How QR Code Tracking Simplifies Supply Chain Management?

The system of tracking and managing supply chains has changed over the years. What started with manual tracking proceeded to barcode tracking systems and is currently seeing a technological shift after QR codes emerged.

QR codes were designed specifically for inventory management in the 1930s, but they are currently doing more than that. When organizations got their hands on QR codes, they got creative, and we know what happened next.

We got to see QR codes everywhere; feedback forms, business cards, and even for payments, QR codes made their way through every corner.

But we are not here to talk about the journey of QR codes. Today, we will talk about the role of QR codes in supply chain management and how the said technology has made it easier to handle complex chains.

Role Of QR Codes In Supply Chain Management System

As stated above, QR codes were first designed for inventory management, but when engineers learned about their benefits, they started using them everywhere, including supply chains.

But can QR codes really help in handling complex supply chains? Do they have the ability to make supply chain management easier for businesses?

Well, the answer to the above questions would be YES! Organizations are adopting QR codes due to various reasons.

1. Easy Installation

One of the major reasons enterprises are implementing QR codes as the core of their supply chain management system is due to their easy installation.

Unlike barcode tracking systems, QR codes do not need bulky equipment for the setup process.

Several tools available in the market can generate QR codes at little to no cost. Moreover, you don’t need high-tech equipment to read QR codes. A simple smartphone can also scan a QR code and provide you with the details.

Managing a supply chain is tedious, so having an easy-to-setup core technology can take off the load from organizations.

2. High Transparency

For businesses managing several supply chains, it’s important to have transparency in each one of them. Without transparency, it would be difficult to provide backups in case of emergencies or delays.

Due to this, organizations opt for a dynamic QR code tracking system that provides all major and minute details to the concerned person at regular intervals.

Whether your shipment is derailing or there’s an intrusion in the supply chain, a QR code-powered supply chain management software will provide alerts for all these conditions.

Besides, you can also improve your customer care services with the information the supply chain management system provides you. If there’s a delay in the process, you can alert your customers about the same and provide them with alternate options or gift coupons for the inconvenience caused.

3. Vast Storage

Compared to barcodes, QR codes have vast storage. You can store a lot of information about the product in a single QR code. From its manufacturing date, processing time, expiration, ingredient details, etc., these are just a few items that a QR code can store.

It allows you to store important information that will come in handy in the upcoming supply chain management system step. You don’t have to write everything down in just 20 characters anymore.

4. Security

Cases of counterfeit products are rising daily, keeping enterprises on their toes. It is important to save supply chains from counterfeiters and aware customers of the same.

With QR codes, we can do all of these with ease. As each QR code is unique, counterfeiters cannot copy them; hence, selling counterfeit products to customers is reduced.

Besides, we can always combine advanced technologies to make QR code tracking more feasible.

For example, you can implement technology that will state the total number of devices that have scanned the QR code, and if the number is higher than expected, you can take necessary actions. There are so many ways to enhance QR codes to increase the security of your supply chains.

5. Customizable

The best thing about QR codes for developing a supply chain management system is that you can customize it per your requirements.

Unlike barcoding in supply chain management, which has a fixed structure, QR codes have no limitations. You can design a QR code based on the different steps of the supply chain.

For example, you can design different QR codes for vendors from where you sourced the raw materials, one set for the shops where your products are sold, and other sets for different steps throughout the supply chain.

Besides, you can interlink these QR codes and handle them effectively through supply chain management software.

6. Removes Manual Errors

Even while using barcode tracking systems, we need to manually input the product details in the system, which requires effort. Though it might seem easy, a lot can go wrong in this simple task.

There have been several cases where manual errors, like miscalculations or wrong details, have caused huge losses to companies.

Now, we don’t want that, do we? That’s why it is important to opt for QR code-based systems that have the ability to automate the entire process.

With QR codes automating the entire process, the chances of manual error diminish, and you can easily use the said resources in other useful areas.

7. Real-time Alerts

It is well known that QR codes can provide real-time alerts if you combine them with advanced technologies like AI and ML.

As supply chains are getting more complex every day, it has become crucial for business owners to have systems that can provide them with real-time alerts throughout the process.

With advanced QR codes in supply chains, you can remain assured that the system will notify you in case of intrusion, derailing of shipment, theft, or any other emergencies.

Supply chain management is not as easy as it sounds. Why? That’s because you need professionals who can handle the entire process and track every single step. Though QR codes can ease out the burden of handling several supply chains simultaneously, you still need an expert on field.

Sepio Solutions can be your best friend in supply chain management. With advanced QR code based track and trace systems, anti-counterfeiting technologies, and an expert team to answer all your queries, Sepio Solutions will be with you throughout the journey. Contact at [email protected] right now and secure your supply chains.