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QR Codes for Supply Chain Traceability

A yellow sign with a QR code on the side of a pallet rack.
A new blue cell phone in a box with a QR code on the side.

QR codes are becoming the fastest and most effective supply chain traceability solution for making and sharing updates across the supply chain.

By embedding product information such as batch information, URLs that hold logistics updates for tracking, inventory management, shipment status, and even links to further product usage details, you streamline all of the information into a centralized location for everyone to see. 

In this use case, we’ll tell you some of the benefits and best practices for using QR code technology in the supply chain so you can enhance operational efficiency with accuracy and speed.

The Benefits of Creating QR Codes for Supply Chain Traceability

Add to your protocols by incorporating QR codes into the supply chain. Their various benefits will enhance operations and end usage of the product.

Dynamic QR codes are editable

This is necessary for QR code product tracking. Static codes are not editable. Dynamic QR codes enable you to change any content you want as the product moves through the supply chain. You can even add extra information for end users like product instruction manuals, ingredients, recipes, tutorials, etc.

QR codes can contain multiple links

When you choose a QR code for multiple links, supply chain traceability can satisfy all stakeholders involved. Use different links for product advice, ingredients, tutorials, social media, registration pages, and more.

QR codes are now multi faceted

They serve a lot of purposes beyond menus and paying contactless. Create a GS1-Approved QR Code with a Digital Link and remove traditional barcodes from your packaging. Now, 2D barcodes for retail are beginning to appear on all types of packaging, eliminating the need for a QR code and barcode to coexist on the same product.

They are cost effective

Supply chain operations are streamlined when workers don’t have to run back and forth between computers and phone calls. Updates can be received by updating URLs on the backend so those who scan the QR code can get the most recent information on things like tracking or recalls. This mitigates risk and needless repetition for labor.

QR codes are trackable

This is information useful for marketers down the line. If you have a product with a QR code on the packaging, QR code tracking enables you to see cities it was scanned in, the times it was scanned, and how many scans there were. 

How to Create QR Codes for Supply Chain Traceability

Step 1: Go to Trueqrcode QR code generator and choose your QR code type. We suggest the GS1 Digital Link QR Code or the Multi-Link QR Code. 

For bulk QR code generation: 

You’ll take these steps below for bulk QR code generation. If not, move on to Step 2 below.

  1. a) Scroll a little down until you see the “Create bulk” button and click on it.
    b) A pop-up will appear to download our .csv file.
    c) Download it and enter the information it asks for.
    d) Review the information you input. Dynamic QR codes are editable, but it’s not recommended in case an error occurs, that you would have to find specific codes with mistakes and fix them.
    e) Save your .csv file for later on your computer. Don’t delete it, ever.
    f) Reupload it to Trueqrcode where it asks you to.

Step 2: Fill in the content it asks for. It will ask for the header, description, socials, links, and a GTIN QR Code (Digital Link) will ask for its respective number(s).

Step 3: Design your QR code landing page. Add branded colors, a logo, or a product image, and clear titles on each of the links so people know what to search for.

Step 4: Customize QR codes with your QR code logo and branded, contrasting colors so they scan well. Your QR code design will stay the same on all of the codes you generate if you choose batch generation.

Step 5: Download your QR codes, test scan a few of them, and click on all of their links to make sure they’re correct.

Step 6: When you print, make sure there is a little white space around the code and that it’s at least .8 x .8 in, not printed on creases, strong curves, high-gloss finishes, or folds. Do one test print on packaging or materials before printing all of them.

Step 7: Our QR code generator with tracking enables you to see the amount of scans done, what cities they came from, and on what devices, if this information is important for your customer satisfaction metrics. It also allows you to do A/B testing over time so you can add and take away content links that are more useful for your audience. This is an important part of QR code marketing, whereas printed campaigns in the past did not provide data in return.

Some blue and white porcelain cups with cranes on them in a red-lined box with a QR code on the packaging inside.
An orange box with a QR code on it, stacked on top of another box, on a warehouse floor with shadows.

