One thing to note, I mention 2d barcodes (basically QR codes) the reason I recommended those is that they can hold a lot more characters that the traditional 1d barcode (like the grocery store) in a smaller space, so if you want to add a lot of info into one simple scan, 2d can give you abilities that 1d does not. 1D is easier to generate though, more widespread, and the scanners are cheaper.