If you’ve ever opened a new electronic device, smart phone, or home appliance, chances are you’ve seen a Data Matrix code.
While you may have thought it was a QR code, Data Matrix codes are an essential part of most manufacturing processes and act as an efficient means for component traceability. Data Matrix codes are also the only 2D barcode to have GS1 approval for regulated healthcare items.
QR codes on the other hand are larger and contain more data, such as website URLs, and are capable of encoding information not just in numeric and alphanumeric form, but also in Kanji and other multi-byte character sets.
No matter what industry, when it comes to industrial traceability for manufacturers, choosing the right type of code can leave a production run riddled with misinformation and the chance of getting lost.
Let’s break down the differences and similarities between QR and Data Matrix codes.
QR vs Data Matrix Codes
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Data Matrix codes have become the standard for anti-counterfeit measures, part identification, and internal tracking because they feature advanced error-correcting techniques that are more robust than QR codes.
This presents a unique benefit for manufacturers that need to ensure their products can be identified if part of the mark gets damaged or impeded.
Particularly necessary for complex and high stakes industries such as medical, aerospace, and defence, where hundreds to thousands of components are needed in order to assemble a finished product, Data Matrix codes can be read even if up to 50% of the mark gets damaged.
QR codes on the other hand have steadily been adopted in consumer-facing applications. These codes can be found everywhere from inventory tags to product packaging, containing links to websites, links to apps, and even restaurant menus.
QR codes have a lower-level error-correcting built in and can be rendered useless with even slight ware and tare. Just 30% of a QR code needs to be damaged before it becomes unreadable.
While these codes are perfect for consumer-forward use, marking a component or part with a QR code presents a real danger for misidentification pending the mark gets damaged.
Uses Cases and Applications
The Main Differences Between Data Matrix and QR Codes
You may find that both codes look similar. The differences that matter, however, cannot be seen by the naked eye! We have summed up for you the main differences between each type of 2D code to help you understand which one is right for you.
Specifications of Data Matrix vs QR Codes
While Data Matrix codes are typically reserved for industrial use cases, both types of marks can play a role in the manufacturing industry.
Since both Data Matrix and QR codes are GS1 approved, they can carry any GS1 ID keys including:
ID Key | Used to Identify | Example |
Products and services | Confectionery, fresh & frozen food, beverage, tobacco, cosmetics, | |
Parties and locations | Warehouses, pharmacies, dock doors, ports, farms, and ERP systems, | |
Returnable assets | Crates, bread trays, pallets, beer kegs, | |
Assets | Asset owner or a leasing or rental company, | |
Service provider& recipient relationships | Hospital registers, loyalty account members, metering points, | |
Components and parts | Automotive parts, | |
Product model | Medical devices, |
Beyond GS1, specifications and requirements for each code are presented by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). For more about how these codes work themselves, and how to create them, you can check out the relevant ISO standard for more detail.
Requirements for Data Matrix codes are specified under the ISO/IEC 16022 international standard; while requirements for QR codes are specified under the ISO/IEC 18004 international standard.