Skip to content

Barcode & QR solutions

Make every item scannable. Turn every scan into action.

Flatorb designs complete barcode and QR systems for Sri Lankan operations — the right code, label, device, workflow and software connection to make each scan accurate, useful and accountable.

Global engineering experience since 2008Implementing in Sri Lanka since 2012

Low-cost identificationUse practical labels across large item volumes
Clear user intentEach scan confirms a deliberate action
Flexible devicesHandheld scanners, mobiles and fixed points
Integration readyConnect scans to workflows and business systems

Where barcode & QR fit

Simple, visible and dependable when one deliberate scan is the right control.

Barcode and QR are often the most practical starting point for digital traceability. We assess the item, environment, scan frequency and workflow before recommending the code and capture method.

Strong barcode / QR fit01

Use barcode or QR when the operation needs:

  • A deliberate one-at-a-time confirmation
  • Low-cost identity across many items
  • Visible labels and clear user control
  • Scanning with dedicated or mobile devices
  • A fast, familiar route away from paperwork
RFID may be better02

Consider RFID when the operation needs:

  • Rapid counting of many items together
  • Hands-free capture at gates or process points
  • Identification without direct line of sight
  • Very frequent movement visibility
  • Less dependence on deliberate manual scans

How a scan becomes useful

The code is only the identifier. The workflow creates the value.

A dependable solution connects a readable label to the right user, business rule, record and next action.

  1. 01IdentifyGive the item the right digital identity.

    Select the code type, data structure, label material and printing method for the item and its lifecycle.

  2. 02CaptureScan at the point where work happens.

    Use a handheld, mobile or fixed device suited to the distance, speed, lighting and operator.

  3. 03ValidateConfirm the user, item and transaction.

    Apply workflow rules that prevent the wrong item, quantity, location or sequence from being accepted.

  4. 04ActUpdate the record and trigger what follows.

    Post the verified event to OCTO Ops or an existing ERP, then guide the next operational action.

Operational applications

Designed around the point where manual identification creates delay or error.

The best barcode and QR projects improve a defined transaction: receiving, counting, issuing, inspecting, producing, delivering or servicing.

01Inventory & warehouse

Control stock from receipt to dispatch.

Scan items, batches, bins and movements to improve accuracy and reduce handwritten records.

02Assets & custody

Know what exists and who holds it.

Identify assets, confirm transfers and accelerate physical verification across sites and teams.

03Maintenance & inspections

Open the right record at the equipment.

Use QR codes to guide technicians to service history, checklists, instructions and fault reporting.

04Manufacturing & WIP

Confirm materials, stages and handovers.

Capture production activity, routing, consumption and exceptions where work changes state.

05Field & delivery

Record proof at the point of service.

Verify the item, location, customer or task before completing a delivery or field activity.

06Customer interaction

Connect a physical item to useful digital content.

Give authorised users quick access to product information, forms, instructions or service requests.

Barcode & QR engineering

A code works only when the label, device and scan point survive the real operation.

Size, contrast, surface, lighting, distance, movement, dirt, chemicals, heat and handling all affect scan reliability. Flatorb designs and tests the complete capture point around the actual workflow.

PRINT · PLACE · VERIFY
  1. 01
    Workflow & site studyDefine the item, action, operator and point of control.

    Understand the transaction, exceptions, environment and success criteria.

  2. 02
    Code & data designChoose the right symbology and identifier structure.

    Use 1D barcode, GS1, Data Matrix or QR according to data, space and ecosystem requirements.

  3. 03
    Label & print specificationKeep the identity readable throughout its lifecycle.

    Match material, adhesive, ribbon, size, placement and protection to the operating conditions.

  4. 04
    Device & software designMake scanning fast, guided and difficult to misuse.

    Select devices and design screens, validation rules and integrations around the operator.

  5. 05
    Verification & adoptionTest reliability before scaling.

    Validate scan performance, train users, establish label controls and monitor quality.

SCAN CONFIRMEDITEM 00481725Location: WH-A-014✓
00481725
Devices and labels follow the workflow

Devices, labels & printing

The right capture stack — selected, configured and supported as one system.

We combine the appropriate identification, printing and scanning components with software that guides users and validates each transaction.

