Inventory Management

Inventory management is the process of accurately tracking product quantities, conditions, and storage locations. Compared with 1D barcodes, QR codes can store multiple data points (such as part number, lot, manufacture date, and location) in a single code.

A typical QR-based workflow attaches labels at receiving, then scans at shelving, picking, and shipping to update status. QR codes store up to thousands of characters, enabling offline operation in environments without network connectivity.

The cost structure differs between QR codes and RFID. RFID tags carry a per-tag cost, while QR labels can be printed on standard printers. However, QR codes require individual scanning unlike RFID's bulk reading capability, so RFID is an option for large-scale stocktaking.