Skip to content
  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

Why Barcode Scanning & Printing Matter in Manufacturing

In manufacturing, physical processes and digital systems must stay perfectly aligned. Materials move, products are produced, samples are taken, and measurements are performed — all while ERP and Quality systems need accurate, real-time data.

Barcode and QR code scanning provide a simple, scalable way to connect physical actions directly to the right digital context, without requiring complex system integrations upfront.

In combination with AlisQI, barcodes help ensure traceability, reduce errors, and guide users through production and quality workflows.

The Core Challenge: Physical Work, Digital Systems

Manufacturing teams operate in the physical world, while systems like ERP and Quality Management Software operate digitally:

  • ERP systems manage orders, inventory, batches, and transactions
  • Quality systems manage inspections, samples, test plans, and results
  • Operators and analysts work in between, handling materials and measurements
Barcodes bridge this gap by linking a physical object (material, batch, or sample) to its exact digital record at the moment it matters.
 

Barcode Usage on the Shop Floor (ERP-Driven)

On the shop floor, ERP systems remain the system of record. Barcodes support correct execution of ERP processes.Typical flow:

  • ERP triggers label printing (e.g. goods receipt, batch creation)
  • Label is attached to materials or products
  • Barcode identifies the ERP-managed object
  • Scanning supports ERP transactions such as stock movements or production steps
Key principle: The ERP owns the business logic — barcodes ensure actions are applied to the correct physical object.Benefits:
  • Faster inventory movements
  • Fewer operational errors
  • Better batch and material traceability
  • Clear audit trails aligned with ERP data

Barcode Usage in Quality Control (AlisQI-Driven)

In Quality Control, barcodes focus on samples and measurements rather than transactions.Typical flow:
  • A sample is taken and labeled
  • The barcode uniquely identifies the sample
  • In the lab, the analyst scans the barcode or QR code
  • AlisQI immediately opens the correct inspection or result entry screen
This removes the need for searching, navigation, or manual selection.For QC users, scanning becomes the workflow:
  1. Perform the measurement
  2. Scan the sample
  3. Enter the result in AlisQI
Benefits:
  • Faster result entry
  • Fewer mix-ups or incorrect entries
  • Higher user adoption
  • Stronger compliance and audit readiness


One Concept, Two Use Cases

Although ERP and QC workflows differ, the concept is the same:Barcodes connect physical actions to digital intent.
  • On the shop floor, they support ERP-owned transactions
  • In quality, they guide users directly to the right task in AlisQI
Together, they create a continuous digital thread from production to quality.
From Identification to Guided WorkflowsBarcode usage typically evolves over time:
  1. Identifying batches or samples
  2. Resolving the correct workflow or test
  3. Opening the exact screen for result entry
AlisQI fully supports this final stage, where scanning becomes a fast, intuitive way to do the right thing — every time.
 

Why This Matters

When used intentionally, barcodes are more than labels. They become:
  • A lightweight bridge between systems
  • A way to guide users through correct workflows
  • A foundation for scalable, reliable manufacturing and quality processes
By combining barcode scanning and printing with AlisQI, organizations improve efficiency, traceability, and data quality — without adding unnecessary technical complexity.