Hey there, industry enthusiasts! If you're here, you might be wondering which is better for asset tracking: barcode or QR code. As always, our Flare Compare team comes to the rescue to help you make informed decisions. Today we'll be presenting all the features, benefits, and drawbacks of both technology solutions to help you make the right choice for your business.
What Is Barcode?
First things first, let's go over the basics. A barcode is a machine-readable set of lines, numbers, and characters that convey information about a product, inventory item, or asset in question. Barcodes are the industry standard for tracking physical assets in various industries, from retail to manufacturing. They have been around for years, and most businesses are familiar with creating, scanning, and tracking barcode systems.
What Is QR Code?
QR code stands for "Quick Response" code. It is a type of 2D matrix barcode that contains black and white squares that can hold significantly more data than a regular barcode. QR codes can quickly link to web pages, photographs, texts, contact information, videos, or other forms of digital content. The sheer amount of data they can contain and the speed of their retrieval make them appealing for various industries that require asset tracking or inventory management.
Barcode vs. QR Code
Now, let's compare the two of them head to head:
Size
Barcodes are generally smaller in size than QR codes, and they can easily be placed on a product or asset. QA codes require more space due to their complex design and ability to hold more data.
Capacity
Barcodes can only hold a limited amount of information - generally up to 20 characters. By contrast, QR codes have a much higher capacity and can hold up to 7000 characters. This difference in capacity is due to the difference in size.
Scanning
Scanning a barcode is relatively straightforward since they only require an optical scanner or smartphone. On the other hand, QR codes require more software since they're a 2D image, you’ll need a smartphone with an app to scan it. That means it’s more difficult to work with QR codes if you do not have the necessary technology for it.
Cost
Barcodes are simple and cheap to produce. QR codes require specialized software to generate and standard reading equipment such as smartphones. This heightened requirement can lead to QR codes being more expensive to generate and scan.
Efficiency
If you have a small amount of data to encode, then a barcode may be enough. However, QR codes are faster and more efficient when storing a larger amount of data since they can scan and generate at high speeds.
Which One is Better for Asset Tracking?
The answer to this question depends on factors like how much data needs to be encoded, cost, scanning environment, and the desired technology. If you're tracking assets with smaller data capacity or need to hold static data like inventory tracking, then barcodes could be the way to go. But if you're tracking assets with a larger data capacity or need dynamic data like website links or digital content tied to the asset, then QR codes are a better bet.
Conclusion
Barcode or QR code, each has its own unique features, benefits, and drawbacks. Both barcode and QR codes are excellent options for asset tracking, but the choice depends upon the specific needs of your business. We hope this post helped you understand the differences between the two technologies, and you can make an informed decision as per your requirements.
References:
- Simmons, R. (2016). Barcodes versus RFID. Retrieved August 10, 2021, from https://www.sdcexec.com/transportation/blog/12259698/barcodes-versus-rfid
- QR code generator. (n.d.). Retrieved August 10, 2021, from https://www.qrcode-generator.de/