Innovative Use Cases of a QR Code for Logistics

A QR code for logistics is a smart and efficient tool for tracking parcels, shipments, packages, and assets throughout the supply chain for smoother product flow.

With this unassuming but powerful digital tool, logistics service providers (LSPs) can guarantee that their customers receive their purchased products in good condition.

Businesses today can surely benefit from QR code technology as it ensures security, customer satisfaction, and product quality from the storage facility to the consumers’ hands.

Below are eleven use cases on how to effectively use QR codes to your advantage. 

The impact of COVID-19 on the logistics industry

The logistics industry badly suffered when COVID-19 spread like wildfire across the world.

Thomson Reuters reported that the total shareholder returns for leading worldwide LSPs dropped to -15% in the first three months of 2020.

Government-imposed lockdowns, health measures, and travel restrictions made it hard for employees to get to work. Also, most refused to work due to the fear of contracting the virus.

There were no couriers and handlers to move and keep an eye on shipments. While some LSPs continued operations, companies hardly availed of their services because of extremely high prices.

According to the Wall Street Journal, in the US alone, the transport of items through trucks and trains increased by approximately 23%. 

But with the increasing number of vaccinated individuals globally, more countries have started lifting these restrictions. As borders began reopening, the logistics sector slowly recovered.

The rise of QR codes

After being forced to stop operations, the restaurant industry reopened and began using a QR code menu to replace handheld paper menus that could potentially spread germs and viruses.

This innovation became a trailblazer as other industries also started using these little black-and-white squares. For instance, PayPal introduced QR codes as a contactless payment method.

The logistics industry also began using QR codes to streamline operations and deliver quality service to end-users.

These tools can help logistics companies with their social media marketing strategies to build their brand.

11 use cases of QR codes for logistics

We have compiled eleven innovative ways QR codes can optimize the operations and services of a logistics company.

1. Inventory management

QR codes are an efficient tool to use for an inventory management system.

With their storage capacity, they can contain more data than traditional barcodes.

You can use a bulk QR code generator to create multiple unique QR code inventory labels for each package.

This tool saves you time since you’ll be able to produce up to thousands of QR codes — individual or looping — in just one day.

The inventory QR code can store a parcel’s serial number, product description, delivery date, and destination.

Using QR codes for inventory management also makes it easier for staff to record parcels because they will only need a smartphone to scan them.

Each scan is recorded in a secure online database, which will now serve as your QR inventory system.

2. Secure customer details

It allows personnel to contact the client when they deliver the item quickly.

But this exposes their private information.

If the wrong pair of eyes sees the wrapper, the buyer can risk security threats such as text scams and identity theft.

To avoid this, logistics companies can opt for a file QR code shipping label that will route a scanning user to the buyer’s contact details.

This makes it harder for scammers to steal your clients’ sensitive data. You can even add a password to your file QR codes for added security.

3. Product authentication and information

Some businesses are so big that they have in-house logistics services to deliver their products.

But one problem they face is that their products are prone to counterfeits.

They can use a QR code for logistics to store an item’s authentication details, such as its serial number, which buyers can then enter on the brand’s official website for verification.

LSPs can also add a PDF QR code to a shipment’s label. When couriers or facility workers scan the code, they will find a complete description of the product within the package.

Knowing a product’s details will give staff an idea of how to properly handle the parcel to maintain its quality when it arrives to the customer.

4. Parcel tracking

Companies can track a parcel using a QR code by placing a dynamic QR code for production tracking on their packages and shipments.

When workers scan the QR code locator when it reaches a warehouse or storage facility, the scan details will be reflected on the QR code generator’s dashboard.

These details include the location and time of the scan, the device used, and the total number of scans made. This feature makes dynamic QR codes superior to static ones.

With a dynamic QR code locator, you and your customers can monitor an item while it’s shipped.

5. Guide to drop-off stations

Here’s where a QR code for logistics comes in handy. It can store the buyer’s address on web-based map apps such as Google Maps.

This QR code for delivery can greatly help couriers deliver the package faster to the customer. It shows them how to get to the location, allowing them to avoid traffic chokepoints and road detours.

