Most retail goods are still tagged with barcodes instead of QR codes. QR Codes can hold much more data and are scannable with most mobile phones. So why have they not picked up yet?
Here’s a parameter wise comparision between the two.
| Parameters | QR Codes | Barcodes | Winners |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data Capacity | Can store significantly more information—up to 7,000+ characters. They can encode alphanumeric data, URLs, geolocation, and more. | Can store a limited amount of data—typically up to 25 characters. They are ideal for encoding basic information like product IDs or pricing | QR Codes |
| Speed and Accessibility | Can be scanned from any angle and are readable even if partially damaged, making the scanning process faster and more reliable. | Requires aligning the scanner precisely with the barcode. This can slow down operations if products need to be scanned quickly. | QR Codes |
| Size and Scalability | QR codes remain compact regardless of the amount of data stored. They are ideal for small packaging or labels. | Grow longer as more data is added, which can make them impractical for space-constrained labels. | QR Codes |
| Durability and Error Correction | Have built-in error correction, meaning they can still be scanned if up to 30% of the code is damaged. | Highly sensitive to damage. Scratches or wear can make them unreadable. | QR Codes |
| Integration with Other Technology | Integrate seamlessly with modern technologies, such as smartphones, cloud-based inventory systems, and IoT devices. | Work well with basic point-of-sale (POS) systems but lack advanced integration capabilities. | QR Codes |
Despite QR Codes being better than barcodes in most parameters, at the end, the decision depends on your business objectives.
- Barcodes are advantageous for straightforward inventory tracking where speed is crucial and only basic product information is needed.
- QR Codes, on the other hand, provide greater flexibility and functionality for managing complex inventories due to their higher data capacity and error resilience.