Hi,
We are investigating the use of QR Codes as part of an inventory tracking system for personal protection equipment (outdoor safety equipment).
We have experimented with codes of different sizes and different collections and are getting to grips with this LC object.
One thing that is driving this is that we don't need to get specialist equipment. We came across QuickMark QR Code Reader that can run on any/most phone with a camera. Therefore the label can be small (QR Code only) and not have all the data physically printed off in text/English.
We intend to have a LC form connected to a database, which would generate a QR Code for each piece of kit (data included: ID code; person issued to; date issued; date inspected; next inspection due), which would then be printed and affixed to the piece of kit.
Has anyone any experience in using this type of solution for inventory tracking and what is the best approach for printing the QR code, taking into account robustness, durability, readability.
I appreciate that this isn't strictly a "forms" question, but I would be grateful for feedback/tips from anyone who has deployed QR Codes in this way.
Thanks,
Niall
In most cases, the QR pixels should be at least 1.5mm wide (we find 2mm is a good compromise). Phones claim to be able to read smaller imprints, but if the lighting isn't perfect they won't. You're then of course limited by the size of your object as to how much data you can embed in the QR, but if need be you can often split it across two or three blocks - for something long and narrow where a single large square won't fit.
Physically, we laserprint onto adhesive-backed sheets of Teslin, which is as indestructible and weatherproof as you need short of screenprinting on the object itself.
It's also worth using the codes for inspection entry rather than just recording the last event - code carries a URL to run a new entry into your database via your website, suitably password-protected etc., so recording a new inspection is a scan-and-click job.
Although LC can't do it (a rights issue over the algorithm), you can generate QRs using the "DIY" tools on the Quickmark website that are encrypted. You need to use their reader on your phone, but the result is only people with the password/PIN can read the raw text. They're a little more dot-heavy, but we use them to "hide" URLs and serial numbers only designed for use by repair engineers.