{"id":9764,"date":"2024-09-11T07:57:37","date_gmt":"2024-09-11T06:57:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cms.scantrust.com\/?p=9764"},"modified":"2024-09-18T08:30:02","modified_gmt":"2024-09-18T07:30:02","slug":"serialized-qr-codes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cms.scantrust.com\/serialized-qr-codes\/","title":{"rendered":"Serialized QR Codes: Everything a brand should know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"animation--none section --p-top-none --p-bottom-small --p-left-regular --p-right-regular\" style=\"padding-top: px;padding-right: px;padding-bottom: px;padding-left: px;\" id=\"\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">  <h2\n    id=\"\"\n    class=\"section__title\"\n    style=\"\n      color: #222;\n      max-width: none;\n      text-align: left;\n    \"\n    >\n    Introduction\n  <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n<div class=\"post-text \" id=\"\"><p>With the rise in use of QR codes on products and packaging, brands have begun turning to serialized QR codes for their unique ability to address key business challenges and opportunities. From marketing to supply chain traceability and even packaging compliance, serialized QR codes offer benefits to global brands that other SKU or batch-level codes simply cannot. This guide explains what serialized QR codes are, how they&#8217;re used by global product companies, and how brands can successfully adopt them. The information is based on our experience with global rollouts of serialized QR codes for many use cases and across a wide variety of industries.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"animation--none section --p-top-none --p-bottom-small --p-left-regular --p-right-regular\" style=\"padding-top: px;padding-right: px;padding-bottom: px;padding-left: px;\" id=\"\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">  <h2\n    id=\"\"\n    class=\"section__title\"\n    style=\"\n      color: #222;\n      max-width: none;\n      text-align: left;\n    \"\n    >\n    What is a serialized QR code?\n  <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n<div class=\"post-text \" id=\"\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A serialized QR code is one that unique to each product. <\/span>The uniqueness is made possible by a unique number or string in the URL embedded in the QR code. That number or string is associated to the unique product in one or more systems or databases, such as an ERP.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cSerialization\u201d is the industry term for the technical process used to accomplish the high-volume, zero-conflict generation of random unique identifiers for use in serialized QR codes. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While many systems, including ERPs can generate serialized QR codes, some such as Scantrust&#8217;s <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cms.scantrust.com\/enterprise-qr-code-generator-dynamic-gs1-qr-codes\/\">enterprise QR code generator<\/a> is specifically built for both generating and managing those codes at scale and specifically for use on products and product packaging<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"animation--none section --p-top-none --p-bottom-small --p-left-regular --p-right-regular\" style=\"padding-top: px;padding-right: px;padding-bottom: px;padding-left: px;\" id=\"\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">  <h2\n    id=\"\"\n    class=\"section__title\"\n    style=\"\n      color: #222;\n      max-width: none;\n      text-align: left;\n    \"\n    >\n    Why are brands shifting to serialized codes?\n  <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n<div class=\"post-text \" id=\"\"><p>There are increasing use cases for serialized codes and meanwhile, the costs to implement them are going down:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cost are coming down due to the rise of more accessible <strong>digital or hybrid printing<\/strong>. This type of variable data printing (VDP) is required for serialization.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many products now require batch or unit-level traceability for <strong>compliance reasons<\/strong>, for example tobacco and pharmaceutical products.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Digital Product Passports<\/strong> will be required on many products sold in the E.U.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The rise of e-commerce and new online sales channels has led to a rise in <strong>product diversion and counterfeiting<\/strong> problems. Several industries use serialized QR codes to successfully address these problems.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Brands have discovered how to leverage unique QR codes on products for <strong>marketing campaigns, especially loyalty programs.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"animation--none section --p-top-none --p-bottom-small --p-left-regular --p-right-regular\" style=\"padding-top: px;padding-right: px;padding-bottom: px;padding-left: px;\" id=\"\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">  <h2\n    id=\"\"\n    class=\"section__title\"\n    style=\"\n      color: #222;\n      max-width: none;\n      text-align: left;\n    \"\n    >\n    How do you generate serialized QR codes?