GPS Trackers Vs QR Codes

Published on May 28, 2021 • 3 min read

Asset tracking technologies have come a long way. In the past, your asset management operations would need to be confined to a spreadsheet. This is unwieldy and has gaps.

Spreadsheets require a row for each asset and a column for each bit of information. They then need to be manually updated every time an asset undergoes a change. This means that your fixed asset register will likely be perpetually out of date.

Asset tracking software allows you to log unique profiles and add unique asset data to these profiles. This means you have a place for your data and don't have to view an unwieldy spreadsheet to pinpoint information.

Then, you can implement asset tracking hardware to speed up your operations further. This can take the form of QR codes and GPS trackers. But, which is better?

GPS Asset Tracking Benefits

GPS asset trackers periodically update your assets' locations with no need for manual input. This means that you can see where your assets are on the map automatically, giving you a clear overview of your asset locations.

This is very helpful if you're tracking assets on a large site, as you can see how your assets move. GPS asset tracking is also great if your assets are getting delivered to places, as you'll be able to track these deliveries.

Using your asset tracking software, you can also see the history of your assets' movements, giving you a clear view of everything you need to know related to location.

This also means that it's possible to retrieve assets after theft or after they go missing, something that isn't possible with other asset tracking hardware.

GPS Tracker Drawbacks

GPS trackers are very helpful in specific situations. However, the asset tracking hardware hasn't caught up with small tools tracking, for example. 

This is as your GPS trackers will likely be bulky with a long battery life, or small with a short battery life. As GPS trackers require recharging to work effectively, they're best used within a vehicle that can constantly charge the tracker.

Also, GPS updates are address based. Because of this, it may be difficult to pinpoint movements as, while you'll be able to use the coordinates, a range of coordinates may correspond to an address, complicating your asset tracking operations.

QR Code Asset Management Benefits

QR code asset management is great at creating a fast, clear, accountable overview of your asset register. QR code asset tags work by allowing you to stick physical tags onto your assets. You can then link these tags with specific assets.

Therefore, if you're using asset tracking software for IT asset management, you can use QR codes to retrieve each laptop, ready for edits.

Every time you scan an assets' tag, too, the last seen location updates as well as the user who scanned the tag. This gives you a full audit trail of where and when issues were reported, for example.

QR code asset tags also open up the possibility for bulk actions, such as bulk updating the locations of assets and running audits. This is simply done by scanning each assets tag after clicking the relevant button in your asset tracking app.

QR Code Asset Management Drawbacks

The main drawback of QR codes is mitigated by GPS trackers. QR codes can only collect an asset's last seen location using your phone's GPS data and, therefore, doesn't give you as live an overview.

While QR codes don't require batteries, too, if you opt for the wrong type of tag they may become damaged or weathered, causing the need for you to replace your tags.

There is also an element of training required to ensure that your business is using your asset tracking software correctly and consistently. In practice, this is simpler than it sounds, however, as your asset tracking app should be intuitive and user friendly.

GPS Trackers Vs. QR Codes, Which Is Better?

QR codes fill in many gaps and speed up your asset tracking operations where GPS trackers give you visibility over your assets where you otherwise wouldn't have any.

Therefore, the best way to track your assets is by using a combination of both. GPS trackers and QR codes complement each other as QR codes are great for when your assets are onsite, where GPS trackers are great for when they are not.

itemit allows you to mix and match your asset tracking hardware, allowing you to use GPS trackers, QR codes, barcodes and RFID tags in tandem. This gives you the highest level of visibility, control and accountability on the market.

To find out more about how itemit's asset tracking software can help your business, you can contact the team at team@itemit.com. You can also fill in the form below to start your 14-day free trial. You can even use your own barcodes and QR tags!