Which code should you use?
| Type | Holds | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| QR code | Text, numbers and links, up to a few hundred characters | Batch and lot labels, bin locations, links to documents, scanning with a phone camera |
| Code 128 | Letters, numbers and symbols | Internal SKUs, GRN and job card numbers, shipping labels |
| EAN-13 | 12 digits plus a check digit | Retail products sold through shops and marketplaces |
For retail, EAN-13 numbers must come from a GS1 registration so they are unique worldwide. Do not make up EAN numbers for products you sell to retailers. For internal use, such as SKUs, bins and batches, Code 128 and QR codes can carry your own codes.
Tips for printing barcodes
- Print dark on light. Black on white scans best; avoid red bars, which many scanners cannot see.
- Leave a quiet zone, a clear margin around the code, especially either side of a barcode.
- Do not stretch the image. Scale it evenly. SVG stays sharp at any size.
- Test with the scanner or phone your team will use before printing a full roll of labels.
Scanning in the warehouse
Codes pay off when every movement is scanned. In DotOne Warehouse Management, QR scan-to-verify works on receipt, put-away, picking and dispatch, so the system matches what is physically on the shelf. Make the SKUs first with the SKU generator.