Using GS1 QR Code For Tracking Media Equipment and Resources
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In a high-stakes production, every piece of equipment is important. If you miss anything, it can lead to costly delays, budget overruns, and even compromised content quality. No one wants that, so how about you find a simple way to track every resource you have on set?
Yes, GS1 QR codes are the answer.
The GS1 barcodes are the ideal option for maintaining operational efficiency during production while monitoring your inventory. The best part is that all you need is a mobile camera or simple scanning device to manage everything.
Let’s find out how to use the GS1 QR code for tracking media equipment and resources whenever you want.
Table of Contents
What are GS1 QR codes, and how do they work?
GS1 is a global non-profit organization responsible for maintaining international standards for business communication. One leading communication system includes standardized two-dimensional barcodes, also called GS1 QR codes.
These GS1 QR codes are better than the traditional barcodes that are utilized for marketing or storing simple data. The reason is that the GS1 2D barcodes deal with more structured and comprehensive data.
They store serial numbers, batch numbers, base URLs, data attributes, serial keys, product variants, and product identifiers. This information is highly important when you want to use the GS1 QR code for tracking media equipment and resources. Let’s get into the details of their work.
The mechanics behind GS1 QR code
Now, how do these tiny black-and-white pixelated images work? It’s pretty simple. The GS1 Digital Link QR code works by embedding structured data within the barcode, which can be easily scanned through any barcode reader or a smartphone.
When the code is scanned, the encoded information is quickly displayed, giving instant access to any data you want. In the case of asset management, these equipment QR codes track media equipment and resources and monitor the origin, status, or identity of equipment.
Core benefits of using GS1 QR codes in the media sector
QR codes were first introduced by a Japanese car manufacturer in 1994 to label car components. The technology saw significant growth during the Covid-19 pandemic, as its contactless nature became increasingly valuable.
Today, GS1 QR codes are widely used in the entertainment and media companies due to their numerous benefits, which include the following:
Real-time location tracking
The GS1 QR code for entertainment tracks the location of media equipment by embedding location data directly into the unique barcode. After scanning, the code reveals the exact location of the product while also mentioning its status (if it’s being used or not).
As a result, production teams can quickly locate resources accordingly. These codes can also be used for batch tracking by encoding numbers or batch codes to different pieces of equipment.
Streamlined inventory management
Handling equipment in the media industry can be challenging without GS1 2D barcodes, especially during the back-breaking production line-up with multiple people on board. GS1 QR codes offer a reliable and cost-effective solution to streamline the inventory management process.
With this technology, each piece of equipment can be labeled with a unique track QR code. When scanned, these codes update inventory records in real-time, indicating whether the equipment is in use, checked out, or returned.
So there is no need for manual checks or speed up audits. This lessens the risk of human error and results in a more accurate and efficient inventory management process where all the assets are accounted for.
Improved equipment security
The cost of media equipment is sky-high, which is why barcode tracking systems are used for these expensive items. These items are also highly vulnerable and susceptible to theft or misplacement.
The GS1 QR code improves security by providing detailed records of equipment usage. With every scan, users can identify who logged into the equipment, where it was in excess, and when it was last used. An audit trail like this really helps deter potential theft chances.
Automated maintenance scheduling
It is important to check and maintain expensive media items in optimal condition regularly. After a certain period of time, there is a maintenance schedule for the necessary services required by each piece of equipment.
Now, as humans, we can simply fail to identify potential issues and address them timely. Whereas the GS1 QR code for tracking media equipment and resources stores important information regarding maintenance scheduling. It tracks the maintenance history and life cycle of each item.
To keep resources in the best condition, one must use GS1 2D barcodes. It can also reduce the risk of unexpected breakdowns during critical production schedules.
How to use GS1 QR code for tracking media equipment and resources?
Evaluate current equipment
Generate and assign QR codes
Use a reliable GS1 QR code generator to create a unique code for every piece of equipment. The generator will generate equipment IDs, usage histories, and maintenance schedules for each item.
Once the QR codes have been generated, print and attach them to every item you have. Make sure that every code is securely affixed and visible for scanning. The generated GS1 QR code for tracking media equipment and resources will monitor your items in real time.
Integration with software solutions
Testing and training
Train your team accordingly on how to use and scan the GS1 QR code for tracking media equipment and resources during data retrieval.
Now begins the testing process. Test the G1 QR code system on a small scale to make sure everything works perfectly fine. Gain feedback and make changes before a full scale implementation.
Best practices to use GS1 QR codes in media inventories
Here are some tips and tricks for optimizing the usage of your GS1 QR code for tracking media equipment and resources.
Categorization: Categorize and label your media equipment. Categorization can be based on the types of equipment used, such as cameras, lighting, and audio. Assign specific GS1 QR codes to each of the items, making them easy to identify.
Assign and Label Codes: Assign individual QR codes to primary equipment that will store every little detail. Support equipment or accessories such as cables or batteries can be labeled through batch labeling. Batch labeling with GS1 2D barcodes simplifies the inventory management process.
Centralized Inventory Database: Maintain a centralized inventory database that updates every time a QR code is scanned. This ensures real-time inventory tracking and minimizes the risk of errors.
Routine Scanning: Implement a regular scanning protocol to maintain your equipment. This routine scanning procedure will keep the records up-to-date.
Ensure regulatory compliance with GS1 QR codes
Maintaining regulatory standards in media production houses is extremely important. These codes ensure compliance by providing accurate and easily accessible documentation of equipment use and maintenance.
With every scan, users can keep a check on regulatory reporting, audits, and compliance checks. This approach maintains adherence to industry standards and lessens the risk of non-compliance and potential penalties.
To keep the operations aligned with regulatory requirements, production teams take help of a GS1 QR code for tracking media equipment and resources. These tiny codes make reporting straightforward and help track missing pieces of equipment.
GS1 QR code generator is a leading platform that utilizes GS1 digital link QR codes to simplify the equipment tracking and maintenance process. Join the top brands that already use these codes to get ahead of their game in the media and tech sector!
Frequently asked questions
How do I create a QR Code for my equipment?
- Go to GS1 Digital Link QR code generator.
- Click on the Try it now button and enter your product information.
- Add more details and choose the outward method.
- You can customize your QR code by selecting different patterns and styles.
- Generate the QR code and perform a scan test.
How to use QR codes for inventory tracking?
Can QR codes be used for tracking?
How many times can a QR code be scanned?
There are two types of QR codes: static and dynamic. Static QR codes are permanent and can be scanned as often as possible.
Meanwhile, dynamic QR codes can or cannot be scanned multiple times, depending on the QR code generator's subscription plan. Some QR code generators allow unlimited scans, but others limit them.
