GS1 QR Code for Tracking Produce and Livestock Easily
Dealing with produce and livestock is one of the oldest businesses. Yet, the industry is still growing every day thanks to innovations made by experts all over the globe.
This job requires a lot of attention to detail; livestock managers have to deal with everything and ensure the crops and animals are in the best possible condition. Doing all of this manually without the help of technology can be overwhelming and prone to errors.
That's where GS1 QR codes for tracking produce and livestock come in. GS1 QR code technology can encode all information into one singular scannable image, making the management process much quicker. Let’s understand how it works!
Table of Contents
What is the GS1 QR code? A brief overview
The GS1 QR code is a standardized method for embedding multiple data groups into QR codes. The technology, developed by the Global System of Standards (GS1), is used in multiple industries around the globe.
It can store different types of data, such as text, photos, audio, video, files, etc. This makes it easy for ranchers and produce handlers to include as much information as they need for a product or for general guidelines.
Customers, clients and workers only need to point their mobile phone cameras to scan the GS1 QR Code, and they’ll be able to access all the information they need. Isn’t it a great option?
Use cases of GS1 QR code for tracking produce and livestock
GS1 barcode technology offers numerous benefits, including improved tracking accuracy, easy access to relevant data, and better inventory management. They simplify tasks, reduce mistakes, and help manage produce and livestock more competently. Here’s how it’s possible:
Scan location tracking
Livestock managers can use GS1 QR codes for shipment tracking. It is incredibly helpful for managers, as it enables them to track the location of produce or livestock at any given moment.
For example, managers can easily access data to confirm whether a batch of produce has reached the warehouse. If it has, the staff would have scanned the code to log the details. It ensures that managers stay informed and confident that everything is proceeding as planned.
Health and vaccination records
Animal handlers need to keep health records of their livestock. They usually keep this information in booklets or computer files.
However, there are situations where immediate access to this information is crucial, such as when a veterinarian requests it. The simple solution to this problem is using GS1 QR code technology for tracking produce and livestock.
By adding a GS1 QR code to each animal's tag, a vet can instantly review the entire health history with a quick scan. This means you won’t have to sift through computer files or physical records, making the process faster and more efficient.
Proper inventory & supply chain distribution
Sixty-two percent (62%) of businesses are financially affected by improper storage tracking, and livestock is no exception.
However, the GS1 QR code for tracking produce and livestock can fix this issue. Businesses, including livestock, can easily use the GS1 QR code for supply chain distribution and track important details like product details, health records, expiration dates, and inventory levels.
Proper living conditions
Approximately sixty percent (60%) of all infectious diseases, including Brucella, HIV, Salmonella, and the rabies virus, have their roots in animals, increasing the importance of proper living conditions for animals.
That’s the reason why it is important to keep livestock as healthy as possible, much like humans. Livestock owners can use GS1 QR codes for product manufacturing or animal care by placing these codes in the work area.
It will help workers to access information on how to maintain the right environment, such as the correct temperature and cleanliness. As a result, all workers follow the right steps to keep the animals safe and healthy while also preventing the spread of diseases.
Feeding program
Livestock, like humans, must consume a healthy diet. Ranchers typically follow a specific feeding program for cattle to make them eat healthy and control their growth rate. This strengthens the livestock, producing much more product quantities and higher quality.
To maintain consistency, the feeding program can be documented in a PDF file, with GS1 2D barcodes displayed in work areas. It's to ensure that regardless of which staff member is on duty, the animals receive appropriate nourishment.
Why use GS1 QR codes for tracking produce and livestock?
Now that you understand how GS1 QR Codes can improve logistics and supply chain management in the livestock industry, it’s time to discuss the benefits. These benefits will assist you in making decisions regarding GS1 QR code implementation.
Reduces human error
Improves animal welfare
GS1 QR codes for tracking produce and livestock directs users to a central location where all the crucial information for maintaining livestock welfare is compiled into a single scannable image, landing page or PDF file. This makes it easier to access and manage essential data.
Increases storage efficiency
Tracking things more efficiently helps ranchers and produce handlers manage their inventory. They can easily access detailed information about each item, including proper storage guidelines, with just a single scan, streamlining the operations.
Saves resources
Incorporating GS1 QR codes for tracking produce and livestock saves resources by reducing the need for paperwork and manual data entry. This eliminates the need for additional workers and simplifies both inventory management and animal care. Overall, it leads to more efficient operations and cost savings.
Easy-to-set-up
All it takes to set up the GS1 QR codes is to create an account with the GS1 QR Code generator. Ranchers can also customize these codes to make them more engaging, encouraging workers to scan them easily.
Accessible
GS1 QR codes are an excellent way to share information. Users simply need a mobile phone to access the data embedded in the QR Code, which is convenient since around 90% of the population uses smartphones.
After scanning the code with their phone’s camera, the information will instantly appear on the mobile device's screen.
Sustainable
Setting up the QR Code system is surprisingly easy, even for people who are not adept at using technology. Livestock managers will not experience any difficulties extending the QR Code system once one is already up and running.
They only need to keep adding the GS1 QR Codes and updating the content. Once the initial set-up is done, it doesn’t require much to keep running.
Flexible
The GS1 QR code for logistics and supply chain is standardized for a reason; it is designed to work with any industry. The technology is perfect for agriculture, especially for storing information about livestock and produce.
It fulfills different purposes in the livestock industry, such as keeping vaccination records, health records, production inventory management, and more.
Rising star
Major companies such as Seven-Eleven, Alibaba, and Nestle already use this technology. It’s gradually being adopted across various industries due to its numerous benefits. Businesses that don’t keep up with this technological shift risk falling behind their competitors.
How to start using GS1 QR codes? Step-by-step process
Creating GS1 QR codes is a quick and easy process. It doesn’t take a lot of time to create an account and to start generating the QR Codes.
Here’s the whole process summarized in three easy steps:
- Search for the GS1 Digital Link QR Code Generator: Go to the search engine and type GS1 Digital Link QR code. As soon as you find the website, click on “Try Now.”
- Enter the Required Information: Fill out all the required details in the GS1 QR code generator.
- Customize and Download: Customize your GS1 QR code by adjusting patterns, colors, logos, and frames to fit your business needs. Once you're satisfied, download the QR code in your preferred format (PNG, PDF, SVG, or EPS).
Are you ready to revolutionize the livestock business?
A few years back, GS1 QR codes were only considered related to the shopping industry, but now, as time passes, they have become the need of every industry, including Livestock.
GS1 QR code for tracking produce and livestock not only simplifies the operations but also assists in improving how we manage both produce and animals.
You can easily track the location of your produce and livestock, create guidelines for maintaining animal health, and keep accurate vaccination records. Start using GS1 QR codes today and see how they can transform your livestock business!
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.
