What are QR codes applications in asset tracking?

QR codes have been known to most of us because of their increasing usage in various aspects of our lives. From advertising to marketing and even information dissemination, these simple black-and-white square images have taken on a plethora of new meanings. With the ever-increasing number of uses and applications for these codes, you can only imagine just how much more they are going to grow in the future.

In this article, we will be focusing on some major applications for QR codes in asset management.

Inventory Management: QR codes can be used to quickly and accurately track inventory levels and stock locations.
Asset Tracking: QR codes can be used to track the location of assets, such as equipment or vehicles, in real time.
Maintenance Management: QR codes can be used to store maintenance records and history for each asset, making it easier to keep up with regular maintenance schedules.
Shipping & delivery of assets: QR codes can be used to track business asset deliveries from point A to point B, ensuring that they arrive on time and without any damage or loss in transit.
Security & Access Control: QR codes can be used to control access to certain areas or assets, providing an extra layer of security for sensitive information or equipment.

Let’s take a look at what these use cases are all about and how they can help with your business practices.

Inventory Management

QR codes can be a useful tool in inventory management. Here are some ways to use them:

Create QR codes that link to item information or inventory tracking systems. This can help staff quickly access item information and track stock levels without having to search through manual records.
Use QR codes to track the movement of items or equipment from one location to another, such as from a local site to the central storage. This helps ensure that items are not misplaced or lost in transit.
Place QR codes on assets or packaging so that customers can scan them and access more information about the asset.

Asset Tracking

QR codes can be used to track assets in a variety of ways.

First, it is important to generate and print a unique QR code for each asset. Some asset tracking software like Bulbthings will deliver ready-to-use QR codes stickers to spare you this step. This QR code should then be affixed to the asset in an easily visible location.
Once the QR codes have been attached, they can be scanned at any point in the asset’s lifecycle to provide an audit trail of its location, movement and usage. This information can then be stored and tracked using asset tracking software or an integrated inventory management system.
QR codes can also be used to quickly access additional information about specific assets such as model numbers, serial numbers, warranty details or maintenance records. This information can then be used for preventive maintenance and repairs, as well as for restocking purposes.

Maintenance Management

QR codes can be used in maintenance management to streamline processes and improve efficiency. Here are some ways they can be implemented:

Asset tracking: QR codes can be affixed to assets to help track their whereabouts and maintenance schedule.
Maintenance scheduling: QR codes can provide quick access to maintenance schedules, instructions, and other relevant information for technicians.
Preventive maintenance: QR codes can be used to trigger preventive maintenance tasks at predetermined intervals, such as changing filters or lubricating parts.
Inventory management: QR codes can help keep track of spare parts inventory levels and order new parts as needed.
Safety checks: QR codes can provide access to safety checklists that technicians must complete before beginning any work on an asset or machine.

Shipping & Delivery of assets

Create Packaging with QR Codes: Companies can print QR codes on shipping labels or packages that customers can scan with their smartphones to learn more about the purchased asset shipment, including tracking information and estimated delivery date.
Track Shipments in Real-Time: By attaching a QR code to each asset package, companies can track shipments in real-time and provide customers with updates about their order’s progress.
Improve Warehouse Efficiency: Warehouse managers can use QR codes to quickly identify items and manage inventory more efficiently.
Streamline Delivery Processes: Delivery drivers can use QR codes to confirm deliveries and collect signatures from customers without having to manually enter information into a system.
Automate Customs Declarations: By using a QR code on each asset package (e.g. transport of filming equipment or customer delivery for hired equipment), companies can automate the customs declaration process for international shipments and avoid costly delays due to manual errors or missing paperwork.

Assets Security & Access Control

Create Unique QR Codes: Create unique QR codes to be used in security and access control. Each code should be linked to a specific user or device and can only be used once.
Assign Access Levels: Assign each user or device a specific access level based on their role or privilege. This will allow you to control what areas of your facility they are allowed to enter and which functions they are allowed to perform.
Implement Scanning Stations: Install scanning stations at all entry points of your facility, such as doors, gates, elevators, etc., so that users can scan their unique QR codes for access control purposes.
Monitor Access Levels: Use the scanning stations to monitor who is entering the facility and when, as well as what access level they have been granted for each area of the facility or system. This will help you keep track of who is coming and going from your premises and ensure that only authorised personnel have access to certain areas or functions.

When it comes to asset management, QR codes are an incredibly useful tool. These simple codes can help track and manage the movement of assets, streamline operations at your facility, track maintenance schedules and improve efficiency. In addition, you can use them to create unique codes that can only be used once or to grant access to various areas or systems within your business. They’re also perfect for tracking asset shipments in real-time and providing updates about orders’ progress. And remember, you can always monitor access levels with the scanning stations.