Understanding the Difference Between Dynamic and Serialized QR Codes

When choosing QR codes for your products, the decision between dynamic and serialized codes fundamentally shapes what you can accomplish. Dynamic QR codes let you change the destination content without reprinting, while serialized QR codes give each individual product its own unique identity. Understanding this difference upfront determines whether you're building a flexible marketing channel or a precision tracking system.
‍

Dynamic QR Codes: The Flexible Foundation

Dynamic QR codes contain a short URL that redirects to your chosen destination. The magic lies in the redirect- you can change where that code takes people at any time without reprinting a single label.

Perfect for:

• Marketing campaigns that need regular updates
• Seasonal promotions and limited-time offers
• A/B testing different landing pages
• Multi-market products requiring different content

How it works: Print the code once, update the destination content infinitely through your platform dashboard.
‍

Serialized QR Codes: Individual Product Intelligence

Serialized QR codes assign a unique identifier to each individual product. Every single unit gets its own distinct code, creating unprecedented tracking and personalization capabilities.

Perfect for:

• Precise recall management down to specific units
• Individual product authentication
• Lottery and contest campaigns where each scan matters
• Supply chain tracking and compliance

How it works: Each product receives a unique code that connects to its individual production data, location history, and interaction records.
‍

Serialization in Action: Real-World Applications

Surgical Recall Management

When a food safety issue arises, serialised codes allow you to identify the exact 47 units from a contaminated ingredient batch, rather than recalling 50,000 products from the same production week. ProQure’s platform enables you to ‘flag’ specific products and provide digital proof of affected products via a secure verification system. This way, brands can give consumers a recall status check upon product scan, ensuring they receive the most recent information.

Marketing Lottery Campaigns

Launch promotions where each product offers unique prize opportunities. A beverage company could serialize 100,000 bottles with 1,000 instant winners, 50 major prizes, and personalized "better luck next time" messages. Each scan is tracked individually, preventing duplicate wins while creating excitement around every interaction.

Batch-Level Authentication

Luxury goods can serialize products to combat counterfeiting while providing customers with detailed authenticity information specific to their individual purchase- including production date, quality testing results, and even the artisan who crafted it.

Progressive Engagement Campaigns

Serialized codes enable "collect them all" campaigns where scanning multiple products from a series unlocks exclusive content, discounts, or experiences. Each product contributes unique value to the overall customer journey.

Supply Chain Intelligence

Track individual products through every supply chain checkpoint, monitoring temperature exposure, handling conditions, and timing. When issues arise, you know exactly which products were affected and where they're located in real-time.
‍

Choosing Your Approach

Start with Dynamic if you need:

• Cost-effective implementation across large product lines
• Regular content updates without reprinting
• Geographic or demographic content targeting
• Marketing campaign flexibility

Upgrade to Serialized when you require:

• Individual product tracking and authentication
• Precise recall capabilities
• Contest and lottery functionality
• Advanced supply chain visibility
• Regulatory compliance like FSMA 204
  ‍

Implementation Strategy

Most brands begin with dynamic QR codes to establish their connected packaging foundation, then add serialization for specific product lines or use cases that require individual tracking. ProQure's platform supports both approaches seamlessly, allowing you to mix dynamic and serialized codes based on your specific business needs.

The key is understanding that dynamic codes optimize for flexibility and cost-effectiveness, while serialized codes optimize for precision and individual intelligence. Choose based on what matters most for each specific application.

Ready to implement the right QR strategy for your products? Sign up or contact us to discuss which approach best fits your specific use cases.

‍