based operations allow for faster and more accurate data transfer which benefits the tracking of materials. You can track exactly the items location and can help speed up the processes. It saves your organisation time in responding to inquiries and changes. As it provides timely data information about products, it enhances warehouse productivity and maintains accurate inventory management.
Reduce Errors
Data capture that is quick and accurate reduces paperwork and the risk of errors. If an employee scans the particular code, the item gets entered. This capability eliminates errors when manually entering a damaged code.
Code-based scans are fast, reliable, and less time-consuming than manual data entry. When scanners read the codes, their graphics are quickly and accurately translated to a display without the errors often associated with manual data entry.
CHALLENGES IN THE ADOPTION OF QR CODES
It’s important to choose a system that works best for your organization. Not every company requires or desires to store so much data in a tracking code. They only require the SKU, price, and the ability to check it in or out of their system.
Many organisations already use barcode-based asset tracking and inventory management systems. For these organizations, removing labels and relabeling them with QR codes is not cost-effective and can be a time-consuming one. This could explain why QR codes haven’t taken off as quickly as expected. Implementing the QR codes scanners are much more expensive than barcode scanners.
According to Future Marketing Insights, the global QR code market was valued at $996.8 million in 2018 and is expected to increase annually by 8.7% between 2019 and 2027. The growing popularity of QR codes speaks volumes about the digital transformation that will occur shortly!