We are entering the era of 2D barcodes. Once upon a time, 2D barcodes were a joke—an overhyped technology like Google Goggles or New Coke. But unlike New Coke, more like Google Goggles, maybe 2D barcodes are just ahead of their time. According to a market study by Technavio, the global barcode scanner market is expected to grow to $6.3 billion by 2021, and 2D barcode technology is driving increased adoption. What makes 2D barcodes and the scanners that read them so attractive to businesses from retail to healthcare? First, you need to understand what makes 2D barcodes special, and then you can better understand some of the unique advantages they bring. 2D barcode subdivision 2D barcodes are the next generation of barcodes. One-dimensional barcodes, also known as traditional barcodes or linear barcodes, are the classic lines and spaces you see on supermarket retail items, warehouse shelves, and some airline tickets. They typically hold up to 85 characters, and over the years, they have gotten the job done. But like many parts of the world, technology has advanced and barcodes have become more complex and versatile. Two-dimensional barcodes, which have multiple formats, are a typical example. 2D barcode type QR codes are machine-readable codes made up of black and white squares, often used to store URLs, photos, and other information.
They are the most common type of QR code because they can be read by smartphones and mobile computers as well as barcode scanners. Data Matrix codes feature a square block perimeter pattern that encodes GS1 data, letters, numbers, text, and actual data bytes. These are often used in manufacturing and warehousing because they can withstand and maintain data even if damaged. PDF417 codes look more like traditional barcodes, but they have a high-density symbology that allows encoding of text, numbers, files, and actual data bytes. Therefore, 2D barcodes are more complex and data-intensive than 1D barcodes - is it worth upgrading all your existing barcode technology and frameworks? In a word, yes. In fact, for many businesses, that time has come. The reasons are as follows: Improve inventory and asset management The main reason that improving information storage capabilities is so important is that for many businesses, inventory and asset management has become more complex than ever due to global supply chains, and they need a technology that can keep pace. Inventory management is often cited as a top challenge for many businesses, especially retailers. The amount of inventory lost during manual counts due to simple human error, theft, or miscalculation when reordering is staggering. That's why 43% of small businesses don't track their inventory or use manual processes to do so, a fact so staggering according to the Small Business Wasp Barcode Status Report.
You'd take that for granted in this day and age, given that companies often struggle to accurately track inventory from warehouses to customers' doorsteps. The same is true for fixed asset management, where only 45% of small businesses claim to be able to do so or use automated software at all. Fixed assets are long-term property that you invest to help make a profit. The fact that some companies can't tell you when they need to deal with their laptops or forklifts is crazy, given the current data-mad business environment. 2D barcodes, which hold information vertically and horizontally, can capture and store more data than their predecessors, which will help businesses industry mailing list tracking systems improve the efficiency of inventory, replenishment, and shipping. Tracking systems help companies: Identifying trends , such as the ebb and flow of demand, will help reduce inventory carrying costs by minimizing unnecessary reorders and reducing required shelf space. Track your package from placing an order to fulfilling it , and return it again if needed. Maintain accountability in the workplace so assets are not inspected, taken home or overused without digital records giving management oversight. Improve efficiency and reduce wear and tear on people and machines by creating shorter routes through warehouses and factories . falling price point It doesn't matter how good a technology is: if the price isn't reasonable, people won't buy it, at least not in bulk. For many businesses, a 2D barcode scanner used to be like a new iPhone — too expensive to invest in right away.
But now 2D scanners have come down in price and are comparable to older 1D scanners. Even better, 2D scanners are often backward compatible, meaning you can invest in a high-quality 2D scanner and continue to scan your 1D barcodes with ease—plus, you'll be able to slowly upgrade your operations, Until everything is 2D. Improvements to Niche Scanners Not just one barcode scanner, but even one 2D barcode scanner. The growing number of different types of scanners offers businesses the opportunity to give this technology a try that might otherwise not be considered. A major subdivision of barcode scanners is rugged versus non-rugged scanners . According to Technavio, the non-rugged segment of the market drove such significant growth in 2016, as retail stores can use smartphones to scan merchandise. But rugged scanners have become more practical, more versatile (thanks to Bluetooth and other wireless technologies), and we dare say sleeker than in years past, while maintaining their durability. These are especially useful in harsher conditions, such as inside and outside warehouses. For example, digging a little deeper, the expected CAGR (compound annual growth rate) for industrial barcode scanners and wearable scanners such as smartwatches exceeds 6% and 4%, respectively. Some 2D barcode scanners have features designed to make the experience more enjoyable. Some come with soft lighting, deep reds or subtle whites. Others are more ergonomic and easier to hold. Others can also scan from awkward angles, or scan multiple barcodes at once.
Your business needs, including how you want to use 2D barcodes - do you stick them on vials or large packages? - will determine the type of scanner you need. But the bottom line is that no matter what business you're in, at some point in your business workflow in the near future you'll likely need some kind of scanner. When people think of barcodes, they often don't think of the revolutionary impact they have had on commerce, especially as it relates to e-commerce. Heavyweights like Amazon and Walmart use them; equally small Etsy businesses. Retailers and manufacturers use them, as do manufacturers in healthcare, entertainment, and travel. The growing popularity of 2D barcodes is a natural evolution for data tracking and analysis. If you haven't researched 2D barcodes and their scanners, now is the time to investigate how you can save or make more money with their help.