Today, 2D codes are playing an increasingly important role in industrial environments, widely adopted by manufacturers, logistics companies and warehouse operators alike. The most common industrial 2D codes include Data Matrix, which is widely used in manufacturing and pharmaceuticals, as well as QR codes and PDF417 codes. In many regulated and high-volume environments, these symbols are generated in line with GS1 standards to ensure consistency and interoperability across supply chains.
With ever-growing pressures to improve traceability, efficiency and accuracy, industrial 2D codes offer a practical way to connect physical items, assets and packaging with digital systems, enabling businesses to work with greater control and visibility.
In this blog, we’ll look more closely at what industrial 2D codes are, how they’re used in areas such as manufacturing and logistics and the key benefits they can deliver both to businesses and their customers.
How are 2D codes used in industry?
2D codes are used across industries including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, general manufacturing and logistics for purposes such as product identification, traceability and compliance. They are often printed on durable labels or applied directly to products, cases or pallets using industrial print and apply labelling systems.
Compared to QR codes printed on marketing materials such as restaurant or pub menus, industrial 2D codes must be significantly more robust. They need to remain readable despite exposure to dust, moisture, heat and abrasion, particularly in washdown environments or on high-speed production lines. To ensure ongoing reliability, many organisations use barcode verification systems to grade symbol quality against recognised standards such as ISO/IEC 15415 and ISO/IEC 15416.
In addition to their environmental durability, 2D codes are inherently more resilient than traditional 1D barcodes. Linear (1D) codes rely on a single horizontal scan line, meaning that damage, scratches or print defects across that line can render the symbol unreadable. By contrast, 2D codes store data both horizontally and vertically and incorporate built-in error correction algorithms. This allows scanners to reconstruct the encoded data even if part of the symbol is damaged or obscured. In demanding industrial settings where labels may be exposed to abrasion, marking variability or partial contamination, this structural redundancy significantly improves read reliability and reduces the risk of operational disruption.
Another key difference lies in how the data is structured and managed. Industrial 2D codes typically link to backend systems such as ERP or warehouse management platforms. They may encode static information such as a product ID, batch number, expiry date or serial number. While the data within the symbol itself is fixed once printed or marked, it can contain a unique identifier that references a database record which is updated over time. This distinction enables flexible data management without the need to reprint labels every time associated information changes.
Common industrial applications of 2D codes
Asset identification and tracking
2D codes are widely used to identify and track assets such as medical devices, machinery, tooling and returnable transport items. By scanning a 2D code attached to an asset, operators and engineers can access maintenance histories, calibration records or service schedules directly from connected systems. This supports more effective preventative maintenance planning and reduces unplanned downtime.
Product identification and traceability
In manufacturing and supply chains, 2D codes support detailed product identification and traceability. In food and beverage production, they can encode GTIN, batch and date information to support rapid recall management and retailer compliance. In pharmaceutical manufacturing, 2D Data Matrix codes are used as part of serialisation processes, enabling unit-level traceability in line with regulatory requirements. Across sectors, 2D codes allow products to be tracked by batch, lot or serial number as they move through production, storage and distribution, strengthening audit trails and improving confidence in product provenance.
Packaging and labelling
2D codes are commonly incorporated into product, case and pallet labels. Their high data capacity allows multiple data points to be encoded within a relatively small area, which is particularly useful for GS1 logistics labels and SSCC pallet identification. In high-speed environments, print and apply systems ensure accurate placement and consistent print quality, helping to maintain scanning performance throughout the supply chain.
An important industry development influencing packaging strategies is the GS1 Sunrise 2027 initiative, led by GS1. The Sunrise project aims to enable 2D codes, such as QR codes powered by GS1 or Data Matrix symbols structured according to GS1 standards, to be scanned at retail point of sale worldwide by 2027. These next-generation symbols can encode traditional GTIN data alongside additional information such as batch numbers, expiry dates or web links within a single code using standardised application identifiers. For manufacturers and brand owners, this represents a significant shift: a single 2D code on packaging can support both supply chain requirements and consumer-facing applications, improving efficiency while creating new opportunities for transparency and digital engagement.
Quality control and compliance
Quality teams use 2D codes to link products or batches directly to inspection records, test results and compliance documentation. In regulated sectors such as food and pharmaceuticals, this supports clearer audit trails and demonstrates adherence to industry standards. Integrated verification systems can also confirm symbol quality at the point of print, reducing the risk of unreadable labels entering the supply chain and supporting validation processes where required.
Warehousing and logistics
In warehouses and distribution centres, 2D codes support accurate picking, packing and dispatch operations. They can be scanned using handheld devices or fixed-mount scanners to reduce reliance on manual data entry and minimise errors in order fulfilment. In more automated environments, camera-based barcode readers and industrial vision systems are integrated directly into conveyor and sortation systems, enabling high-speed capture and verification without operator intervention. This allows 2D codes to form part of a fully integrated labelling, scanning and inspection process that supports throughput as well as accuracy.
Benefits of using 2D codes in industry
Improved data accuracy
One of the most significant benefits of industrial 2D codes is improved data accuracy. By reducing manual input and enabling direct system integration, they help eliminate transcription errors and ensure that information captured on the shop floor or in the warehouse aligns with what is recorded in digital platforms.
Increased efficiency
2D codes enable rapid access to product and asset information with a single scan. This supports routine activities such as goods receipt, production tracking and pallet dispatch, allowing teams to work more efficiently and focus on operational priorities rather than administrative tasks.
Enhanced traceability and visibility
Because 2D codes connect physical items to structured digital records, organisations gain greater visibility across their operations. Real-time access to production, batch and logistics data supports informed decision-making and stronger control over complex processes, particularly where compliance and accountability are critical.
Scalability and flexibility
2D code systems are scalable and adaptable. As operations expand or regulatory requirements evolve, new identifiers and data structures can be introduced without major infrastructure changes. Although the symbol itself remains static once printed, the backend systems it connects to can be updated to reflect changes in product status, location or compliance documentation, providing operational flexibility in dynamic production environments.
2D codes are already established across manufacturing and logistics, and their role continues to develop as organisations pursue greater integration between physical operations and digital systems. As Industry 4.0 initiatives advance, 2D codes are increasingly embedded within automated production lines, connected quality systems and data-driven supply chains, supporting real-time visibility and performance monitoring.
Industrial 2D codes therefore offer a practical and scalable approach to improving accuracy, efficiency and traceability across food and beverage, pharmaceutical, manufacturing and logistics operations. When correctly specified, printed and verified, they become a reliable foundation for connected, compliant and efficient processes.
Cobalt has over 25 years of experience in delivering industrial print and apply labelling and barcoding systems designed for demanding production and warehouse environments. From integration with ERP platforms to ensuring consistent print quality and verification at line speed, our systems are engineered to support accuracy, reliability and long-term performance.
To find out more about how our solutions can support your operation, contact our team.