\n  <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n<div class=\"post-text \" id=\"\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cms.scantrust.com\/enterprise-qr-code-generator-dynamic-gs1-qr-codes\/\">Enterprise QR code generators<\/a> generate serialized QR codes in a few different ways:<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Using programmatic interfaces\/API<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With web-based tools that offer required files downloading<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Via printing work orders that integrate the QR code generator directly with printing equipment<br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"animation--none section --p-top-none --p-bottom-small --p-left-regular --p-right-regular\" style=\"padding-top: px;padding-right: px;padding-bottom: px;padding-left: px;\" id=\"\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">  <h2\n    id=\"\"\n    class=\"section__title\"\n    style=\"\n      color: #222;\n      max-width: none;\n      text-align: left;\n    \"\n    >\n    How do you create QR codes with serial numbers?\n  <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n<div class=\"post-text \" id=\"\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">QR codes with serial numbers can be achieved through software integration, such as with an <a href=\"https:\/\/cms.scantrust.com\/enterprise-qr-code-generator-dynamic-gs1-qr-codes\/\">enterprise QR code solution or generator.<\/a> When the QR codes are generated, they are associated with serial numbers, or they are scanned and associated with them at some later point in the manufacturing, production, or labeling process.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"animation--none section --p-top-none --p-bottom-small --p-left-regular --p-right-regular\" style=\"padding-top: px;padding-right: px;padding-bottom: px;padding-left: px;\" id=\"\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">  <h2\n    id=\"\"\n    class=\"section__title\"\n    style=\"\n      color: #222;\n      max-width: none;\n      text-align: left;\n    \"\n    >\n    What are the use cases for serialized codes?\n  <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n<div class=\"post-text \" id=\"\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Serialization projects frequently begin with cross-departmental initiatives, from shared budgets, due to their broad benefits. Below, we&#8217;ve listed a few of the use cases that we&#8217;ve seen companies succeed with the most.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Supply chain traceability use cases for serialized codes<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Serialized QR codes provide the ability to do unit-level track-and-trace, showing how products reach market. Specific traceability use cases include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Detect product diversion, parallel imports, and grey market sales<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inventory management<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Measure stock aging by distributor\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tracking unit or batch quality issues<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Managing recalls<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Marketing, sales, and support use cases for serialized codes<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loyalty and rewards programs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anti-counterfeiting\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Warranty management<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Compliance use cases for serialized codes<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>Digital Product Passports (DPPs)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">New E.U. laws<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will <a href=\"https:\/\/cms.scantrust.com\/digital-product-passport-regulation-what-does-it-change-for-companies\/\">require trillions of products<\/a> sold in the E.U. to carry QR codes or other digital identifiers associated with so-called DPPs stating where and how the product was made, where and how the packaging was made, and where and how to recycle or upcycle the items. Many companies are getting ahead of the requirements for their industry, even though the Circular Economy Action Plan is implementing requirements across industries in a staggered timeline. For large brands, compliance will take years across thousands of stock keeping units\/SKUs, and as such, many brands are actively planning or already implementing a DPP compliance plan. For some product categories, batch-level codes will suffice, but for others, unit-level will be required. It will take time to implement so there&#8217;s no better time to begin than now.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"animation--none section --p-top-none --p-bottom-none --p-left-large --p-right-large\" style=\"padding-top: px;padding-right: px;padding-bottom: px;padding-left: px;\" id=\"\">\n\t<div class=\"container\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"post-text \" id=\"\"><p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Case study: Motul uses QR codes on products for marketing, anti-counterfeiting, and more<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<figure\n  class=\"post-image\"\n  style=\"text-align: center;\" id=\"\">\n  <picture>\n          <img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\n        class=\"post-image__img\"\n        src=\"https:\/\/cms.scantrust.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/screen-motul-sml.jpg\"\n        alt=\"screen-motul-sml\"\n        width=\"200\"\n        height=\"588\"\n      >\n      <\/picture>\n  <\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"post-text \" id=\"\"><p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12px;\">See <a href=\"https:\/\/cms.scantrust.com\/case-studies\/counterfeit-prevention-and-consumer-engagement-with-tamper-evident-secure-qr-codes-for-motul\/\">case study<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"animation--none section --p-top-none --p-bottom-small --p-left-regular --p-right-regular\" style=\"padding-top: px;padding-right: px;padding-bottom: px;padding-left: px;\" id=\"\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">  <h2\n    id=\"\"\n    class=\"section__title\"\n    style=\"\n      color: #222;\n      max-width: none;\n      text-align: left;\n    \"\n    >\n    How do you implement serialized QR codes in a production line?