Unlocking the Future: GS1 QR Codes for Shipment Tracking
The logistics industry is facing unprecedented change as e-commerce continues to grow exponentially. Consumers are ordering more frequently in smaller quantities, placing immense pressure on transportation and logistics networks.
At the same time, customers expect ever higher levels of visibility, efficiency, and sustainability from their supply chains. Meeting these evolving demands requires logistics and supply chain providers to use new technologies.
One technology primed to transform shipment tracking is GS1 QR codes. This article will explore how the GS1 QR code for shipment tracking can power the next generation of digital supply chains.
Table of Contents
Background on QR Code Use in Logistics
Traditional logistics practices have relied on linear barcodes for tracking shipments. However, as supply chains become more complex due to factors like e-commerce growth, limitations have emerged in traditional approaches.
Traditionally, logistics providers have relied on linear barcode labels with human-readable text to identify and track shipments. While sufficient for decades, limitations have emerged as e-commerce volumes surge and tracking demands grow more complex. Enlisted below are some of the limitations associated with traditional logistics labels:
- Linear barcodes can only encode a finite amount of data.
- Standard labels lack the space to display complete addresses, handling instructions, and other details.
- Manual processes are prone to errors when capturing lengthy information.
As networks expand globally, universal standards are needed to ensure tracking data remains coherent across multilingual contexts and proprietary systems.
Rise of 2D Barcodes
Due to traditional limitations, 2D barcodes present an alternative with potential benefits. Two-dimensional (2D) barcodes address these challenges by encoding more data within a smaller footprint. Formats like QR Code and GS1 DataMatrix can represent thousands of characters and additional metadata.Their two-dimensional matrix structure enables variable size, faster scanning, and increased storage capacity compared to linear barcodes. This makes 2D symbologies well suited to conveying lengthy details like addresses, product descriptions, and transport process data.
By encoding logistics data directly onto transport labels, the GS1 QR code for shipment tracking promises to deliver end-to-end visibility and optimize cargo flows on a global scale. The widespread adoption of smartphones capable of scanning 2D barcodes helped popularize their use in logistics.
QR codes emerged to encode shipment details, waybill numbers, and other identifiers for electronic capture without rekeying. Today, their application extends from simple shipment labeling to supporting real-time freight tracking. GS1 QR code for shipment tracking standards provides common identification and formatting.
Benefits of GS1 QR Code for Shipment Tracking
GS1 QR codes bring alignment and interoperability to encoding critical shipment details, yielding tangible benefits across supply chain tracking processes. With their capacity and structure, GS1 2D barcodes help address industry pain points. Enlisted below are some of the key benefits of the GS1 QR Code for Shipment Tracking:Improved Tracking Accuracy
Percent-encoding non-Latin characters and supporting more metadata within the 2D symbol improves accuracy over manual alphanumeric labels. Fewer character mismatches occur during electronic data capture versus manual transcription or OCR.Interoperability Across Supply Chain Partners
A joint GS1 symbology and syntax for shipment identifiers promotes consistency among participants. Transport providers read labels any player generates, eliminating label re-issuance costs when units change hands.Access to Logistics Event History
Stakeholders capture a history of events through scanning without rekeying data, enabling traceability even when systems differ or connections are unavailable.Identification of High-Value Shipments
The embedded SSCC confirms integrity for temperature-sensitive, high-value, or regulated cargo as units cross geographies and systems.Enabling End-to-End Visibility with QR code for Logistics
Real-time visibility benefits the control of logistics operations and enhances customer service across the door-to-door shipment journey. Encoding transport process data within QR codes, identifiers, and statuses can be tracked continuously at each stage using a single scan. This supports high-fidelity tracking and product identification using GS1 QR code for tracking. The following are some essential things included in this process:Real-time location updates
Stakeholders leverage event data scanned from GS1 QR code for shipment tracking affixed to shipments to visually map freight flows in mapping and the estimated time of arrival tools. Transport providers retrieve and disseminate updated statuses directly from codes on transport items, expediting exception management. Carriers monitor locations and predict arrival times more accurately. Common identifiers and encoding allow analytics to optimize forecasting and planning.Status monitoring
Transport and storage providers retrieve and disseminate real-time statuses directly from the GS1 QR code for logistics and supply chain encoded on transport units, expediting exception handling. Carriers track proof of delivery and monitor proof of condition directly from shipment identifiers during delivery completion. Recipients acknowledge receipt conditions upon receiving shipments by scanning delivery identifiers.Predictive ETAs
Proof of delivery
Empowering Data-Driven Process Optimization with GS1 QR Code
Optimized Route Planning
Just-in-Time Scheduling
Demand Forecasting
Inventory Management with GS1 QR Code
Ensuring Shipment Security and Integrity
- Chain of Custody: Event capture facilitates trace-back from the point of consumption through transport providers to the source.
- Tamper Evidence: Electronic and physical indicators protect against unauthorized access or shipment diversions in transit.
- Authentication of Shipments: Checks help verify authenticity and condition upon receipt based on predefined rules.
Adopting the Future of Shipment Tracking with GS1 QR Code Generator
From pharmaceuticals to consumer electronics and beyond, the GS1 QR code for shipment tracking promises vast benefits for the future of shipment tracking. Its advanced data capacity and cross-industry standards enable an open, interconnected supply chain optimized for visibility and sustainability.
Early adopters are already proving their capabilities, with many more planned to be adopted in the coming years as interoperability takes shape globally. This future is within reach for logistics providers, brands, and retailers alike.
That’s where the GS1 QR code generator comes to your help. It contains everything you need to stand out in the competitive logistics market. Take advantage of this by generating your GS1 digital link today.
