Tracking is at the heart of modern supply chain management. The more precise it is, the higher the profits.
Ensuring accuracy in the supply chain has never been easier than today, thanks to GS1 QR codes for tracking.
This article covers everything you should know about digital solutions revolutionizing business tracking, plus best practices for maximizing the value of these quick response codes to expand your footprint and let customers make informed decisions.
Understanding the basics
GS1 QR codes are a specific type of 2D barcode designed specifically for business applications, such as inventory and warehouse management, product authentication, and logistics and transportation.
Between a GS1 QR code vs. a QR code, the former differs from the quick response codes that everyone else uses in three aspects:
- Standardization: They adhere to strict GS1 QR code guidelines, ensuring they are universally readable and compatible with various systems.
- Verifiability: They can be verified against a global database to ensure the accuracy and authenticity of the data they contain.
- Data structure: Their unique data structure allows them to store a wide range of information, including product identifiers, batch numbers, expiration dates, and more.
GS1-compliant QR codes also have the following components that let them hold information in large capacities:
- Application Identifier (AI): A unique code that specifies the type of data encoded in the GS1 QR code for tracking online.
- Data Element: These are the data you encode, such as a product number, batch number, or expiration date.
- Check Digit: A specific number that is added at the end of the data element to ensure data integrity and prevent errors.
Top advantages of using a GS1 QR code maker
Employing a GS1 QR code generator to track your supply chain from supply procurement to customer use offers numerous benefits for your business. Here’s more you can unlock:
Accurate and reliable reports
The standardized structure of the GS1 QR code for tracking ensures accurate data capture and transmission, reducing the risk of errors and inconsistencies.
By verifying the codes against a global database, all stakeholders can confirm the authenticity and accuracy of the encoded information, preventing counterfeit products from entering the supply chain.
Smooth supply chain operations
GS1 QR codes from a dependable platform enable you to gather real-time tracking data of products throughout the supply chain, giving you and your clients a clear view of your inventory and logistics operations.
Authorized persons can scan them to accurately track stock levels, identify product shortages, and optimize inventory management processes.
These QR codes also allow for complete traceability of products, enabling any company to quickly identify the source of issues or recalls.
Effective budget allocation
The accuracy and reliability of GS1 QR codes for tracking help reduce errors and rework costs associated with manual data entry and processing.
By streamlining processes and reducing manual labor, you can allocate and maximize your budget to other things that need more attention.
The real-time data from the QR code provider also enables you and your team to make more informed decisions about inventory management, logistics, and production planning.
More aware consumers
GS1 QR codes help you provide customers with additional product information, such as ingredients, nutritional facts, or product reviews.
These details are often required or recommended for compliance with industry regulations and standards, such as food safety, pharmaceutical traceability, and retail product identification, so practicing product transparency is a must.
Choosing a good GS1-compliant QR code provider is the first step.
Pro tips for best GS1 QR code tracking results
Here are the best practices that you can adopt to make things like tracking easier for every stakeholder:
Ensure accurate data entry
Data errors can lead to incorrect information, inefficiencies, and potential supply chain disruptions.
Making sure every detail you enter in your QR codes is accurate and consistent really makes a difference in tracking.
You can implement data validation checks to help prevent errors from entering the system.
Consider the design and placement of the codes
While QR codes are commonly plain, black-and-white, appearance plays a crucial role in maintaining their readability. A high-contrast color scheme and clear design are always recommended.
The placement of your QR codes on products or packaging is essential for easy scanning and tracking. You should use durable materials for QR code labels or markings to ensure they remain legible.
Additionally, the QR codes should be large enough to be scanned accurately, especially with mobile devices.
Invest in good scanning equipment and data software
While some GS1 QR codes can be designed to be scannable with just a smartphone, more advanced ones can only be accessed using a specific scanner.
If your company is using GS1-powered QR codes that combine a QR code and a barcode, compatible scanning equipment and software are essential for accurately reading and interpreting them.
Invest in good tools and regularly calibrate them to ensure accurate readings and data entry.
Sync the QR codes with your systems
Connecting your GS1 QR code for tracking free with existing inventory management, supply chain management, and other relevant systems is crucial for efficient tracking and data management.
Data synchronization between systems helps maintain consistency and accuracy.
Secure your data
Protecting sensitive data within the GS1 QR codes is essential. To prevent unauthorized access, you can encrypt your data.
Adhering to data privacy regulations is also crucial to protect customer information.
That’s why it’s highly important to partner with a QR code provider that follows strict data privacy regulations first so you feel at ease and your data safe.
Track supply chain operations accurately—create GS1 QR codes today
GS1 QR codes are the best choice for businesses and customers in terms of efficient and accurate tracking. They have enough storage space, quick scannability, a wide range of compatibility, and other features.
QR TIGER is the leading GS1 Digital Link software and the only QR code provider that is ISO-27001 certified, so you can ensure that your GS1 QR code for tracking is first-class quality.
The platform also complies with various regulatory frameworks, such as the GDPR and CCPA, protecting consumers’ right to data privacy.
Try it today and experience next-gen tracking.