\n  <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n<div class=\"post-text \" id=\"\"><p>Implementing serialized QR codes in the manufacturing, production, or packing lines usually requires additional hardware implementation along with integration with an <a href=\"https:\/\/cms.scantrust.com\/enterprise-qr-code-generator-dynamic-gs1-qr-codes\/\">enterprise QR code generation and management software<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<figure\n  class=\"post-image\"\n  style=\"text-align: center;\" id=\"\">\n  <picture>\n          <img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\n        class=\"post-image__img\"\n        src=\"https:\/\/cms.scantrust.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/serialized-QR-code-in-production-line.png\"\n        alt=\"Serialized QR code in production line\"\n        width=\"512\"\n        height=\"236\"\n      >\n      <\/picture>\n      <figcaption class=\"post-image__caption\">Above image is for general illustration purposes only. In many cases, printing happens on labels or rollstock via a partner and not in the product&#8217;s manufacturing facility itself.<\/figcaption>\n  <\/figure>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"animation--none section --p-top-none --p-bottom-small --p-left-regular --p-right-regular\" style=\"padding-top: px;padding-right: px;padding-bottom: px;padding-left: px;\" id=\"\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">  <h2\n    id=\"\"\n    class=\"section__title\"\n    style=\"\n      color: #222;\n      max-width: none;\n      text-align: left;\n    \"\n    >\n    What printing hardware technology is suitable for printing serialized QR codes?\n  <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n<div class=\"post-text \" id=\"\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not all printers can directly load or print serialized QR codes. Only printers and configurations that support variable data printing, such as digital printers, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">can print serialized (unique) codes on each label or package unit.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Analog or static printing technology which is commonly used for packaging, cartons, boxes, etc. doesn\u2019t support variable data printing, which is necessary for serialized or unique code printing. One option is <\/span>hybrid printing &#8211; leveraging <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">both digital and analog printing. This adds complexity, but many companies still choose this option to better meet their demands.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One other interesting option to note for serialized QR codes on product packaging is that <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">QR codes can also be laser etched onto plastic and even metal surfaces. Lasering, as it&#8217;s known, is appealing for use cases on mechanical parts, such as in automotive or industrial applications, where wear and tear from usage would damage a printed or sticker-based QR code to the extent that it would not be readable for long.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<figure\n  class=\"post-image\"\n  style=\"text-align: center;\" id=\"\">\n  <picture>\n          <img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\n        class=\"post-image__img\"\n        src=\"https:\/\/cms.scantrust.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/digital-vs-analog-printing-serialized-qr-codes.png\"\n        alt=\"digital vs analog printing serialized qr codes\"\n        width=\"1029\"\n        height=\"402\"\n      >\n      <\/picture>\n      <figcaption class=\"post-image__caption\">Above is for illustration purposes only. Note that in many cases, printing happens on labels or rollstock via a partner and not in the product&#8217;s manufacturing facility itself.<\/figcaption>\n  <\/figure>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"animation--none section --p-top-none --p-bottom-small --p-left-regular --p-right-regular\" style=\"padding-top: px;padding-right: px;padding-bottom: px;padding-left: px;\" id=\"\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">  <h2\n    id=\"\"\n    class=\"section__title\"\n    style=\"\n      color: #222;\n      max-width: none;\n      text-align: left;\n    \"\n    >\n    How are serialized QR codes scanned and activated in the production line?\n  <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n<div class=\"post-text \" id=\"\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inline scanning systems are made up of a specialized scanner connected to a local server and placed on the packaging line or line management system. Data from this scanning system is buffered on the local server and then synchronized with the MRP, ERP and\/or traceability system.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<figure\n  class=\"post-image\"\n  style=\"text-align: center;\" id=\"\">\n  <picture>\n          <img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\n        class=\"post-image__img\"\n        src=\"https:\/\/cms.scantrust.