Assets & serial numbers
Barcodes for Serial Numbers and Asset Tags
Serial numbers identify individual units, while asset tags usually identify equipment your organization tracks over time. Both can be encoded in barcodes, but the right design depends on whether the identifier is purely internal or must follow an external standard.
Updated September 14, 2026
For a new internal serial-number or asset-tag system, Code 128 is usually a strong 1D starting point because it supports flexible alphanumeric values efficiently. Use Code 39 when an established workflow requires it, or QR when phone scanning or a richer direct payload is useful. If the asset must use a GS1 identifier such as GIAI or GRAI, follow the applicable GS1 key and carrier rules instead of encoding an arbitrary internal number as though it were standardized.
Serial number vs asset ID: decide what the barcode identifies
A serial number normally distinguishes one physical unit from other units of the same model. An internal asset ID can instead be the organization’s own tracking key for a laptop, machine, tool or other equipment.
Do not overload one value with multiple meanings. If the manufacturer serial and your internal asset number are both operationally useful, store both in the database and decide which one workers need to scan most often.
Choose Code 128, Code 39 or QR based on the workflow
| Situation | Good starting point | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| New internal serial or asset ID | Code 128 | Flexible alphanumeric data in a compact 1D symbol |
| Existing system mandates Code 39 | Code 39 | Preserves legacy compatibility |
| Phone scanning / URL / richer payload | QR Code | 2D capacity and camera support |
| GS1-standardized asset identification | GS1-defined key/carrier | Requires the GS1 data structure, not an arbitrary generic barcode |
GS1 has separate identification keys for assets
GS1 defines identifiers beyond GTIN. Its identification-key portfolio includes the Global Individual Asset Identifier (GIAI) for individual assets and the Global Returnable Asset Identifier (GRAI) for returnable assets such as pallets, crates or totes. These are different from a GTIN, which identifies trade items.
If a trading partner or regulated workflow requires a GS1 asset key, implement that standard specifically. BarcodeBatch’s generic Code 128 and QR tools can create internal symbols, but they do not allocate or certify GS1 asset identifiers.
Design the asset tag for years of real use
- Keep the encoded identifier stable for the life of the asset record.
- Print human-readable text so the ID can be entered manually when a scanner is unavailable.
- Choose label stock and adhesive for heat, abrasion, cleaning and surface type.
- Do not place the code where handles, hinges or curved surfaces routinely damage it.
- Test worn-label scenarios before committing to thousands of tags.
Generate a list of serial or asset barcodes from Excel
If asset IDs or serials already exist in a spreadsheet, bulk generation reduces copying errors. BarcodeBatch Excel Bulk can create Code 128 images for many rows while keeping each source value intact.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
What barcode is best for serial numbers?
For a new internal system, Code 128 is usually a strong starting point because it handles alphanumeric serials efficiently. Existing requirements can override that choice.
What barcode is best for asset tags?
Code 128 is practical for internal asset IDs; QR can be useful for phone scanning or links. Standardized GS1 asset workflows require the appropriate GS1 identification key and carrier.
Is an asset barcode the same as a product UPC?
No. A UPC/GTIN identifies a trade item, while an asset identifier can identify one specific owned or managed asset.
Can I generate asset barcodes from Excel?
Yes. If each row contains a stable asset or serial value, BarcodeBatch Excel Bulk can generate Code 128 images in bulk.
Sources & standards
Technical claims in this guide are checked against primary or official documentation where available.