QR Code Printing Solutions
Do you have what you need for the GS1 Digital Link Sunrise 2027?

Should I use offline vs inline QR code printing?

The pre-printed QR code normally has static content and is typically used solely for batch information and not unique product information. There are solutions on the market that offer digitally pre-printed serialized codes, but their implementation requires complex data integration with an advanced vision system and synchronization module. To ingrate production line data into an existing QR code using the offline printing solution, you will still need an inline printing solution for the Best Before Date, for example. While preprinted label solutions offer high resolution and good control of the substrate, they bring complexity to packaging inventory management and OEE losses when having to change label rolls.

Individual, inline QR code printing ease the process of embedding unique product information and production line data. They enable unique identification of each package, at a higher cost per print compared to preprinted labels but bring far higher value thanks to their serialization. You can normally use your already existing printing and coding solutions including vision system, thanks to late-stage-customization reducing packaging inventory management and providing a longer change cycle time for supplies.

What do I need to implement an advanced GS1 Digital Link QR code printing project for several use cases, with inline printing?

The production line requirement is very similar to what you probably already have running at your site today. Today’s printing and coding hardware solutions can all print 2D codes but an assessment is needed to verify their capabilities at the desired speed and with the required code structure and substrate. In addition, and subject to your project description, 4 additional areas need to be studied:

1. Code and Data Management: Provision, through inline printers and vision of verified data carriers and seamless data management from production and regulatory sources to the consumers’ hand;
2. Unique Identification and Traceability: Serialization, aggregation and end-to-end traceability solutions for on- and off-premises item transfer visibility and recall handling;
3. Authenticity and Counterfeit Protection: To enable retailers and consumers to authenticate and receive/share the latest data and messages;
4. Consumer engagement and insight: Empowers the brand to directly engage with the consumer through dynamic experiences and data transparency while gaining behavioral insight.

There seems to be only more costs involved. Are there any savings?

A return of investment calculation is an integral part of the solution proposed by the supplier and is unique to each project. You might not need to exchange your current printing equipment, depending on your current setup, and can take advantage of your current data infrastructure. There are- also many important possibilities for savings identified in QR code printing projects relating to precise inventory and recall handling and SKU optimization. Eliminating multiple pre-printed packaging formats in favor of “one fits all” has proven to bring important cost reductions to manufacturers. By also moving more and more content from the packaging design into the 2D barcode, you can free up space for other marketing messages or even reduce the size and/or need for, labels, for example, or other packaging elements.

Is barcode grade quality possible at required pack rate?

The majority of current printing technologies can print at high-grade quality at the industry-required pack rates today. This applies across inkjet, inkjet piezo, laser, thermal transfer, and print & apply technologies, and for primary, secondary, and tertiary coding.