In a previous article we described how businesses can efficiently manage inventory using QR Codes and mobile technology. You can use QR codes and mobile devices in the areas beyond inventory management though. Asset tracking, asset maintenance, field equipment paperwork, job site safety audits are just some of the areas where you can save money and increase productivity using QR codes and mobile phones. Here are several ideas on how you can use QR Codes and smartphone to streamline your business operations.
Asset Tracking Automation With QR Codes And Mobile Devices
Mobile assets are often deployed to the remote sites, away from the office and computers. Using manual methods for tracking field assets is not practical.A QR code asset tracking system replaces manual methods with QR code scanning, digital records and live data access for all team members.
How QR Codes Work For Asset Tracking
A QR code encodes a unique asset ID, so you can quickly identify an asset with one scan. QR codes can be easily scanned with mobile devices that your employees use - smartphones or tablets.Once you labeled assets and equipment with QR codes, you can start tracking them in real time. It makes no difference where assets are located: in the warehouse, in the office or at the remote field site. You can track assets in several easy steps:
- Identify an asset by scanning a QR code label with a mobile device (smartphone, tablet, a mobile computer)
- Select or scan a QR code of the location
- Fill out relevant into in the mobile app
- Submit update from a mobile app to a cloud software
As soon as you submit an asset update, it is available to all team members, on he mobile devices and office computers.
Why QR Codes Are A Good Choice For Asset Tracking
QR codes add speed and real time visibility to the asset tracking process. It is also a low cost options as compared to more advanced technologies, such as Bluetooth asset tracking. You can easily create and print QR code labels on the regular office printer using built-in layout and printing tools in the QR Inventory software. You can also scan QR codes with smartphones or tablets, and save money on purchasing specialized barcode scanning equipment. QR codes have built-in error tolerance, and can be scanned if a part of it is torn off or damaged.As a results, you can quickly add multiple assets to the batch by scanning QR codes one by one. Once all assets are added to the batch, submit update to the central database with one click. You immediately create a digital record that will be securely preserved in the cloud database. No manual work or paper records are involved, and you have a real time view of your assets at all times.
Using QR Codes For Asset Info Access In The Field
Timely access to the equipment specs, manuals and service history makes a job of the field technician easier and more productive. He can make informed decisions that lead to the job done better and faster, with no errors.
How QR Codes Help With Asset Data Access
A QR code links an asset or equipment to its database records. One QR code scan can fetch all relevant asset data from a central database and display it to the user in the mobile application. Instead of searching for the data in a paper manual, an employee can now get all the info that he needs to do his job with a QR code scan. This info can include equipment spec sheets, manuals, pdf documents, images, drawings, and past service records. You can control what data a field technician can access via a cloud software admin dashboard.Using QR Codes For Tracking Asset And Equipment Maintenance
QR codes, smartphones and mobile forms help you document equipment maintenance efficiently. You can replace manual paperwork with the digital records, accessible on demand and easily searchable.
Accessing Equipment Service History With The QR Codes
Since companies started to use knowledge bases, productivity has increased and time spent on tech support has decreased. Most of the problems are not new. Something that puzzles you today likely was already solved before. Knowledge base helps company employees to take advantage of existing knowledge, as well as save new data for the future use.The same concept applies to the equipment repair and service. But in many cases there is no readily available computer with the internet connection to access knowledge base. QR Codes help with this problem as well. You can scan a QR code, record what was done in the mobile app and send this info to the central database with one click. At the same time you can scan a QR code to review past service history. You can see list of past problems, what was done to resolve them, which parts were used, etc. This info will help you make an informed decisin on what to do now. You will be able to complete the job faster, with the better quality, and avoid mistakes.
Equipment Maintenance Tracking With QR Codes And Mobile Forms
Smartphones and tablets help you turn paper forms into the mobile forms, that you can easily complete in the field. You do not need to deal with paper foms, lost records and manual entries any more. You can record an asset maintenance in the field by following these simple steps:- Scan a QR code to identify an equipment
- Review equipment specs and past service records
- Go to the work order which should be completed
- Fill out a form in the mobile app to document what was done
- Submit a completed form to a backend cloud software
From this point an equipment wok order is marked as completed. You have a digital record of what was done, that you can access on demand from anywhere.