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Overview

Invenicum can generate QR code labels for any inventory item, enabling instant mobile access to item details, edit forms, and action menus. Perfect for warehouse management, equipment tracking, and physical asset organization.

One-Scan Access

Open item details instantly by scanning with any QR reader

Customizable Labels

Set label dimensions to match your printer and label stock

Print-Ready PDFs

Generate professional labels with item name and barcode

Barcode Integration

Labels include both QR codes and traditional barcodes if available

How It Works

Generating Labels

QR code labels are generated server-side as PDF files, ready for printing on standard label stock.
1

Open Item Details

Navigate to any inventory item in your system.
2

Click 'Print Label'

Look for the label/print icon in the item actions menu.
3

Configure Dimensions

Set label size in millimeters:
  • Width: Default 50mm (typical for 2” labels)
  • Height: Default 30mm (typical for 1.2” labels)
Common sizes:
  • Shipping labels: 101.6mm × 152.4mm (4” × 6”)
  • Asset tags: 50mm × 30mm (2” × 1.2”)
  • File folder labels: 66mm × 17mm
4

Generate PDF

Click “Generate” to create the label. A print dialog will open automatically.
5

Print or Save

Send to your label printer or save the PDF for batch printing later.
Technical Implementation (lib/data/services/asset_print_service.dart:12):
AssetPrintService.printAssetLabel(
  assetId,
  width: 50.0,  // mm
  height: 30.0  // mm
)
// GET /items/{assetId}/print-label?width=50&height=30
// Returns: PDF binary (response type: bytes)

Label Contents

Each label includes:
  1. Item Name: Large, readable text
  2. QR Code: Encodes a deep link to the item’s detail page
  3. Barcode: If the item has a barcode field populated, it’s included as a secondary identifier
  4. Container/Type Info: Small text showing organizational context
The QR code links directly to https://your-invenicum-instance.com/items/{itemId}, allowing anyone with the Invenicum app to access the item.

Scanning Labels

Use any QR code scanner app or the built-in scanner in Invenicum:
  1. Open Scanner: In the Invenicum app, tap the scan icon
  2. Point at QR Code: Camera focuses automatically
  3. Instant Access: Item detail page opens immediately
What You Can Do After Scanning:
  • View full item details
  • Edit quantity or custom fields
  • Create a loan record
  • View price history
  • Print another label
Enable camera permissions for the Invenicum app to use the integrated scanner. Alternatively, use your device’s native camera—the QR code will open in your browser.

Use Cases

Warehouse Bin Labels

Label shelves and bins so pickers can instantly see contents and quantities.

Equipment Check-out

Scan items during loan creation to auto-populate forms—no typing required.

Asset Audits

Walk through facilities scanning items to verify inventory matches records.

Maintenance Logs

Link physical equipment to digital maintenance histories via QR codes.

Label Printer Compatibility

Invenicum’s PDF labels work with:
  • Thermal Label Printers: Zebra, Brother QL series, Dymo LabelWriter
  • Inkjet/Laser Printers: Using adhesive label sheets (Avery, etc.)
  • Industrial Printers: Any device accepting PDF input
Thermal printers may require specific drivers or settings. Test with a single label before printing in bulk. Some printers need labels to be sent as images, not PDFs—consult your printer’s documentation.
For best results:
  • Material: Polyester or vinyl for durability (paper works for indoor use)
  • Adhesive: Permanent for fixed assets, removable for temporary tracking
  • Finish: Matte reduces glare when scanning
  • Size: Match your printer’s supported dimensions
Popular Options:
  • Avery 6572: 2” × 1.25” polyester asset tags (50.8mm × 31.75mm)
  • Zebra Z-Select 4000D: Direct thermal labels (50mm × 25mm)
  • Brother DK-1201: Address labels (29mm × 90mm)

Advanced Features

Batch Label Generation

For printing labels for multiple items at once:
1

Select Items

In the item list view, use checkboxes to select multiple items.
2

Click 'Print Labels'

Choose “Batch Print Labels” from the bulk actions menu.
3

Configure Layout

Set labels per page and dimensions.
4

Generate Multi-Page PDF

System generates a PDF with all labels laid out for your label sheet.
Batch printing is optimized for Avery-style label sheets where multiple labels fit on a single page.

Custom QR Code Destinations

By default, QR codes link to item detail pages. Advanced users can customize the destination URL:
  1. Go to Settings → Label Configuration
  2. Set a custom URL template: https://custom-app.com/items/{itemId}
  3. New labels will encode the custom URL
Use Cases for Custom URLs:
  • Link to external asset management systems
  • Direct to custom web forms for check-in/check-out
  • Integrate with third-party maintenance platforms

Barcode vs. QR Code

When to use QR codes:
  • Need to encode URLs or complex data
  • Scanning with smartphones
  • Small label sizes (QR codes are more space-efficient)
When to use traditional barcodes:
  • Compatibility with legacy scanners
  • Point-of-sale integrations
  • Retail inventory with existing UPC/EAN codes
Invenicum includes both on each label when a barcode exists, giving you maximum flexibility.

Troubleshooting

QR Code Won’t Scan

Problem: Camera app or scanner doesn’t recognize the code Solutions:
  1. Ensure adequate lighting—avoid glare and shadows
  2. Clean the label surface (smudges reduce contrast)
  3. Hold device 4-8 inches from label
  4. Try a different QR scanner app
  5. Increase QR code size by using larger label dimensions

Labels Print Incorrectly

Problem: Labels are cropped, oversized, or misaligned Solutions:
  1. Verify label dimensions match your label stock exactly
  2. Check printer page setup—disable “fit to page”
  3. Use printer’s native resolution (300 DPI for thermal printers)
  4. Update printer drivers
  5. Test with PDF viewer’s print settings instead of browser print

PDF Won’t Download

Problem: Clicking “Generate Label” does nothing Solutions:
  1. Check browser’s popup blocker settings
  2. Ensure stable internet connection (PDF is generated server-side)
  3. Try a different browser (Chrome/Firefox recommended)
  4. Check browser console for API errors

Best Practices

Label Placement

Apply labels to flat, clean surfaces. Avoid curves where QR codes might distort.

Regular Replacement

Replace faded or damaged labels quarterly to ensure scannability.

Redundant Labels

Print duplicate labels for critical assets—apply to multiple sides.

Test Before Bulk Printing

Always print 1-2 test labels to verify size and quality.

Security Considerations

QR codes expose item URLs publicly. Consider:
  • Access Control: Ensure Invenicum requires authentication before showing item details
  • Sensitive Data: Avoid including confidential info in item names (visible on labels)
  • Network Security: Use HTTPS to prevent QR code URL interception
  • URL Expiry: For high-security environments, implement time-limited QR codes
Publicly accessible QR codes can leak information about your inventory structure. Implement proper authentication and authorization in Invenicum to protect sensitive data.

API Reference

See the API documentation for:
  • Asset Print Service - QR and barcode label generation API
  • Print Label Endpoint - PDF generation for printing

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