What Happens During a QR Readiness Review? A Step-by-Step Guide for Manufacturers

Preparing for QR Codes powered by GS1 can raise plenty of questions for manufacturers. Does your existing printer have the capability? Will your packaging need to change? Can your production line maintain the required print quality? And where should you start?

Knowing what needs to be done is one thing. Understanding how to assess your own production process is another.

That’s why Codico has introduced its QR Readiness Review: a practical way for manufacturers to work with our team, examine their current setup and identify the steps involved in preparing for QR Codes powered by GS1.

But what does a QR Readiness Review actually involve, and what can manufacturers expect when they contact Codico?

Start with your product and production line

You don’t need to have all the answers before requesting a review. In fact, helping manufacturers establish what they need to consider is one of its main purposes.

We recommend starting with one product or packaging format and the production line where the code will be applied.

This gives us a specific application to assess, rather than trying to consider every product and production process at once.

We’ll begin by understanding:

• What product is being manufactured and how it is packaged.

• What information needs to be included in the QR code.

• Whether the information is fixed or changes between batches.

• What coding equipment is currently being used.

• What production requirements or retailer specifications need to be met.

This initial conversation helps establish the scope of the review and the areas that need closer attention.

Bring the right people into the conversation

QR readiness can involve more than one department, so it is useful to have the relevant people involved from the beginning.

Depending on the application, this may include:

• Production and engineering: People who understand the production line, operating speeds, equipment and integration requirements.

• Quality: Those responsible for product quality, inspection and any required code verification standards.

• Packaging and artwork: People who understand the packaging materials, artwork specifications and available space for the code.

• IT and data management: Those responsible for the information being encoded and how it is transferred to the printing equipment.

It may also be necessary to involve the packaging supplier, particularly where changes to the packaging material, artwork or print area need to be considered.

Bringing these perspectives together helps ensure that decisions are made with the complete application in mind.

Assess your existing equipment and packaging

Once we understand the application, we can start looking at the existing production setup.

This is where we examine how the QR code could be introduced into the manufacturer’s current process.

We consider the suitability of the existing printer, the packaging material, the available print area and the conditions in which the code will be applied.

For example, a manufacturer printing onto flexible packaging film may have different requirements from one applying a code to a rigid plastic container or cardboard carton.

Production speed is another important consideration. The proposed solution needs to be capable of applying the code consistently under the conditions in which the line operates.

We also consider whether the existing setup provides a suitable way to inspect and verify the finished codes.

Importantly, this assessment isn’t about automatically replacing existing equipment. It is about establishing what the current setup can achieve and identifying where changes or further investigation may be necessary.

Identify what needs to be tested

An important part of the QR Readiness Review is determining whether the proposed approach will work in practice.

Where appropriate, we can help arrange sample testing using the manufacturer’s actual packaging.

This allows us to investigate questions such as:

• Can the selected printing technology produce the required code quality on the packaging?

• Is the available print area suitable?

• Can the code be applied consistently at the intended production speed?

• Does the application require changes to the packaging or artwork?

• What verification or inspection equipment may be needed?

• Are there any additional data or integration requirements?

Testing helps move the discussion beyond assumptions. Rather than selecting equipment based solely on its technical specifications, manufacturers can make decisions based on how a solution performs on their own materials and application.

Not every review will require the same level of testing. The appropriate next step will depend on the findings of the initial assessment.

Understand your findings and agree the next steps

The purpose of the review is to leave manufacturers with a clearer understanding of their current position and what they may need to do next.

Depending on the application, our recommendations could include:

• Retaining existing coding equipment, subject to appropriate testing.

• Considering an alternative printing technology.

• Making changes to packaging artwork or working with the packaging supplier.

• Reviewing how variable information is generated and transferred to the printer.

• Introducing additional code inspection or verification capabilities.

• Carrying out further sample testing or a more detailed technical assessment.

Where a different solution is required, we can discuss the available options and provide a more detailed proposal.

The important thing is that manufacturers understand the reasons behind any recommendations and can plan accordingly.

You don’t need to be a Codico customer

The QR Readiness Review is available to manufacturers whether they currently work with Codico or use another coding and marking supplier.

As the authorised Domino Printing Sciences distributor across Ireland and a GS1 Ireland Gold Partner, Codico can bring together expertise in industrial coding, labelling, automation and vision systems.

We can assess applications using existing equipment from other manufacturers too. The objective is to understand the complete production process and identify the most appropriate way forward.

Start your QR Readiness Review with Codico

The move towards QR Codes powered by GS1 is an opportunity for manufacturers to review their existing processes and plan for what comes next.

You don’t need to have a complete solution mapped out before starting. You simply need to understand your application and be willing to assess what may need to change.

A QR Readiness Review is a practical starting point. Working with Codico, you can examine your existing setup, identify potential challenges and establish the next steps towards preparing your production line.

Ready to get started?

Contact Codico to discuss your application and request a QR Readiness Review.