> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.supercycle.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Serializing items
> Give every item a scannable unique identifier, and pick the tag type that fits your operation
Serializing an item means giving that one physical unit a unique identifier and putting it on a tag you can scan. It turns generic stock into a set of traceable assets you can measure, automate, and monetize.
A serial lives on the item's **Serial number** card in **[Inventory](https://admin.shopify.com/apps/supercycle/items)**, and the [Supercycle Scanner](/documentation/manage/scanner/scanner) reads it from the tag.
***
## Why serialize
* **Item-level reporting.** Utilization, lifecycle, and revenue attribution for each unit.
* **Consignment tracking.** Accurate payouts and settlements on consigned stock.
* **Speed and accuracy.** Your team scans a unit instead of searching for it in the admin.
* **Automation.** [Workflows](/documentation/manage/automation/automation) can update an item's status, send reminders, or prompt actions from that unit's data.
***
## Tag types
Supercycle supports QR codes, barcodes, and RFID tags. Which one fits depends on your scale and how your team works.
### QR codes
QR codes are 2D scannable codes any phone or tablet camera can read. They suit operations where staff scan with phones rather than warehouse hardware, such as fashion rental and resale, consumer electronics rental, and baby gear or lifestyle equipment.
| Advantages | Limitations |
| --------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------- |
| Simple and inexpensive to produce. | Slower for large-scale scanning. |
| Readable by any camera or mobile device. | Needs line of sight and a clean label surface. |
| Encodes more data than a traditional barcode. | Degrades with abrasion or moisture. |
Print them on standard adhesive or vinyl labels with a consumer-grade thermal or inkjet printer. For labels, [Avery weatherproof QR code labels](https://www.avery.com/products/labels/5523); for thermal printing, the [Zebra ZD421](https://www.zebra.com/us/en/products/printers/desktop/zd421.html); for apparel labels, [Dutch Label Shop](https://www.dutchlabelshop.com/).
### Barcodes
Barcodes are one-dimensional codes read by standard barcode scanners or compatible mobile devices. They suit high-throughput operations that already run dedicated scanner hardware.
| Advantages | Limitations |
| ------------------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------- |
| Fast scanning, especially in bulk handling. | Needs dedicated scanner hardware to perform well. |
| Compatible with existing retail and warehouse systems. | Encodes only a small amount of data. |
| Integrates with POS and logistics software. | Must be aligned and visible to scan. |
Use thermal transfer or direct thermal label printers, and polypropylene or vinyl labels for durability. For printer hardware, the [Zebra ZT230](https://www.zebra.com/us/en/products/printers/industrial/zt230.html); for labels, [Avery durable barcode labels](https://www.avery.com/products/labels/61525).
A Bluetooth barcode scanner works in any search field in the Supercycle admin, so you can look an item up by scanning its tag.
### RFID tags
RFID tags carry an embedded chip that transmits its data wirelessly, so a reader picks up many tags at once without line of sight. RFID is the usual choice once scale matters: high volume operations that need automation, rapid throughput, or full asset traceability.
| Advantages | Limitations |
| --------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------- |
| Scans many items at once. | Higher setup cost for readers, tags, and printers. |
| Works through packaging and without visual contact. | Needs compatible RFID readers and printers. |
| Durable enough for industrial environments. | More complex to set up and integrate. |
Use UHF RFID tags for long-range scanning, between 3 and 10 meters. For printers, the [Zebra ZT411 RFID printer](https://www.zebra.com/us/en/products/printers/industrial/zt411.html); for readers, the [Impinj R700](https://www.impinj.com/products/readers/impinj-r700); for tags, the [Omni-ID IQ 600 RFID label](https://www.omni-id.com/products/iq-600/).
***
## Add serials to items
Serials go on items, so create the items first. You can enter a serial for each item as you create it, or create items without serials and add them later.
See [Create items](/documentation/manage/inventory/item-actions#create-items) and [Create serials](/documentation/manage/inventory/item-actions#create-serials).