Barcodes can be incredibly helpful, especially on the warehouse floor. Instead of manually entering parts and products into an inventory management system, manufacturers can just label those items with a barcode, then scan the code to get information about the item. Traditional barcodes have been doing this job effectively for decades. But as technology advances and the trend towards conscious consumerism grows, many manufacturers are skipping basic barcodes and opting for two-dimensional barcodes, or QR codes. In this article, we’ll explain the advantages of using QR codes in manufacturing. We’ll also show you how AMNI can help your company implement QR codes to improve your operations and gain a competitive edge.
Why use QR codes in manufacturing?
These square-shaped codes offer many advantages over their linear counterparts, improving how manufacturers manage their processes and interact with their products.
Increased Data Capacity
QR codes can hold a lot more information than regular barcodes. They’re like a bigger storage space because they’re two-dimensional. This expanded capacity enables manufacturers to encode various data types, such as serial numbers, batch information, manufacturing dates, and even hyperlinks to detailed product information.
Better Readability
QR codes boast superior readability, even when damaged or partially obscured. This resilience ensures reliable scanning, minimizing errors and streamlining workflows on the production line.
Versatility
QR codes can be printed on a variety of surfaces, including labels, packaging, and even directly onto products themselves. Their compact size and flexibility make them suitable for a wide range of applications within the manufacturing environment.
Consumer Engagement
Beyond internal operations, QR codes offer a unique opportunity for manufacturers to help serve consumers. By scanning a QR code, consumers can access detailed product information, including ingredients, quality checks, scientific facts, and product origins, fostering transparency and trust. Today’s customers want more visibility and transparency around the raw materials that go into the products they use, especially when it comes to consumables and health products. cGMP manufacturers can set themselves apart by giving brands the opportunity to sell products that show the full path of a product from start to finish.
The New Standard
Aside from the operational leg-up manufacturers can achieve in using QR codes, it also helps them align with industry efforts to accept 2D barcodes. GS1, the organization that sets the most widely used standards for barcodes in global supply chains, is leading an initiative to transition to accepting 2D barcodes at point-of-sale. Implementing 2D barcodes now will make it easier to fall in line once it becomes the standard in a few years.
How QR Codes Work in AMNI Platforms
Whether you’re using ezGMP, the AMNI Network, or TruInsights, you can automatically generate QR codes for components and products that can provide limitless data and information for everyone in the value chain.
Each inventory item gets a QR code label that looks like this:
This QR code can be used for all of the following:
Managing Warehouse Operations
By attaching the QR code label to inventory items or storage locations, warehouse personnel can quickly scan them to update inventory records, track movement within the facility, and facilitate accurate picking, packing, and shipping processes. This minimizes errors, reduces manual labor, and improves overall warehouse productivity.
Viewing Product or Component Data
By scanning QR codes associated with specific products or components, manufacturers can instantly retrieve relevant data, such as manufacturing parameters, quality control metrics, and batch histories in ezGMP. This real-time visibility enhances operational efficiency and enables proactive decision-making.
Sharing Product Information with Consumers
By adding QR codes to packaging or product labels, consumers can scan them using their smartphones to access batch-specific information with TruInsights. Brands can share all kinds of information with consumers here, from the origin of particular ingredients, to the quality checks performed on a product. This not only enhances the customer experience, but also empowers consumers to make informed purchasing decisions.
We’re proponents of QR codes in manufacturing, and we think you’ll see the benefits too. By embracing QR code technology, manufacturers can unlock new levels of efficiency, accuracy, and agility in an increasingly competitive market landscape. To learn how your manufacturing business can take advantage, get in touch with us today.
