Märksystem

Märksystem, translated as marking system, is a method for labeling and identifying objects, components, or processes by applying marks, codes, or tags. The purpose is to enable classification, tracking, and communication of attributes such as origin, batch, specification, or status. The concept is used across industries, including manufacturing, logistics, retail, and archival work.

Marking techniques range from visual to machine-readable. Visual marks include printed labels, stamps, embossing, or engraving. Machine-readable methods include barcodes, QR codes, and RFID tags. Barcodes and QR codes encode data such as product identifiers and batch numbers; RFID enables wireless data exchange without line of sight. Codes and labels are often standardized to ensure interoperability, with standards such as barcode symbologies and GS1 systems.

Design considerations cover readability, durability, and scalability. Marks should remain legible under expected conditions and link to a database or information system for real-time traceability. The choice of technique balances cost, data density, data privacy, and speed of data capture. Compliance with regulatory labeling requirements may also apply, such as hazard communication or origin documentation.

Applications include inventory control, quality assurance, recall management, and asset tracking. In manufacturing, märksystem enables batch traceability; in logistics, it supports sorting and routing; in libraries and museums, it aids cataloging and access. Trends in marking systems include integration with Internet of Things devices, NFC/RFID, and advanced analytics.