The "Search" Tax: Technicians waste hours every week just scrolling through lists to find the right machine to fix. QR codes eliminate this waste instantly.
Data Accuracy: "Ghost Data" happens when a tech logs work to "Pump A" because he couldn't find "Pump B" in the system. Scanning prevents this error.
The Fabrico Workflow: How to generate, print, and use QR codes directly from your CMMS without needing third-party tools.
There is a silent productivity killer in your maintenance department. It isn't a broken tool or a missing part.
It is the "Search Bar."
Picture this: A technician ("Tom") arrives at a breakdown on a conveyor belt. He pulls out his phone to log the job. He types "Conveyor."
The system returns 50 results: "Conveyor Feed," "Conveyor Discharge," "Conveyor Main..."
Tom doesn't know exactly which one it is. He gets frustrated. He picks the first one on the list.
The Result:
Wasted Time: Tom spent 5 minutes fumbling with his phone.
Bad Data: He logged the work to the wrong asset.
Lost History: When you analyze the machine next year, the repair history is missing.
QR Codes are the cure. They turn your physical assets into digital gateways. Here is how to implement a robust tagging strategy using Fabrico.
Legacy systems used Barcodes (1D). Modern systems use QR Codes (2D).
Why the switch?
Scan Speed: Mobile phone cameras pick up QR codes instantly from any angle. Barcodes require precise alignment (frustrating in dark areas).
Data Density: A QR code can trigger a specific action (e.g., "Open Work Order #123"), not just identify a number.
No Hardware: You don't need a €500 laser scanner. You just need the smartphone your technician already has.
Do not run out and tag every light switch in the factory. That is noise.
Use RCM (Reliability-Centered Maintenance) logic. Tag the assets where you need to track costs and failure history.
Tag Parent Assets: The main machine (e.g., "Filler Line 1").
Tag Maintainable Children: The critical components that get swapped out (e.g., "Main Drive Motor," "Gearbox A").
Do Not Tag: Consumables or non-maintainable structural items (unless required for safety audits).
A QR code is useless if it fades or peels off.
Standard Environment (Assembly/Packaging): High-quality polyester labels (durable stickers) are sufficient.
Harsh Environment (Food/Chemical/Heavy Industry): You must use Metal or Anodized Aluminum tags with etched codes. Grease, steam, and washdowns will destroy stickers in a week.
Pro Tip: Never place the tag on a removable part (like a safety guard or a motor cover). If the cover gets swapped to another machine, your data becomes corrupted. Always tag the frame.
Most people think they need a separate "QR Generator" tool. You don't.
Fabrico has a built-in QR engine.
Generate: Select your assets in Fabrico and click "Generate QR Codes."
Print: The system creates a PDF formatted for standard label printers (like Zebra or Dymo).
Stick: Apply the tag to the machine.
The Technician Experience:
Tom walks up to the broken conveyor. He doesn't type anything.
He points his phone at the tag.
Fabrico instantly opens the "Asset Detail" page for that specific conveyor.
He taps "Create Work Order."
Time elapsed: 5 seconds. Accuracy: 100%.
QR codes aren't just for mechanics. They are for Operators too.
If an operator sees a leak, they shouldn't have to hunt for a supervisor.
The Workflow: Operator scans the QR code -> Taps "Report Issue" -> Takes a photo -> Hits Submit.
The Result: Maintenance gets a ticket with the exact asset ID already attached. No more tickets saying "The machine is broken" without saying which machine.
The other major use case is the Spare Parts Room.
Label your parts bins with Fabrico QR codes.
When a technician grabs a bearing, they scan the bin.
They tap "Issue to Work Order."
Result: Inventory count is accurate. No more "Ghost Inventory."
Your CMMS is only as good as the data inside it.
If there is friction between the physical machine and the digital record, your data will be bad.
QR Codes remove the friction. They make it easier to do the right thing than the wrong thing.
Stop typing. Start scanning.
[Book a Demo with Fabrico] to see how our built-in QR generator transforms your shop floor workflow.
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