How-to
Asset Tagging Best Practices: QR Codes vs Barcodes vs RFID
A practical comparison of the three dominant asset tag technologies, with cost, durability, scan distance and use-case guidance.
Every asset needs a unique identifier you can scan in the field. Three technologies dominate: linear (1D) barcodes, QR (2D) codes, and RFID. Each has a sweet spot.
Linear barcodes
Cheap, ubiquitous, and dumb in the best way. Requires line-of-sight and a dedicated scanner for best results. Fine for warehouses, less useful for ad-hoc scanning on a phone.
QR codes
Scan from any smartphone, encode meaningful payloads (asset tag + URL), survive partial damage thanks to built-in error correction. AssetMon generates QR labels per asset with a JSON payload that includes the tenant context — point your camera, hit the URL, you are on the asset detail page.
RFID
No line of sight, scan dozens of tags per second from several metres. Magic for warehouse audits, overkill (and expensive) for an office.
Our recommendation
- Standard office: durable QR labels (laminated polyester, 38mm).
- Warehouses / tool cribs: passive UHF RFID.
- Hybrid: QR for high-value items, plain barcode for consumables.