A GS1 QR code for inventory management in apparel and fashion offers a powerful solution to the sustainability challenges faced by this industry.
According to a report by the World Resources Institute, the fashion industry is responsible for 2-8% of global carbon emissions and is the second-largest industrial consumer of water.
If the industry wants to enter the sustainable age, it must adopt new inventory management methods and embrace technological solutions to its problems.
By employing advanced GS1 Digital Link technology, apparel businesses can achieve better inventory accuracy, streamline operations, and enhance customer experience.
Let’s discuss the benefits of this change and how you can be part of it.
Benefits of using a QR code inventory management system in apparel and fashion shops
GS1 Digital Link QR code offer numerous benefits for the apparel and fashion industry, streamlining operations and enhancing the overall customer experience. Here are the examples:
Improved inventory accuracy and visibility
By scanning product barcodes, retailers can instantly access real-time inventory data. It eliminates manual data entry errors and provides accurate stock level information, product location, and SKU details.
With enhanced visibility, businesses can make informed decisions about replenishment, avoid stockouts, and optimize inventory turnover.
Faster and more efficient checkouts
Using a GS1 QR code for inventory management in apparel and fashion shops significantly speeds up checkout.
Cashiers can quickly scan the code, automatically retrieving product information, pricing, and promotions, which reduces wait times and improves customer satisfaction.
Additionally, self-checkout systems can be easily integrated with GS1 Digital Link QR code technology, empowering customers to scan and pay for their purchases independently.
Enhanced supply chain management
GS1 retail QR codes facilitate seamless tracking of products throughout the supply chain.
By scanning codes at various stages, businesses can monitor the movement of goods from manufacturing to distribution and retail.
It enables better visibility into the supply chain, identifies potential bottlenecks, and improves overall efficiency.
Reduced stockouts and overstocks
Accurate inventory data from GS1 barcodes, particularly QR codes, helps retailers avoid stockouts and overstocks.
By analyzing sales trends and demand patterns, businesses can optimize inventory levels and reduce the risk of lost sales or excess inventory costs.
Facilitated returns and exchanges
Using GS1-powered QR codes for apparel and fashion stores simplifies the returns and exchange process.
By simply scanning the code on the returned item, retailers can quickly verify product information, process refunds or exchanges, and track returned goods. It streamlines the returns process and enhances customer satisfaction.
Enhanced customer experience
GS1 QR codes for the apparel and fashion industry are useful in providing additional value to customers. Retailers can embed product information, care instructions, and promotional offers within the code.
Customers can then scan the code with their smartphones to access detailed product information, watch videos, or read customer reviews.
How to use QR codes for inventory management?
Based on a 2024 report from Statista, the global apparel market is worth $1.7 trillion and is expected to grow healthy in the coming years. To get a piece of this industry, you must take advantage of technologies like GS1 Digital Link QR codes.
To implement them in your clothing business, you need to follow a systematic approach that involves these steps:
Assigning unique GS1 GTINs to products
The first step is to assign each product a unique Global Trade Item Number (GTIN).
A GTIN is a standardized product identifier that tracks and identifies products throughout the supply chain.
Once assigned, the GTIN will be a core component of the QR code. You need to create a GS1 QR code using a quality tool.
Printing GS1-standardised QR codes on product labels and tags
The next step involves printing the GS1 label and tag. These codes can be printed using various methods, including thermal transfer printing, direct thermal printing, and inkjet printing.
Ensuring that the printed codes are high quality and easily scannable is essential.
Point-of-sale integration
To streamline the checkout process, it’s crucial to integrate GS1 scanning into your point-of-sale (POS) system. It lets cashiers quickly scan the code, automatically retrieving product information, pricing, and promotions.
POS systems with GS1 QR code scanning can significantly improve checkout speed and accuracy by eliminating manual data entry.
Using mobile devices for real-time inventory checks
Mobile devices equipped with barcode scanners can perform real-time inventory checks.
By scanning the QR code using handheld devices like smartphones or tablets, employees can quickly and accurately count inventory, identify stockouts, and optimize shelf placement.
Additional considerations
- Data quality and standardization: Ensure that the data associated with each GS1-compliant QR code is accurate and consistent. This includes product information, pricing, and inventory levels.
- Code Scannability: Factors such as print resolution, contrast, and damage resistance should be taken into account.to accurately scan barcodes from GS1.
- Integration with existing systems: Seamless integration of the QR codes with existing systems, such as enterprise resource planning (ERP) and warehouse management systems (WMS), is essential for optimal efficiency.
- Security and privacy: Implement appropriate security measures to protect sensitive data associated with GS1 QR codes. This may involve encryption, access controls, and regular security audits.
- Training and education: Train employees to properly use GS1-powered QR codes, scanning procedures, and troubleshooting techniques.
Real-life use case of GS1 QR code for inventory management in apparel and fashion industry
Since GS1 Digital Links hold so much potential for QR inventory management, forward-thinking brands within the industry already use them.
One prominent example is Filippa K, which launched its wool collection with GS1 codes containing traceability data.
This step is part of The Fiber Traceability Initiative, which aims to create a circular value chain through sustainability and traceability.
Four names are part of this initiative: GS1 Sweden, Ax Foundation, Filippa K, and VirtualRouteZ.
They have developed a beta version of QR codes that can be placed on wool garments. Customers scan the code for information on the product journey and sustainability, from raw materials to the final product.
What improvements does this model offer?
Not only does it help customers trace garments to their origins, but it also helps brands comply with various regulations. Since the sustainability challenges in the garments industry are too complex for a single brand, collaborative models are the future.
The Fiber Traceability Initiative brings together multiple stakeholders and countries to ensure that data is shared according to global standards.
Using a centralized reporting dashboard by VirtualRouteZ, this initiative develops supply chains with maximum integration and end-to-end visibility.
Transform your apparel brand using a Digital Link QR Code Generator
The GS1 QR code for inventory management in apparel and fashion is poised to significantly impact this industry.
Fashion brands face serious sustainability problems today, but GS1-compliant QR codes can help resolve them by optimizing production processes, implementing efficient inventory management, and reducing paper waste.
On the consumer end, the codes can provide valuable information on the product’s sustainable origins.
To implement effective GS1-powered QR codes for your apparel brand, you need a quality GS1 QR code generator. This tool allows you to create QR codes in batches and offer several customization options regarding colors, logos, and more.
Put QR codes powered by GS1 on your apparel products to provide customers with a seamless scanning and support experience and gain an advantage over your competitors.