01Handheld barcode scannersFor rapid, reliable scanning at desks, counters and mobile work points.
02Rugged mobile computersFor warehouse, manufacturing, yard and field workflows.
03Barcode and label printersFor controlled on-demand or batch label creation.
04Labels for the real environmentPaper, synthetic, durable, tamper-evident and specialist options as required.

Software & integration

Connect each scan to the workflow and systems that run the business.

OCTO Ops can guide barcode-driven work as a standalone operational platform — or exchange verified transactions with ERP, finance, procurement and other systems already in use.

  • ✓ Guided mobile and desktop workflows
  • ✓ User, item, location and sequence validation
  • ✓ Dashboards, history, alerts and audit trails
  • ✓ Integration through suitable APIs or data exchange
Discuss your integration ↗
Operational architectureCONNECTED FLOW
Physical operationCodes & scan pointsLabels · devices · users
→
Operational layerOCTO OpsGuide · validate · trace
↔
Business systemsERP & enterprise appsTrusted records · actions
ITEMUSERLOCATIONACTION
Standalone or integratedMobile and desktopDesigned for adoption

Barcode, QR or RFID?

Choose by workflow — and combine technologies when that works best.

A hybrid solution is often practical: barcode or QR for deliberate human-led transactions, with RFID at high-volume or automated control points.

Decision factorBarcode / QRRFID
Line of sightRequiredScanner or camera must see the codeUsually not requiredCan identify tags without aiming at each one
Read methodUsually one at a timeDeliberate scan creates clear user intentSingle or bulkMany tags can be captured rapidly
AutomationHuman-led by defaultSimple, visible and easy to controlHigh potentialSuitable for gates and hands-free events
EnvironmentNeeds a readable labelDirt, damage, glare and access affect scanningNeeds RF engineeringMetal, liquid and read boundaries affect design
Typical costLower entry costLabels and scanning devices are straightforwardHigher investmentTags, readers, antennas and engineering
Best fitSimplicity and deliberate controlWhen one-at-a-time scanning is practicalVolume, speed and automationWhen fewer manual touchpoints create value

Implementation approach

Prove the workflow with real users and items before scaling.

A barcode project should move from a defined transaction to a tested label, guided workflow and adopted operating process.

  1. 01DiscoverWorkflow, item and outcome
  2. 02SpecifyCode, label, device and data
  3. 03DesignWorkflow, validation and integration
  4. 04ProvePilot with real users and conditions
  5. 05ImplementDeploy, train and establish controls
  6. 06ImproveMeasure, refine and expand

Barcode & QR questions

Practical answers before you invest.

The right answer depends on the workflow, item and environment. These are the principles we use when designing a solution.

Ask about your requirement ↗
What is the difference between a barcode and a QR code?

Traditional 1D barcodes normally store a compact identifier and are fast to scan with dedicated devices. QR codes hold more data, tolerate some damage and are easy to scan with cameras. The best choice depends on label space, data, speed, distance and the devices involved.

Should the code contain all the information about the item?

Usually no. A stable unique identifier is often safer and easier to manage, with current information retrieved from the operational system. This avoids outdated data being permanently printed on the item.

Can staff use mobile phones instead of barcode scanners?

Yes, when scan volumes, distances, lighting and device controls make phones practical. Dedicated scanners or rugged mobile computers are generally better for intensive or demanding operations. We select devices around the workflow rather than convenience alone.

How do we make labels last in harsh conditions?

Label material, adhesive, print technology, ribbon, protection and placement must match the surface, temperature, moisture, chemicals, abrasion and required life. Testing the real item is an important part of specification.

Can barcode workflows integrate with our existing ERP?

Yes. Barcode transactions can be guided and validated through OCTO Ops and exchanged with an existing system, or connected through another suitable architecture. The integration should exchange complete business events rather than uncontrolled scan strings.

How much does a barcode or QR system cost?

Cost depends on label volumes and durability, printers and scanners, workflow software, integration, rollout size and support. A focused assessment produces a more reliable investment estimate than quoting devices before the process is understood.

Begin with the transaction

Where would one accurate scan remove delay, uncertainty or rework?

Show us the item, user and action you need to control. We’ll assess whether barcode, QR, RFID or a hybrid approach is the practical fit.

Discuss your barcode requirement ↗