Using GS1 QR Code for Tracking Construction Materials

Using GS1 QR Code for Tracking Construction Materials

Construction companies worldwide require proper tracking of the assets to keep an extra eye on machinery and its movement. It gives a run-through of where the holdings are all the time and keeps you informed about everything your company owns.

Since the traditional methods are no longer applicable, we have the GS1 QR code for tracking construction materials. This standard barcode system makes it easy to track components and makes the company assets easily accessible. 

So, let’s get in and see the purpose, benefits, and everything else about the GS1 standard QR code in the construction industry. 

Table of Contents

    1. What is the purpose of the GS1 QR code?
    2. GS1 QR code for tracking construction materials
    3. Benefits of using GS1 QR technology for tracking construction materials
    4. Why are GS1 standard QR codes a good choice for construction materials tracking?
    5. Challenges and solutions for GS1 QR technology implementation
    6. How to create a GS1-compliant QR code for construction with a GS1 QR code generator
    7. Level up your tracking game with the GS1 QR code for construction

What is the purpose of the GS1 QR code?

Scanning the GS1 2D barcodes allow users to access special offers, comprehensive descriptions of certain products, tutorials, and buyers’ feedback. These codes are part of a global system that follows the standards set forth by the GS1 to ensure everyone can access the same details about a product. 

This is an improvement in product identification or labeling with added interactive features. While GS1 barcodes, with their traditional GTIN, excel in tracking and identifying products within value chains, the GS1 QR takes it a step further by enabling digital interactions. 

For businesses, this would imply converting a simple code into a more effective tool for marketing and engagement. Moreover, it is helpful to clients in increasing traceability while at the same time ensuring better engagement with customers.  

The GS1 QR provides a connecting link between physical goods and digital content, making both the customer experience and supply chain management more effective. 

GS1 QR code for tracking construction materials

GS1 QR code for tracking

Using the GS1 QR code for tracking construction materials helps keep an accurate record of where company assets are at all times. This way, project managers and site supervisors can quickly update the exact locations of materials and equipment on the site, helping them make operations smoother. 

If teams know the location of all their inventories, it will become easier to keep construction projects on schedule and reduce delays. Moreover, GS1 QRs for tracking construction materials reduce the risk of losses and theft.

This saves a lot of bucks as companies don’t have to find substitutes or replace the missing items. The real-time tracking also allows construction companies to add an extra layer of security to protect valuable materials. As a result, companies can reduce insurance costs since the risk of theft or loss is minimized. 

Benefits of using GS1 QR technology for tracking construction materials

GS1 QRs are truly reliable in tracking and keeping all kinds of construction materials, from raw materials to finished goods, until they reach the construction site. Let’s see what other benefits these codes offer in the construction industry. 

Reliability

GS1 QRs effectively minimize errors and risks associated with manual data entry of assets. This reliability positively contributes to the quality of the data concerning the materials and equipment and, therefore, to improve the decisions made and the resulting projects. 

By eliminating potential errors, the GS1 QR for construction reduces risk in the construction process, thereby improving the project timelines and resource estimations. When teams can rely on accurate and timely information, trust builds with stakeholders like investors and partners.

This trust is important as it shows that the project is managed well and thus increases confidence in the work being done. This way, everyone is more committed to the project’s success. 

Enhancing data analytics and decision-making

Tracking construction materials using GS1 standard QR is a very effective technique, and it offers several benefits, one of which is increased effectiveness in data analysis and processing. GS1 QRs help capture real-time information about the use, location, and status of materials whenever they are scanned.

This information can be easily fed into sophisticated data analysis engines and offer meaningful information to construction managers on trends of inventory and usage. By using this knowledge, managers can minimize the fluctuations in the supply chain and ensure they order the right amount of material when required.

This way, it makes total project management since it helps solve problems based on factual data, provides appropriate materials and time for project management, and consequently, improves the quality of projects and their costs.

Inventory management

GS1 QR code for parts tracking and recalls enhances inventory management as these codes make construction materials tracking more reliable and easy. Items can be counted and recorded by their location and immediately retrieved in a system if they are in stock or ordered by the customer. 

This real-time visibility means one can plan and schedule resources to undertake the right tasks at the right time without experiencing hitches due to the absence or mis-location of materials. 

Other than that, the reordering processes are also convenient with the GS1 QRs, as the system can notify the managers once the supplies are almost lean. 

This proactive step of monitoring the project inventory ensures that the organization does not end up with too much or too little stock. This prevents any effect on the project delivery time, cost, and overall construction process.

Why are GS1 standard QR codes a good choice for construction materials tracking?

Construction environments often face challenges when it comes to tracking materials and equipment using traditional methods. Normal wear and tear from dust, moisture, and temperature can fade barcodes and tracking labels, making them out of service and hard to read.

However, construction QR codes offer the advantage of being more sustainable and less susceptible to damage. These codes can be printed on other hard materials and administered with coatings to resist environmental stress.

This will ensure that the GS1 digital link QR code remains scannable and that the prevailing environmental conditions on the construction site do not distort the information embedded in them.

Challenges and solutions for GS1 QR technology implementation

GS1 QR implementation in construction is not as straightforward as it seems. There are a few challenges and, fortunately, many solutions for them. So, let us look at some common issues.

Employee training

For the GS1 barcode to deliver expected results, employees must be familiar with its usage and scanning. Without adequate knowledge, a company cannot enjoy the full benefits of this technology. 

To address this, construction firms should implement comprehensive training sessions involving all staff members. These training sessions should include activities such as how to read and use a QR code, how the data enters into the system, and what to do if there is any issue with the process. 

Investing in proper training maximizes the benefits of GS1 QRs in tracking materials and equipment. The best part is that it results in a higher return on investment as employees become proficient in using this system. 

Integration with existing systems

Most construction firms still use old infrastructures, such as tracking construction materials and equipment, which may not integrate well with new technologies. This creates compatibility issues in integrating the new GS1 QRs into current processes. 

However, solutions are available to overcome this challenge. One of them is Middleware, a type of software, can effectively bridge the gap between the QR codes and older systems. 

How to create a GS1-compliant QR code for construction with a GS1 QR code generator

GS1 QR code generator

Creating a GS1 QR for tracking construction materials is a piece of cake with the right GS1 QR generator. Follow these steps to create a GS1 standard QR for your construction equipment. 

  1. Go to the GS1 Digital Link QR code and fill in the required information.
  2. Enter the URL you want to embed in the GS1 QR.
  3. Customize the QR code according to your preferences. Change the brands, eyes, logo, colors, etc., to align well with your brand.
  4. Once done, test the GS1 QR to see if it works well and take you to the right link. You can test using different devices to ensure the code is compatible with different smartphone models.
  5. Finally, download the QR code in your preferred format, print it out, and label it on the relevant equipment. 

Level up your tracking game with the GS1 QR code for construction

Using the GS1 QR code for tracking construction materials brings considerable improvement in the construction industry. These codes optimize inventory, increase the ability to track and control products, and improve the efficiency of work.

Coupled with real-time data analysis, construction managers can make the right decisions based on data about the supply chain. Incorporating these efficient tracking solutions into your construction projects will result in efficient resource use and timely project delivery, and your construction projects’ overall cost will be dramatically reduced.

So, begin implementing change for your construction inventory with GS1 QRs now and see the difference for yourself. 


DISCLAIMER: We acknowledge that GS1, as well as the materials, proprietary items, and all related patents, copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property (collectively, “intellectual property”) relating to its use, are the property of GS1 Global, and that our use of the same shall be in accordance with the conditions provided by GS1 Global.