One of the most critical tasks for logistics companies is to ensure that packages reach their destination without any issues. This aspect is fundamental to their work and constitutes the most crucial factor for customer satisfaction. However, some problems inevitably arise, which can be difficult to avoid or mitigate.

What starts as a minor problem can unexpectedly escalate, resulting in unsatisfactory outcomes. Like in every industry, certain technologies are employed to simplify logistics processes and find solutions to unsatisfactory outcomes.

This time, we will discuss QR codes, which are straightforward to apply but immensely useful in logistics. These codes play a pivotal role in logistics, from inventory management to gauging customer feedback for a product.

But that's not all!

Are you ready to uncover the magic of minuscule codes that travel on tons of parcels?

Then let's begin!

Why have QR codes become so popular in logistics?

To put it briefly, QR codes act as a helpful aid in logistics by streamlining processes and mitigating potential issues. There was historically a preference for barcodes over QR codes in logistics. However, as the countless advantages of QR codes have come to light, the tide is turning. QR codes in logistics are rapidly gaining popularity for several reasons. Those who comprehend these reasons quickly switch sides and become QR code users. Let's examine the benefits that make QR codes for logistics the favored choice without further delay!

Big data

QR codes have gained tremendous popularity in logistics because of their ability to hold an immense amount of information. The storage capacity of QR codes is vast and not limited to a specific number of characters. QR codes can store a wide variety of data, such as PDFs, videos, links, and anything else you can imagine. It is incredible how such a tiny code can possess such vast power!

Small size

As you may have noticed, QR codes are significantly smaller than barcodes. This characteristic allows QR codes to be conveniently placed on top of all transported loads without taking up too much space. Despite their size, QR codes can store a vast amount of information, even more than what can be accommodated by a barcode.

Easy scan

The best part about QR codes is that you don't need any special scanner or equipment to read information. Barcodes, on the other hand, require their specific scanners to be read. With QR codes, the only need is a phone camera to scan the code, and all the information is displayed on the screen with just one scan!

Durable

Throughout transportation, parcels go through multiple stages, and their packaging can sometimes get damaged. In such cases, QR codes are much more durable than barcodes. Even if the package gets damaged, the QR code can be scanned quickly and without issues, ensuring the information is still accessible.

Unique style

Barcodes are simply the typical, recognizable barcode design. However, QR codes can be created in whatever shape and color you want and used on your parcels. Plus, you can maintain your brand style and add a personalized touch to the QR code design. With all these unique features, it's easy to see why QR codes are becoming increasingly popular in logistics!

The importance of using QR codes in inventory management for logistics

Inventory management is one of the most crucial aspects of logistics. However, a promising solution to simplify this process is QR codes. By incorporating QR codes into inventory management and tracking, businesses can efficiently monitor their entire inventory, prevent losses, and ensure that products reach their destination without issues.

You might be wondering how exactly QR codes can achieve this. The process is quite simple! Companies can encode relevant information such as the serial number of the parcel, product description, delivery date, and destination information into the QR code. Then place this QR code on the parcels.

With a quick scan, all this information can be easily accessed, streamlining the inventory management process. As well as the benefit of implementing QR codes in inventory management is saving your team time. Furthermore, QR codes for logistics can track parcels from the initial to the final delivery address. By scanning QR codes with tracking features, information such as the number of times the code was scanned and the location and device used to scan the code can be obtained.

If the parcel is scanned at every delivery stage, its current location can be easily viewed on the dashboard. It's really that amazing! With a quick scan, you can add relevant information to parcels, effectively manage your inventory, and track your parcels at every delivery stage.

All use-cases of QR codes for logistics

Now, we have come to the most exciting part of our blog! Keep reading because you won't want to miss out on this unique feature. Let's dive in and look at how QR codes are utilized in logistics!

Navigation for couriers

The final step of the logistics process is when the package reaches its ultimate destination. However, if the package fails to reach the customer's precise address, the previous efforts put into the process would be rendered meaningless. This is precisely why logistics companies use QR codes to circumvent such issues.

By embedding the Google Maps or Waze link within the QR code, couriers can effortlessly locate the customer's address by scanning the code on the parcel. With this link, they can be directed straight to the customer's doorstep, ensuring timely and accurate delivery.

Authentication of products

It is widely known that certain brands provide their own logistics services for their products. To combat the production of counterfeit goods, these companies utilize QR codes as a practical measure. By placing QR codes on the products, customers can scan the code to be directed to the official website, where they can verify the product's authenticity. This ensures that customers purchase genuine products and are not misled by counterfeit versions.

Privacy

Throughout the delivery process, customer information such as name, surname, and address are recorded on the parcels in a way that is easily visible and accessible to those handling the transportation. This can threaten customers' privacy and safety, as seen by those who wish to exploit it maliciously.

Logistics companies now place this sensitive information inside QR codes to combat this potential danger and ensure greater security and reliability. This measure protects customers' privacy and provides a safer and more trustworthy delivery experience.

Guides

Certain products require careful handling during transportation to avoid damage. However, logistics personnel may not always know the specific products inside each parcel. Product information on the parcel allows you to access all the necessary details with just one scan. This information may also include handling instructions and guides, allowing warehouse workers and couriers to quickly determine the necessary precautions with a single scan.

Payment

In searching for a seamless payment method that integrates easily, securely stores all data, and saves on costs without needing a point-of-sale (POS) terminal, payment QR codes have emerged as a viable solution. Given these benefits, many logistics companies now incorporate QR codes onto their websites. Customers looking to pay can simply scan the code and complete the transaction within seconds.

Post-Delivery Contact

Additionally, if a customer wishes to contact a company after delivery, this can also be achieved with a simple scan. By incorporating all necessary contact information onto the vCard QR code on the parcel, customers can easily reach out and provide feedback, express their opinions, make requests, or raise objections about the delivery or product.

Feedback

Product deliveries may be delayed, or issues arise with the products received. Customers may want to provide detailed feedback and comments about their experience during such instances. Likewise, logistics companies are interested in gathering customer information about the quality of their services.

By incorporating a Feedback QR code on parcel closures, customers can easily access the feedback form by simply scanning the code. This allows timely and prompt feedback submission, enabling logistics companies to address issues quickly and improve their services based on customer feedback.

Website or social media

Logistics companies often provide their customers with updates and important information via their websites or social media accounts. Following these channels lets customers stay up-to-date on changing rates and promotions. Logistics companies often place URLs or Social Media QR codes on their packages to make it easy for customers to access these online resources. This allows customers to quickly and easily scan the code with their smartphone or other device and be directed to the company's social media or website.

Bonus: Language Barrier Solution

One potential issue with this approach is the language barrier, particularly when shipping parcels across different countries. However, the QR code scanning process is designed to automatically display the information in the language of the device used to scan it. This means that customers can receive the information they need in a language familiar to them, regardless of where the parcel originated. What QR codes can do is genuinely unique!

Conclusion

As demonstrated, QR codes offer a range of benefits to logistics companies and customers throughout the entire transportation and delivery process. These codes facilitate processes remarkably, even when packages travel across different countries.

This blog has provided an overview of how QR codes can be used in logistics, equipping readers with the information they need to optimize their operations and address common challenges in the industry.

The key now is to apply this knowledge to your logistics operations, leveraging the power of QR codes to streamline your processes and overcome obstacles. Don't hesitate to start incorporating QR codes into your logistics strategy benefits are sure to impress!