QR codes barcodes are a perfect example of industrial innovation spilling into everyday life. They solved a very practical problem on Toyota’s production lines but became a digital bridge between the physical and online worlds. Their openness (no license fees, no proprietary lock-in) was key to their success — much like the World Wide Web itself. QR Codes Barcode (Quick Response codes) barcodes have a really interesting backstory that ties into the evolution of barcoding, automotive manufacturing, and eventually global digital culture. Here’s the fuller story: Origins of QR Codes: Invented in Japan in 1994, QR Codes were developed by Masahiro Hara and his team at Denso Wave, a subsidiary of Toyota. At the time, Toyota’s production lines were using 1D barcodes (like Code 39 or UPC) to track automotive parts. But 1D barcodes had limits - They could only store a small amount of data (typically 20–25 characters). Workers had to scan multiple barcodes per part, slowing down the line. The barcodes required precise alignment with scanners. The Key Challenge Toyota wanted something that could store more information (parts numbers, descriptions, even Kanji characters). Scan faster from any angle. Be resistant to dirt and damage common in factories. The Breakthrough Design 2D Matrix barcode Structure - Instead of encoding data in a single line (1D), Denso Wave used a two-dimensional matrix of black and white squares. This boosted capacity from tens of characters to thousands (up to 7,089 numeric or 4,296 alphanumeric). Fast Scanning - The three distinctive position markers (the big squares in three corners) let scanners detect orientation instantly, making QR stand for “Quick Response”. Error Correction - QR Codes barcode use Reed–Solomon error correction, allowing them to be read even if up to ~30% of the code is damaged, dirty, or obscured. Expansion Beyond Automotive Open & Royalty-Free - Crucially, in 1999, Denso Wave declared QR Code a public standard, not enforcing patents. This open approach fueled worldwide adoption. 2000s: Mobile Era With the rise of camera phones in Japan, QR codes became popular for marketing — linking print ads, posters, and packaging directly to websites. Japan led adoption while Western countries lagged, since early phone cameras lacked QR scanning capabilities. 2010s: Global Uptake As smartphones standardized QR scanners, adoption spread......

Redbeam RFID Tracking Made Easy - Automate, Locate, Streamline & Scale for End-to-end Visibility - from the warehouse floor to the back office, RedBeam is Asset Tracking Made Easy. Redbeam RFID Tracking Made Easy allows you to gain fast, accurate visibility into high-value assets, tools, inventory, personnel, and more and all automatically in real-time. Redbeam RFID Tracking Made Easy pairs intelligent tracking software with powerful Zebra hardware to eliminate manual scanning and bring new levels of speed and control to your operations. Redbeam RFID Tracking Made Easy is built as a Software as a Service (SaaS) platform with flexible APIs and centralized reader management, RedBeam RFID scales across locations, teams, and use cases. Track Faster, Work Smarter - Built for high-volume, fast-paced environments, RedBeam RFID delivers enterprise-grade automation – without the complexity. Whether you’re tracking assets, inventory, tools, or equipment, RedBeam reduces errors, accelerates processes, and gives your team real-time visibility at scale. From hands-free scanning to custom reader tuning and automated workflows, it’s everything your operation needs to work smarter, not harder. Main Features: Secure, modern multi-tenant SaaS platform (SOC 2 Type II compliant) Configurable workflows and real-time alerts Directionality and rack-level granularity REST APIs for seamless integration Geolocation tagging for outdoor visibility Easy asset assignment and check-in/check-out processes Geolocation tagging for outdoor visibility Key Benefits: Track items without manual scanning Eliminate asset search time and reduce loss Improve inventory accuracy and cycle audit efficiency Enable real-time visibility and traceability Automate business rules based on movement and location Easy asset assignment and check-in/check-out processes Scale from single-location to enterprise-wide deployments RedBeam Asset Tracking integrates with a range of industry-standard devices for scanning, printing and RFID. Mobile UHF RFID Readers - Zebra TC52ax or TC53e with RFD40 or RFD90 sleds Fixed-Mount UHF RFID Readers - Zebra FX9600, FX7500, FXR90 Zebra ATR7000 for wide-area tracking RFID Printers & Labels & RFID Tags - Zebra ZT411 RFID printer (on-metal capable) Zebra Silverline series tags (optimized for metal surfaces) Standard and specialty RFID inlays available. Redbeam RFID Tracking Made Easy - Automate, Locate,......

1. Boost Efficiency: Automate Tracking & Eliminate Errors: Automatic Identification: UHF RFID labels and RFID tags can be read in bulk, without line of sight, as RTIs move through dock doors, conveyor portals, or vehicles. Faster Check-in/Check-out: Instead of scanning barcodes one by one, hundreds of tagged RTIs can be identified in seconds. Error-Free Processes: Human mistakes from manual scanning or paperwork are eliminated. Real-Time Visibility: Managers know exactly where RTIs are, reducing delays and improving planning. Example: At a distribution centre, pallets of reusable crates pass through an RFID gate, instantly updating ERP/WMS systems with inbound and outbound records — no manual scanning required. 2. Slash Costs: Optimise RTI Usage & Reduce Manual Labour Prevent Loss & Theft: RFID enables real-time accountability of assets, reducing shrinkage and costly replacements. Improve RTI Utilisation: Analytics show which RTIs are underused, idle, or stuck in the wrong location, allowing better circulation. Lower Inventory Buffers: With precise RTI availability data, companies can reduce “safety stock” of transport items, saving capital. Labour Savings: Staff no longer need to manually count or record RTIs, freeing time for higher-value tasks. Example: A beverage company tracks kegs via RFID to ensure fast turnaround from customers, reducing the number of kegs they need to purchase. 3. Enhance Sustainability: Minimises Waste & Support ESG Goals: Maximise Reuse: Accurate RTI tracking ensures each item completes more trips before replacement. Reduce Single-Use Packaging: Reliable RTI circulation encourages businesses to replace disposable packaging with returnables. Lower CO₂ Impact: Optimised logistics (fewer empty returns, better route planning) reduces transportation emissions. ESG Reporting: Automated data collection provides audit trails for sustainability metrics, helping prove compliance with ESG standards. Example: A grocery supply chain reduces single-use cardboard boxes by shifting to RFID-tracked reusable crates, cutting packaging waste and landfill impact. Supporting Technologies: UHF RFID Tags & RFID Labels: Durable, reusable, weather/impact resistant for RTIs. RFID UHF Fixed Readers & RFID Antennas: Installed at dock doors, warehouses, and gates. Mobile Handheld UHF RFID Readers: For mobile identification......