QR codes for Reordering and Inventory updates

Much has been said about using QR codes to contain more information. I like it for operational use because lots of information can be packed in the QR code for immediate processing by any QR code reader, as opposed to needing to pull the relevant information from a database, that takes time, and may not be cheap.

More interestingly, QR code also contains url features that allow people to create QR codes on labels that allow customers to easily reorder the same products. This is possible when suppliers combine customer codes and products to pre-fill say a Google form that can be pulled up using the QR code.

Another experience is using QR code to facilitate inventory updates. Inventory of different products could be on different spreadsheets, and their file path name can be quite long. Users currently may need to manually search for the right file to update. By embedding a QR code on a workorder or delivery order, the user just have to scan the QR code to pick up the right inventory file to update. This saves time and makes less mistakes.

Separate Quantity Related Info With Other Product Info

Actual information like quantity and pallet information often requires receiving staff to count and record on upon receiving. This means it takes time to generate bar code labels that needs such information, often creating a bottle-neck. 

To ease this bottleneck, provide the putaway staff with running number bar code that they can stick on pallets, and associate this bar code with a receiving master tag or bar code label. He or she can key in the sighted/counted info like quantity and/or pallets. This eases the bottleneck in waiting for all the information to be keyed in for a complete label to be generated.

The master tag or bar code can be on the receiving document that the putaway staff can hold on to and scan, to associate with the running number labels on the pallets of products.