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/image17-800x262-1.png\"\n        alt=\"Laetus inline scanner for QR codes\"\n        width=\"800\"\n        height=\"262\"\n      >\n      <\/picture>\n      <figcaption class=\"post-image__caption\">Laetus SmartSpec is an inline vision system capable of scanning 2D codes at high-volume<\/figcaption>\n  <\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"post-spacer\" ><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"post-text \" id=\"\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Key considerations that impact the selection and implementation of an inline scanning system include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Line speed<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Environmental (lighting)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Product shape and code distortion<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Code location (is it fixed or variable)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Field of view, variability in product position on the line<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether or not multiple products being scanned at or individually<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inline scanning system providers include <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.laetus.com\/en\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Laetus<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.datalogic.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Datalogic<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cognex.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cognex<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lakeimage.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lake Image<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Scantrust has experience working with many such partners.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are two main steps where inline scanning systems are used:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><b>Activation of codes<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 The scanning system \u201cturns on\u201d a code and ensures that each product is tracked from the moment it is produced, making it usable for traceability, anti-counterfeiting, customer engagement, etc. This is also important for billing-related reasons as code providers often price services based on volume of codes used. Many brands want to control code activation to prevent labels from being leaked to the market. This is especially important if product labels are supplied by a partner, as is often the case. <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n\n<figure\n  class=\"post-image\"\n  style=\"text-align: center;\" id=\"\">\n  <picture>\n          <img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\n        class=\"post-image__img\"\n        src=\"https:\/\/cms.scantrust.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/image19-800x382-1.png\"\n        alt=\"Bottle caps with serialized QR codes being activated inline\"\n        width=\"800\"\n        height=\"382\"\n      >\n      <\/picture>\n      <figcaption class=\"post-image__caption\">Automotive lubricant bottles packed with serialized QR code caps being activated by a DataLogic 2D image reading system<\/figcaption>\n  <\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"post-spacer\" ><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"post-text \" id=\"\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>2.<\/strong> <\/span><b>Aggregation and data association<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 Products are placed in boxes, crates, and pallets in the packaging line, and these logistic units themselves are labeled with different codes or identifiers, often with 1D barcodes. This process of association, or grouping products within logistical units, is called \u201caggregation\u201d. Through system or scanning process integration, stakeholders downstream can scan the serialized QR codes on boxes, cases, or palettes as they enter and leave the warehouses and distribution centers. Thanks to aggregation, it\u2019s possible to track the product in the supply chain based on the scans of the logistical unit they are contained in without having to scan the individual product itself.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"animation--none section --p-top-none --p-bottom-small --p-left-regular --p-right-regular\" style=\"padding-top: px;padding-right: px;padding-bottom: px;padding-left: px;\" id=\"\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">  <h2\n    id=\"\"\n    class=\"section__title\"\n    style=\"\n      color: #222;\n      max-width: none;\n      text-align: left;\n    \"\n    >\n    What kinds of product data can be used with serialized QR codes?\n  <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n<div class=\"post-text \" id=\"\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because serialized products are trackable at the unit-level, much more detailed and unit-associated information can be collected and retrieved than would be available with SKU-level codes. The below just represents a small variety of the kinds of data brands associate with serialized QR codes:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Supply chain data<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Upstream data on how that particular product was made<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What market(s) the product is destined for<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Which distributors are sending how many products where<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Where inventory is sitting, how fast it\u2019s moving<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Where the product has been and who scanned it along the way<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Product batch<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Quality issues<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Consumer data<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Demographic data of end-users<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Product authentication data<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loyalty