Best Practices for Creating QR Codes for Supply Chain Traceability

Supply chain traceability is maximized when all of the information is transparent from A to Z. QR codes take out the confusion and unknowns regarding products and their movements. Your QR codes and information will vary, as every supply chain has its own way of functioning. Here are just a few ways you can use them in your operations.

Use QR codes for manufacturing and quality assurance

Add safety, compliance, checklists, certificates of analysis, and track batches. A multi URL QR code generator will enable you to add links to all of this information into one QR code landing page, so anyone scanning the code in the supply chain has it immediately.

Improve logistics and tracking with QR codes

Add a logistics page link to a QR code. Freight companies have their own QR codes, and those would be separate for pallets and loads. QR codes on packaging would be different, so be mindful of where you print them. You can add a link later on to tracking links for inbound or outbound logistics as products receive updates. QR code product tracking is different for every supply chain, and you can test what works best for you.

Manage warehouse operations with QR codes

Pick and pack, dispatch operations, inventory, loading, and receiving are simplified. Make updates immediately as products move by adding information to URLs internally, or from common carriers.

Enhance consumer engagement with QR code marketing

Serialization, warranties, socials, registration, and more are optimized by making two-way communication more convenient than ever. Instead of searching for URLs online, end consumers can scan a product QR code that takes them to the product information and extras they need for their best experiences. Further engagement also improves data retention from products bought in person or through ecommerce to enhance personalized marketing based on preferences.

Get rid of barcodes and use smart packaging

With growing consumer demands for more information and more sustainability, QR codes are the only supply chain traceability solution. Now, a massive amount of information is held in one tiny code. Smart packaging is no longer just product protection; it’s a digital asset that is used for the needs of the supply chain and its stakeholders.

Tips for Creating QR Codes for Supply Chain Traceability

For your best QR code usage in the supply chain, here are a few tips about how QR code technology can help.

Review your .csv file before uploading for bulk creation

If you batch generate QR codes, you need everything to be completely accurate on the spreadsheet you upload. Yes, dynamic QR codes are editable, but it would be quite difficult and time consuming if you needed to go back in and edit codes separately.

Use a resolver service

This directs the person scanning the QR code to their proper information. Depending on device and location, the resolver will send warehouse staff or a delivery driver to one place, a cashier at a POS to another place, and an end consumer to yet another. This is necessary for GS1 Digital Links. It’s a separate service from the QR code generator itself.

Keep the data structure consistent

Batch numbers, lots, etc., can appear when the code is scanned if it’s necessary for you. Anything that is more detailed should be updated on the links that are in the QR code landing page. Consistency is key when busy supply chains need to know where to look for updated information.

Integrate with your existing systems

QR codes are most powerful when connected to your ERP, WMS, or inventory systems. This ensures real-time updates and avoids data silos. Human error from inventory tracking is reduced, and protocols flow more smoothly.

Consider where you’re printing them on packaging

Maintain a consistent flow of operations, making QR codes accessible and convenient to scan on materials that can withstand shipping procedures. QR codes on product packaging should be well thought out before the product is born. Is the code being printed on individual packaging or on boxes from batches? Is it the same code or do you need different ones? Think about how the product is handled throughout and adjust as necessary.

FAQs

These are the most frequently asked questions and their answers about making QR codes for supply chain management.

QR codes can store URLs of all of the information about a product, while tracking its journey from manufacturing to the end consumer. This helps players in the supply chain share information quickly and accurately.

A QR code can hold 7,089 numeric characters, 4,296 alphanumeric characters, or 2,953 bytes (binary) at once. Some of the supply chain management topics would include batch numbers, expiry dates, lot numbers, and shortened URLs to updated track and trace information, or product information.

They make data sharing more cost-effective and faster between workers in the supply chain. They can retrieve information with one scan, saving time.

By 2027, everyone will be making the switch to 2D barcodes (QR codes) because it satisfies the needs of workers in the supply chain, cashiers at POS, and end users, instead of having a one-dimensional barcode that is only useful for limited needs.

If you have item-level QR codes that are unique, or batch-level QR codes for batches, each product has a unique identifier. For product-level QR codes (and most are), and the aforementioned codes, they can be tracked throughout the entire product journey for updates on shipping, recalls, quality control, etc.