Qr codes vs. barcodes in inventory tracking

QR CODES VS. BARCODES IN
INVENTORY TRACKING

When looking for ways to track your inventory, you will undoubtedly arrive
at the dilemma of whether you should use barcodes or QR codes. Even
though the basic concept behind the two options is the same, there are
notable differences between the two.

Barcodes are one-dimensional codes that typically consist of a series of black bars with
varied widths superimposed on a white background. The variation of the width of the
bars creates a unique combination that is readable with a barcode scanner.
Inventory specialists use barcoding software to create a different sequence for each
individual Stock Keeping Unit, print out labels with the barcodes, and stick them onto
the package, the goods themselves, and the racks where the goods are held.
These simple barcodes can convey small amounts of information, usually up to 25
characters. That is enough, however, if you only need the tags to convey a small piece
of information, such as the SKU code and the price of the item.
What is a Barcode?

QR codes (Quick Response codes, also known as 2D barcodes) are two-dimensional
codes that typically consist of black squares and dots on a white background (but they
may also be colored). The vertical and horizontal placement of these elements creates
a unique combination that can be read with a dedicated scanner, or more often, with a
smartphone camera connected to a QR scanner app.
As QR codes contain information both in the vertical and horizontal dimensions, they
can convey a lot more than regular barcodes. A single QR code can store more than
1500 alphanumeric characters, which is around 60 times more than the standard
barcode.
This larger data storage capacity gives QR codes a substantial advantage over
traditional barcodes whenever more information needs to be included in the code.
What is a QR code?

Digital inventory tracking offers many benefits in the realm of inventory management and
manufacturing management. As labels can be used to mark everything from materials, WIP,
and finished goods to storage locations, equipment, and manufacturing orders, they help
bring visibility into processes throughout your operations. Here are some of the direct
benefits you can reap by implementing a barcode or QR code inventory system:
Benefits of barcodes and QR codes in
inventory management

Reduced paperwork
Barcodes and QR codes eliminate the physical paper trail and introduce a digital one.
This automates many clerical tasks and makes keeping records and finding the correct
documents much easier and less time-consuming.
Reduced human errors
A scanner cannot miss a number or a part of a code like humans very well can.
Consistently using a scanner to record inventory movements reduces record-keeping
errors by a very large margin. Additionally, a properly implemented barcode system
helps avoid picking and dispatching mix-ups.

Increased productivity
Scanning a barcode or QR code is instantaneous and makes the reception, picking, and
dispatch of goods much quicker than when using manual records. Additionally, using them
on manufacturing orders can provide workers with quick access to their tasks and
instructions. This all can lead to noticeable increases in worker productivity.
Improved traceability
Using a digital tracking system is essential for ensuring end-to-end traceability in many
manufacturing or distributing companies. Stock lot numbers assigned to batches of goods
allow you to track individual parts of those lots, trace product nonconformity back to certain
batches, and easily organize product callbacks when nonconformity is detected in a stock
lot. Expiry date tracking helps you avoid expired goods from ending up in production or in
the hands of customers.

Reduced inventory costs
By eliminating the need to perform manual data-entry tasks as well as much of the search
time spent locating items, a barcode or QR code system helps reduce inventory labor costs.
Better tracking and analysis of stock, however, allows companies to optimize their inventory
levels, avoid dead stock, and reduce inventory holding costs as a consequence.
Data-driven decision-making
Having a real-time overview of stock movements and the capacity to analyze your inventory
processes gives you the opportunity to gradually improve the way things are handled.
Thanks to the data accumulated by using a barcode system, you can determine which goods
are more important to the business, where they should be physically located in the
stockroom, etc. Not to mention that you would have accurate information about inventory
levels and requirements.

Regular barcodes do offer all of the aforementioned benefits, but there is only one
instance when implementing barcodes over QR codes is justified. That is when you
already have designated barcode scanners at your disposal. However, if you plan to use
a smartphone or a tablet as the scanner, it would be better to pick QR codes. Here are
some situations where QR codes beat barcodes any hour of the day:
1. Items that are small in size
QR codes can fit much more information to a much smaller surface than regular
barcodes can. That is why QR codes should be preferred over barcodes when tracking
small items or items with little surface space available for labeling.
When is it better to use QR codes?

2. Label wear and tear
Handling items can easily damage or stain labels attached to them. The smallest smudge
can make a regular barcode unintelligible to scanners, not to mention when a piece of the
label is torn. QR codes are much more damage-proof in that way. Even when more than a
quarter of a QR code is gone, the label may still be scannable.
3. Scanning with a smart device
If you use a smart device to scan regular barcodes, you will need to have a high-quality label
printer and excellent lighting in the facility. QR codes are much less needy and can be easily
scanned with tablets and smartphones.

4. Scanning from difficult angles
Barcodes can only be scanned horizontally, from a limited amount of angles. The scanner
laser must extend over the whole length of the barcode. QR codes have much more
flexibility when it comes to scanning them from different angles.
When deciding to use either QR codes or barcodes, it would be wise to look at the bigger
picture behind inventory tracking. The barcoding solution you use should integrate with
your inventory management software and your POS system, but the best solution would be
a business management software that already has an integrated barcode or QR code
module.

• 1D barcodes consist of varied-width vertical lines on a white background. These are
used to convey a small amount of information like the SKU code and the price of an
item.
• QR codes (also known as 2D barcodes) are two-dimensional codes that typically
consist of black squares and dots placed vertically and horizontally on a light
background. These codes can be used to convey much more information than
regular barcodes.
Key takeaways

• Using barcodes or QR codes as an inventory management tool helps companies
digitalize and automate their paperwork, reduce human errors, increase
productivity, improve traceability, and generate data for better and more informed
decision-making.
• Even though barcodes usually do the trick when it comes to managing the inventory
of a small business, QR codes are much more reliable and foolproof.
• QR codes are great for smaller items and difficult scanning angles. They are also
more failsafe when it comes to staining, tears, or other damage.

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Qr codes vs. barcodes in inventory tracking

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