campaign scanning data<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"animation--none section --p-top-none --p-bottom-small --p-left-regular --p-right-regular\" style=\"padding-top: px;padding-right: px;padding-bottom: px;padding-left: px;\" id=\"\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">  <h2\n    id=\"\"\n    class=\"section__title\"\n    style=\"\n      color: #222;\n      max-width: none;\n      text-align: left;\n    \"\n    >\n    What are the benefits of serialized QR codes vs. RFID\/ NFC\n  <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n<div class=\"post-text \" id=\"\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The three key reasons why QR codes are more popular for serialization are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They are more easily integrated into most product packaging\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cost significantly less (capex and opex)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Generate no electronic waste, unlike RFID<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"animation--none section --p-top-none --p-bottom-small --p-left-regular --p-right-regular\" style=\"padding-top: px;padding-right: px;padding-bottom: px;padding-left: px;\" id=\"\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">  <h2\n    id=\"\"\n    class=\"section__title\"\n    style=\"\n      color: #222;\n      max-width: none;\n      text-align: left;\n    \"\n    >\n    Considerations: Serialized QR codes for counterfeit detection\n  <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n<div class=\"post-text \" id=\"\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Counterfeit detection systems which rely on serialized codes are usually based on the premise that a consumer will only scan the product\u2019s QR code once or twice, and if a single unique code is scanned many times, especially in disparate locations, it is likely counterfeit. These systems have shortfalls &#8211; you can learn more in our <a href=\"https:\/\/cms.scantrust.com\/secure-qr-code-anti-counterfeiting-solutions\/\">comparison of different QR code technologies<\/a> for anti-counterfeiting.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"animation--none section --p-top-none --p-bottom-small --p-left-regular --p-right-regular\" style=\"padding-top: px;padding-right: px;padding-bottom: px;padding-left: px;\" id=\"\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">  <h2\n    id=\"\"\n    class=\"section__title\"\n    style=\"\n      color: #222;\n      max-width: none;\n      text-align: left;\n    \"\n    >\n    Considerations: Serialized QR codes for GS1 Digital Link Integration\n  <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n<div class=\"post-text \" id=\"\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Serialized QR codes can comply with GS1 Digital Link standards by simply arranging their URL format according to the standard, including use of the Product Global Trade Item Number (GTIN). GS1 Digital Link enhances the functionality of serialized QR codes by connecting them to product information and resources online in a standardized way. Your QR code solution provider should provide this compatibility.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"animation--none section --p-top-none --p-bottom-regular --p-left-regular --p-right-regular\" style=\"padding-top: px;padding-right: px;padding-bottom: px;padding-left: px;\" id=\"\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">  <h2\n    id=\"\"\n    class=\"section__title\"\n    style=\"\n      color: #222;\n      max-width: none;\n      text-align: left;\n    \"\n    >\n    Conclusion: Serialized QR codes provide wide benefits, but also some complexity\n  <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n<div class=\"post-text \" id=\"\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regulatory changes and decreasing implementation costs have accelerated the shift toward use of serialized QR codes. Serialized QR codes are already being used by many of the world&#8217;s top brands to unlock broad benefits to customers and their business, including for product and supply chain traceability, product authentication, and customer engagement. As Digital Product Passports gain traction, serialization will be increasingly required. Adopting the techniques and technologies listed here will become crucial for brands aiming to stay competitive, responsive to consumer needs, and compliant with the latest regulations. If you have questions or need a proposal for how to implement serialized QR codes with your company&#8217;s products, Scantrust is an excellent partner to bring the latest technology and deep expertise into your QR code serialization initiatives.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"button-container\">\n  <a\n    href=\"https:\/\/cms.scantrust.com\/request-a-demo\/\"\n    class=\"s-button\"\n    style=\"\n      --background-colour: #0789B2;\n      --background-hover-colour: #0789B2;\n      --border: none;\n      --border-hover-colour: transparent;\n      --border-radius: 4px;\n      --text-colour: #FFFFFF;\n      --text-hover-colour: #FFFFFF;\n    \">\n    Talk to an expert\n  <\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"post-spacer\" ><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"post-spacer\" ><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Serialized QR codes are becoming increasingly popular as brands seek to drive more value from their packaging.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":9703,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"editor_plus_copied_stylings":"{}"},"categories":[9],"tags":[10],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v19.0.1 (Yoast SEO v20.7) - 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