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I’m torn between using DataMatrix or QR codes on our inventory. They need to be small, easily scanned using a handheld mobile scanner, and slightly damage resis

I’m torn between using DataMatrix or QR codes on our inventory. They need to be small, easily scanned using a handheld mobile scanner, and slightly damage resistant in case the adhesive label is partially folded or scratched. Both DataMatrix and QR codes have similar performance in all manners in my limited testing. Are there any clear advantages to one over the other, or am I bikeshedding myself?

AlphaWeaver 4y ago
I've used DataMatrix for similar uses, and found that they can scale down smaller (due to less obtrusive code patterns.) IIRC though, DataMatrix is technically licensed, not open, so if that's a concern for you you may want to be careful.
m-p-3 4y ago
Personally I like DataMatrix on small parts, and QR codes for more complex data structures and internal user-facing stuff. An example with QR Code, I made "prefilled" email templates using the mailto: protocol, so let's say you want to report an issue regarding a specific piece of hardware in the office, you can scan the Tech Support QR code and it will prefill the email to send to our tech support email with all its information (hostname, serial number, model, location, etc) and then the client can fill up a small description of the problem before sending. I only do this for hardware that doesn't leave the premises, on laptops I just put a CODE-128 barcode that contains the hostname (also written in plaintext) below the display, and another one on the lid to make the process of taking an inventory quickly when someone is working at their desktop using a docking station with the lid closed. It saves us some back and forth with our users. It's a bit of work, but once you have your template it's fairly easy to automate the generation.
danvoell 4y ago
I'm a label printer. Data matrix can be smaller depending on how much data you are using. If its customer facing, obviously QR. If you are scanning with an app/scanner, there is little difference in speed. I'm happy to run some prototype labels for you if you want to test out different size/versions (Qr 1-40)/error correction... firstname at midwestlabelsupply.com
- bradgessler 4y ago
  Hey! I run https://www.thingybase.com/ https://www.thingybase.com/ and would like to recommend the right paper & labels for folks to use with the printers listed at https://www.thingybase.com/help/printers https://www.thingybase.com/help/printers I’ve tried a few different rolls from Amazon and the stuff gets stuck on objects and won’t peel off. Is there a supplier that sells the kind of label rolls that will peel off without sticking? What are the terms I should be using to describe this kind of paper? I feel like I’m fumbling around with my language describing this problem.
neilv 4y ago
Using DataMatrix for inventory tracking purposes might make using QR for some different, end user purpose a little easier. (Or not conflicting the UX with existing purposes of QR on whatever you're inventorying, such as manufacturer/brand's consumer engagement on packaging or the products themselves. "No, not that QR, a different one, somewhere else.")
joshz404 4y ago
I think the key question here is: are you using GS1 identifiers? If not, I don't think it'd make much sense to throw a non-GS1 identifier in there and expect anyone else to be able to use it. Or is this just internal?
- joshz404 4y ago
  Actually disregard this, I was mistaken.
bradgessler 4y ago
I chose QR Codes for https://www.thingybase.com/ https://www.thingybase.com/ because they’re widely supported by most basic smartphone cameras. It’s consumer facing.

AlphaWeaver 4y ago

I've used DataMatrix for similar uses, and found that they can scale down smaller (due to less obtrusive code patterns.) IIRC though, DataMatrix is technically licensed, not open, so if that's a concern for you you may want to be careful.

m-p-3 4y ago

Personally I like DataMatrix on small parts, and QR codes for more complex data structures and internal user-facing stuff. An example with QR Code, I made "prefilled" email templates using the mailto: protocol, so let's say you want to report an issue regarding a specific piece of hardware in the office, you can scan the Tech Support QR code and it will prefill the email to send to our tech support email with all its information (hostname, serial number, model, location, etc) and then the client can fill up a small description of the problem before sending. I only do this for hardware that doesn't leave the premises, on laptops I just put a CODE-128 barcode that contains the hostname (also written in plaintext) below the display, and another one on the lid to make the process of taking an inventory quickly when someone is working at their desktop using a docking station with the lid closed. It saves us some back and forth with our users. It's a bit of work, but once you have your template it's fairly easy to automate the generation.

danvoell 4y ago

I'm a label printer. Data matrix can be smaller depending on how much data you are using. If its customer facing, obviously QR. If you are scanning with an app/scanner, there is little difference in speed. I'm happy to run some prototype labels for you if you want to test out different size/versions (Qr 1-40)/error correction... firstname at midwestlabelsupply.com

bradgessler 4y ago
Hey! I run https://www.thingybase.com/ https://www.thingybase.com/ and would like to recommend the right paper & labels for folks to use with the printers listed at https://www.thingybase.com/help/printers https://www.thingybase.com/help/printers I’ve tried a few different rolls from Amazon and the stuff gets stuck on objects and won’t peel off. Is there a supplier that sells the kind of label rolls that will peel off without sticking? What are the terms I should be using to describe this kind of paper? I feel like I’m fumbling around with my language describing this problem.

neilv 4y ago

Using DataMatrix for inventory tracking purposes might make using QR for some different, end user purpose a little easier. (Or not conflicting the UX with existing purposes of QR on whatever you're inventorying, such as manufacturer/brand's consumer engagement on packaging or the products themselves. "No, not that QR, a different one, somewhere else.")

joshz404 4y ago

I think the key question here is: are you using GS1 identifiers? If not, I don't think it'd make much sense to throw a non-GS1 identifier in there and expect anyone else to be able to use it. Or is this just internal?

joshz404 4y ago
Actually disregard this, I was mistaken.

bradgessler 4y ago

I chose QR Codes for https://www.thingybase.com/ https://www.thingybase.com/ because they’re widely supported by most basic smartphone cameras. It’s consumer facing.