Creating and Applying QR Codes to Assets
QR codes provide a quick and convenient way to access asset information within Twinview. Once a QR code has been assigned to an asset and physically attached to the equipment, users can scan it to locate the corresponding asset record in the Twinview mobile app. The assigned QR code can also be viewed against the asset in both the desktop and mobile app experiences.
How QR Codes Work in Twinview
Each QR code generated in Twinview has a unique reference.
When a QR code is scanned and attached to an asset through the Twinview mobile app, Twinview automatically creates a connection between that QR code and the selected asset.
The QR code can then be used to quickly identify and access the asset without manually searching by its name, location or asset identifier.
Access to the asset and its information remains controlled by the user’s existing Twinview permissions.
Generating QR Codes
QR codes are generated from the project settings area within the Twinview desktop application.
To generate QR codes:
- Open the relevant project in Twinview.
- Browse to Project Settings.
- Select the QR Codes tab.
- Select Generate.
- Choose the required output format.
QR codes can be generated in either of the following formats:
- A printable sheet of QR codes
- An Excel file containing the QR codes for printing at home
Once generated, the QR codes can be printed onto suitable labels and prepared for installation against the relevant assets.
Applying a QR Code to an Asset
QR codes are assigned to assets using the Twinview mobile app.
To apply a QR code:
- Open the Twinview mobile app.
- Browse to the asset that the QR code should be assigned to.
- Select Attach QR Code.
- Scan one of the generated QR codes using the device camera.
Twinview will automatically assign the scanned QR code to the selected asset.
The assigned QR code can then be found on the asset record in both the Twinview desktop application and the Twinview mobile app.
Installing the QR Code Label
Once the QR code has been successfully assigned, the physical label can be attached to the asset.
Before attaching the label, confirm that:
- The correct asset is open in the mobile app
- The QR code has been successfully scanned
- The QR code is visible against the asset record
- The printed label matches the QR code that was scanned
The label should be positioned somewhere that is clearly visible and easy to scan without creating a safety risk.
For the best scanning performance:
- Use a clear, high-quality print
- Avoid making the QR code excessively small
- Keep the code clean and unobstructed
- Avoid highly curved, uneven or reflective surfaces where possible
- Do not cover manufacturer information, warning labels or safety instructions
- Use a durable label suitable for the asset’s environment
For assets located outdoors, in plant rooms or in other demanding environments, consider using laminated, weather-resistant or engraved labels.
Viewing the Assigned QR Code
Once a QR code has been attached, it will be recorded against the asset.
The QR code assignment can be viewed from the asset record in:
- The Twinview desktop application
- The Twinview mobile app
This allows users to confirm whether a QR code has already been assigned before generating or attaching another one.
Scanning an Asset QR Code
When attending an asset, users can scan its QR code through the Twinview mobile app.
Once the code is recognised, Twinview will identify the associated asset and allow the user to access the asset record, subject to their permissions.
This can provide faster access to information such as:
- Asset details and identifiers
- Location information
- Documents and manuals
- Maintenance information
- Issues, tickets or jobs
- Inspection and servicing records
The information and actions available will depend on the user’s role and the configuration of the Twinview project.
Replacing a Damaged QR Code
If a QR code label becomes damaged, unreadable or detached, the existing QR code assignment must first be deleted from the project settings before a replacement can be applied.
To remove the existing QR code:
- Open the relevant project in the Twinview desktop application.
- Browse to Project Settings.
- Select the QR Codes tab.
- Search for the asset using its asset name.
- Locate the QR code currently assigned to the asset.
- Delete the QR code assignment.
Once the existing QR code has been deleted, a new QR code can be applied using the original process:
- Open the Twinview mobile app.
- Browse to the relevant asset.
- Select Attach QR Code.
- Scan a new QR code.
Twinview will automatically assign the new QR code to the asset. Confirm that the new QR code is visible against the asset record before attaching the replacement label to the physical asset.
Testing the QR Code
Every QR code should be tested after it has been assigned and installed.
Confirm that:
- The QR code can be scanned successfully
- The code opens or identifies the correct asset
- The asset name and identifier match the physical equipment
- The asset is linked to the correct building, floor or space
- The QR code appears against the asset in both the desktop and mobile apps
- The label is securely attached and clearly visible
When installing multiple QR codes, test each code individually to avoid assigning labels to the wrong assets.
Troubleshooting
The QR code will not scan
Check that the code is clean, undamaged and clearly printed. Ensure there is sufficient lighting and that the entire QR code is visible within the camera.
Small labels, reflective surfaces and curved mounting positions can make scanning more difficult.
The QR code is assigned to the wrong asset
Open the affected asset record and correct the QR code assignment using the Twinview mobile app.
Before attaching the physical label, scan the QR code again and confirm that it is linked to the intended asset.
The Attach QR Code option is not available
The user may not have permission to edit the asset or assign QR codes. Ask a Twinview administrator to review the user’s project role and permissions.
The QR code does not appear on the desktop application
Confirm that the QR code was successfully scanned and assigned through the Twinview mobile app. Refresh the asset record in the desktop application and check the asset again.
The asset cannot be found in the mobile app
Confirm that:
- The asset exists within the correct project
- The asset has not been archived or deleted
- The user has access to the relevant building or asset
- The mobile app has refreshed with the latest project information
Recommended Practice
To maintain an accurate and reliable QR code system:
- Generate QR codes from the Project Settings > QR Codes tab
- Assign QR codes through the Twinview mobile app
- Confirm the correct asset before selecting Attach QR Code
- Scan and test every code before attaching the label
- Avoid attaching the same QR code to multiple assets
- Use consistent label sizes and positions across similar equipment
- Replace damaged or missing labels promptly
- Review QR code assignments during asset audits and condition surveys
- Update QR code assignments when assets are replaced or removed
A well-managed QR code process provides a reliable connection between each physical asset and its Twinview record, helping users find information and complete operational activities more efficiently.