6. Cashless payments

Some online shoppers prefer cash-on-delivery payment methods, but the recent pandemic has made this risky because it can potentially spread viruses and diseases.

They can still pay by scanning a QR code for logistics that will connect to their digital wallet app for an instant, cashless mobile payment method.

Logistics companies can also set up a payment QR code system for shoppers who want to prepay the delivery charges.

To access the online payment landing page, users can simply scan the QR code displayed on their laptop or smartphone.

7. Multilingual parcel care guides

The problem is that these can easily get lost or damaged. It’s also inconvenient if the guide uses a language unknown or foreign to the staff.

A QR code for language is the perfect tool for this. It can store multiple landing pages set in different languages.

Upon scanning, the code detects the device’s language and redirects the user to a set of instructions written in that language.

This also removes the need for printing numerous copies of parcel care manuals.

8. Accessible customer support

There are instances when a shopper receives the wrong item or when the clothes a buyer ordered are too big or too small for them. In these cases, the shopper needs to return the items.

Companies can set up a QR code for logistics so consumers can quickly contact a customer support representative who will assist them with the return process.

Customers can also scan this QR code on shipping labels if they have questions and queries about their parcel or other related matters.

9. Convenient customer feedback

It’s a good business practice to hear what consumers say about your services.

You can use their positive reviews to boost your brand’s credibility and increase customers.

You can add a feedback QR code sticker on package wrappers or boxes that will redirect buyers to a survey form they can fill out or to your website to post their reviews.

10. Redirect to official websites

You can show important information and updates here, such as your shipping fees and running promos.

The more clicks and visits your website gets, the more likely it is to rank high on search engines.

When people search for courier services, your brand will be at the top results.

11. Social media promotions

Marketing on social media can bring many benefits to any business.

If you know how to ride trends, you can easily reach thousands or millions of users and make your brand more visible.

You can use a social media QR code to store all your social handles.

When customers scan it, they will see every one of your social media pages on their smartphone screens.

They can then follow you and tag you in posts whenever they have a smooth and successful transaction with you. That’s a free way to promote your brand.

Customers can also leave positive reviews and suggestions for improvement on your social pages. They can even send a direct message to ask specific questions.

Logistics service providers that use QR codes

1. Logmore

Founded in 2017, Logmore innovated a QR-powered condition monitoring system that upgrades logistics quality control and assurance.

The Finnish start-up offers a data logging system through dynamic QR codes. These QR tags allow companies to monitor a product’s temperature and humidity in real time while it’s in transit.

The company also developed Logmore Dry Ice, a data logger that can withstand deep freeze temperatures. It was a huge help in transporting the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines.

Because of its real-time data tracking feature, health officials could closely monitor the temperature of the vaccines to ensure their quality and efficiency.

2. UPS

United Parcel Service, or UPS, is among the leading logistics companies today, with clients from over 200 countries.

UPS provides their end-users with a UPS InfoNotice whenever they fail to pick up their parcel or are not at the drop-off point when the item was delivered.

The document comes with an InfoNotice number and a QR code that the customer can scan to track the whereabouts of their item so they can then pick it up.

3. FedEx

FedEx is another global leader among logistics service providers. In 2018, the American company launched FedEx Returns Technology, a QR code-powered system for returning items.

With this solution, business owners and retailers can send a QR code to their customers who wish to send back items.

Once they have received the QR code, they can show it to a FedEx worker to have their QR code shipping label printed for free. They can also print it themselves.

The printed label will then go along with their sealed shipment, ready for sending back to the seller.

QR code for logistics for efficient services and fast deliveries

Customer demands continue to change as technology develops, and it is only essential for industries to adapt so they can meet them.

QR codes hold great potential for the optimization of logistics services.

Since they can quickly provide essential information, they can easily help with transparency and building consumer trust.

LSPs looking to adopt QR codes for their services can partner with QR TIGER, the best QR code generator online.

We offer a comprehensive set of QR solutions and customization tools for modifying your QR code’s design.

Register for a free trial to see how it works. Visit our website and become a QR TIGER subscriber now.