Barcode Label
GM of Operations
A barcode label is a printed, adhesive identifier that encodes data in a machine-readable pattern, enabling workers to scan assets with a mobile device and instantly access the full digital record.
A barcode label is a printed, adhesive-backed identifier that encodes data in a machine-readable pattern of parallel lines (1D barcode) or a matrix of squares (2D barcode, such as a QR code). In asset management, barcode labels are affixed to physical assets such as equipment, tools, vehicles, IT hardware, and furniture to provide a unique, scannable identifier that links the physical item to its digital record. When a worker scans the barcode with a mobile device, handheld scanner, or smartphone camera, the system retrieves the asset's details, service history, location, and compliance status. Barcode labels are the most widely deployed asset identification technology due to their low cost, ease of printing, and compatibility with virtually all asset management software. Label materials range from standard paper for indoor use to polyester, vinyl, and metal-backed options for outdoor and industrial environments. Labels can be printed on demand using thermal transfer printers or ordered pre-printed from label suppliers, and most asset management platforms include a label designer that generates print-ready artwork with the barcode, asset number, and organisation branding.
Why it matters
Manual asset identification, such as reading serial numbers or searching by description, is slow, error-prone, and impractical for large fleets. Barcode labels reduce identification time to seconds, eliminate transcription errors, and make it feasible for any worker to look up or update an asset record in the field. For stocktakes and audits, barcode scanning can increase accuracy to near 100 per cent while reducing the time required by 50 per cent or more compared to manual methods.
How MapTrack helps
MapTrack includes a built-in label designer for creating barcode and QR code labels, supports printing to standard label printers, and enables any smartphone to scan labels and access the full asset record instantly.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between 1D and 2D barcodes?
A 1D barcode (such as Code 128 or Code 39) encodes data in a series of parallel vertical lines of varying widths. It typically stores up to 20 to 25 characters and requires a line-of-sight scan. A 2D barcode (such as a QR code or Data Matrix) encodes data in a two-dimensional matrix of squares and can store significantly more information, including URLs, serial numbers, and descriptive text. 2D barcodes can also be read from any angle and are more tolerant of damage.
What label material should I use for outdoor assets?
For outdoor environments, choose labels made from durable materials such as polyester (resistant to UV, moisture, and chemicals), anodised aluminium (extremely durable, resistant to abrasion and high temperatures), or ceramic-filled polyester (rated for harsh industrial conditions). Standard paper labels will degrade quickly outdoors. For assets exposed to solvents, fuels, or extreme heat, consult the label manufacturer's specifications for chemical and temperature resistance ratings.
Can smartphones scan barcode labels?
Yes. Modern smartphones have built-in cameras capable of reading both 1D and 2D barcodes using the device's camera and a scanning app. Most asset management platforms, including MapTrack, include barcode scanning functionality within their mobile app, so no additional hardware is needed. For high-volume scanning in warehouse or stocktake scenarios, dedicated handheld barcode scanners offer faster scan speeds and better ergonomics.
Related terms
Barcode Tracking
Barcode tracking uses printed barcodes, usually Code 128, Code 39 or another one-dimensional format, attached to assets, tools, parts or inventory. When a worker scans the barcode with a handheld scanner or mobile app, the barcode opens the matching asset record so the team can confirm identity, update location, log maintenance, complete a stocktake or check an item in and out. A barcode asset tracking system is most useful when teams already use barcode scanners, warehouse workflows or ERP systems that expect barcode input.
QR Tracking
QR tracking, also called QR code asset tracking, uses a unique QR code label on each physical asset to open that asset’s digital record. When a worker scans the code, the system resolves the tag and opens the linked record. The actions available from there depend on the user’s permissions, connection and the workflow they choose. Scanning alone does not record location or utilisation; GPS devices report location automatically.
Asset Register
An asset register is a comprehensive database or record of all physical assets owned, leased, or managed by an organisation. Each entry typically includes the asset’s unique identifier, description, category, serial number, purchase date, cost, location, assigned custodian, warranty details, and current condition. The asset register serves as the single source of truth for what the organisation owns and where it is.
Mobile Workforce Management
Mobile workforce management is the discipline of coordinating, dispatching, and supporting workers who operate outside a fixed office or facility, such as field service technicians, maintenance crews, inspectors, and delivery drivers. It encompasses scheduling and dispatching, real-time location visibility, mobile access to work orders and asset information, digital form completion, time tracking, and communication between the field and the back office. Mobile workforce management platforms run on smartphones and tablets, enabling technicians to receive assignments, access procedures, capture data, take photos, collect signatures, and close out tasks without returning to base. The shift from paper-based to digital mobile workflows eliminates data re-entry, reduces errors, and gives supervisors real-time visibility of work progress across geographically dispersed teams. Offline capability is a critical feature for mobile workforce tools because field workers frequently operate in areas with limited or no cellular connectivity, such as underground mines, remote construction sites, and shielded industrial buildings.
Work Order Management
Work order management is the end-to-end process of creating, prioritising, planning, assigning, executing, and closing maintenance and operational tasks. A work order is the central document that authorises and tracks a specific piece of work, recording what needs to be done, which asset it relates to, who is responsible, what parts and tools are required, the estimated and actual labour hours, and the completion status. Effective work order management ensures that every maintenance task, from routine inspections to major repairs, follows a consistent workflow that captures the data needed for planning, costing, and continuous improvement. Modern work order management systems replace paper-based and spreadsheet-driven processes with digital workflows that automate assignment, provide mobile access for field technicians, and generate real-time status dashboards for supervisors and planners. The data captured through disciplined work order management, including labour hours, parts consumed, failure codes, and completion notes, forms the foundation for maintenance analytics, budgeting, and strategic asset management decisions.
Cite this definition
Writing about this topic? You’re welcome to quote this definition. Here’s the wording to use so your readers can find the original.
A barcode label is a printed, adhesive-backed identifier that encodes data in a machine-readable pattern of parallel lines (1D barcode) or a matrix of squares (2D barcode, such as a QR code).
- Short attribution
- MapTrack Glossary: Barcode Label, https://www.maptrack.com/glossary/barcode-label
- Reference list
- MapTrack. (2026). Barcode Label [Glossary definition]. Retrieved from https://www.maptrack.com/glossary/barcode-label
Free to reuse with credit under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence. If you’d rather link straight to it, the page is https://www.maptrack.com/glossary/barcode-label.
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