What is a QR code for inventory?
QR codes were actually made for this. This more advanced form of a barcode was born out of the need for effective inventory and logistics by the Japanese company Denso Wave to track vehicle parts for Toyota.
It became open for public use in 2002 and, only eight years later, gained popularity on the international market.
From then on, QR code ideas for businesses have become more advanced as they can hold different data types.
They’ve grown from simply keeping track of car parts to now holding manufacturing and expiry dates, the number of available supplies, and so much more.
Static vs. Dynamic: Which one is better for your business?
QR codes are two-dimensional barcodes that can store bigger data sizes and various data types.
Its pattern usually consists of black and white squares.
However, you can easily customize these colors and designs using a free QR code generator whether you’re using Static or Dynamic QR codes—the two main QR types.
Static QR codes are free and can store data permanently. This means that you can’t change the embedded link or information after generating and printing them.
On the other hand, dynamic QR codes are more advanced codes that let you edit your data even after generating the code.
Another perk of dynamic QR codes is that they allow you to track scan analytics. This includes the number, time, location of scans, and even the devices used to scan the code.
This is built for businesses like yours that put value in getting the best accounting software, inventory, tracking, and security providers for their facilities.
Benefits of using QR code inventory management system
How you manage QR codes has a huge impact on your business. Here’s how to make the most out of your low-cost yet easy-to-follow system:
Accessible to most devices
QR codes don’t require special scanning devices; all you need is your smartphone.
This means the information is easily accessible to everyone in your team, and you can even communicate with them to track certain things remotely.
As most people now have smartphones, you won’t need to find a barcode scanner to check each item. Just take out your work phone, scan, and you're ready to manage inventory using QR codes.
Easily edit the QR code data
The demand for inventory apps is at an all-time high, as almost every business deals with its own inventory.
This constant need to update data can be solved by dynamic QR codes, which let you edit and reuse your existing QR code labels without creating new ones every time.
Whether you need to update the number of stocks or the batch name, you can easily update your existing codes and save time when generating a new QR code.
QR code for bookkeeping: error correction feature
QR codes tracking has error correction features, which allow them to remain scannable despite slight folds or wear and tear.
You can still scan the data embedded in them even if the code is stained or missing parts.
This is why you’ll rarely see packages these days without QR codes. They are the most reliable tools to track and learn more about a product: its origins, tracking number, and all other relevant details.
In terms of data errors or updates, you can always edit the data you’ve embedded for as long as you use a Dynamic QR code.
Customize your QR code inventory management
You can customize a QR code per item to help you distinguish one thing from another.
Assign different colors, logos, or designs for each QR code to easily identify items. Play around with the personalization tools and features to find the right look for your inventory system or customer engagement strategies.
Note that both Static and Dynamic QR codes allow you to customize the codes as you please, but only the latter enables you to update information and track scans.
So, you might want to choose this feature to reuse your editable and trackable QR codes as needed in your day-to-day operations.
Inventory QR codes hold more data
These nifty squares can hold more data in different formats. They’re basically the upgraded version of bar codes.
Instead of embedding texts or descriptions, you can add images or videos to make it easier for your staff to identify and scan each item.
Fight off fraud with QR code scan data
QR codes can be a great way to check the authenticity of your inventories. Receivers that scan the code should access the correct data you embedded. This is an excellent way to fight fraud and counterfeits in the market.
Use the scan data analytics on your chosen free QR code software dashboard to monitor every location, device used, device, time of scan, and more.
What is a mobile-based inventory management system using QR code?
Back then, businesses only had barcode readers and mountains of folders to access their inventory.
Today, businesses can simplify their files and properly manage their inventory turnover by using an inventory management app, and labeling items using your QR code inventory system.
The process is error-free, and managers can easily track the scan data to see the activity for each inventory or delivery process.
Even new employees can easily adapt to this user-friendly system. Using their mobile devices, they can simply scan a QR code to access the data in real time.
This is especially beneficial during emergencies, when each step of the inventory-to-delivery process needs to be communicated clearly and double-check some items.
Who can benefit from using QR codes in managing inventory?
Most enterprises and organizations can benefit from implementing this secure yet low-cost technology. Some have started using robots that navigate packages using QR codes.
However, you don’t need to employ expensive robots or AI tools to streamline your inventory management. You can do it effectively with the ever-reliable dynamic QR codes from Free QR Code Generator.
What’s more, it’s so much easier for your team to learn this process, as everyone is quite familiar with the use of QR codes. They can easily access these codes and links straight from their mobile phones, so you’re sure that it will be easy to collaborate with them and track your scan data wherever it may be.
QR code inventory system for stores and shops
Business owners can use product packaging QR codes to keep track of stock and customer orders for faster, more accurate service.
Logistics facilities, warehouses, and distribution centers
Warehouse managers can use QR codes to manage incoming and outgoing goods, check stock levels, and guarantee smooth logistics operations.
Manufacturers
These big corporations can use QR codes for quality control and traceability purposes to track raw materials, WIP items, and finished goods.
Hospitals and other healthcare facilities
All healthcare staff can be easily trained to track supplies and equipment, patient specimens, and medications with the right use of inventory QR code.
Institutions of higher learning
Teachers, librarians, and school staff can employ QR codes for inventory tracking and management to monitor the inventory of books, equipment, and other resources. This will allow them to monitor access in secure locations like laboratories and storage closets.
Local, state, and federal governments
Even with budget cuts, governments can benefit from the use of service and management QR codes, especially when it comes to shipment tracking, public service announcements, and regulatory adherence.
Law and accounting firms
QR codes can benefit them, especially with bookkeeping, as they’re able to track the access records of each confidential file or folder.
Retail QR codes are essential to effectively track tools and equipment, monitor maintenance schedules, and guarantee on-time service delivery.
How to create a QR code for inventory
Now, you’re ready to make your very own QR code! Just follow these easy steps:
1. Open Free QR Code Generator on your browser.
2. Choose the QR code solution you need.
3. Provide the details. It could be a link (URL) or anything from product details to stock levels and physical warehouse locations—basically anything that you want to embed.
4. Select Dynamic QR and generate.
5. Customize your QR code for authentication or identification purposes. You can tailor your QR code to your preferences in terms of color, frames, and eyes. You can add your logo and call to action below.
6. Test your QR code to ensure it’s working.
7. Download QR code PNG or SVG, print, and attach it to your inventories.
Keep track of your business’ inventory using the Free QR code Generator
QR codes can streamline your inventory processes, and the data tracking feature makes communicating with your teams so much easier.
Do away with the manual inventory recording and tracking. When the number of stocks gets too overwhelming, it’s just more prone to human error.
QR codes are the way to go to eliminate these all-too-common problems. Visit a free QR code platform and sign up for a free account so you can start your QR code inventory management today.