QR code-based material flow monitoring in a subcontractor manufacturer network

Principal manufacturers suffer from uncertainty as they lack up-to-date information on their orders in supply chains (SCs). The current era of digitalization offers many solutions to monitor order statuses through integrated information systems. However, the requirements to implement such systems are high for the companies and they still prefer personal interactions with suppliers. This paper proposes a QR code-based order monitoring system in a subcontractor manufacturer network. The objective of the study is to assess the technological and operative maturity of the system in real SCs. A prototype system was built and demonstrated to representatives from Finnish companies in a virtual workshop. The feasibility study showed that the QR code-based monitoring system is practical and promising. The companies, however, recognize that its implementation would be challenging from both the technical integration and subcontractor adaptation points of view. The results obtained give insights into modern information management in SCs and suggest areas of interest for further studies.