Adding QR Codes to BIRT Reports in IBM Maximo

In Episode 2 of MORE by Naviam: A Maximo Podcast, host Steven Shull walks through how to add a QR code to a BIRT report in IBM Maximo.
‍

This quick tutorial is designed for Maximo users, administrators, report builders, and technical teams who want to make reports more useful, scannable, and connected to real-world workflows. By adding QR codes to BIRT reports, organizations can give users a faster way to access related information, connect physical assets to digital records, and improve how reports are used in the field.

What Is a BIRT Report in IBM Maximo?

A BIRT report in IBM Maximo is a report built using Business Intelligence and Reporting Tools. Maximo uses BIRT reporting to help users view, format, print, and share information from Maximo records, including asset records, work orders, inspections, inventory, and other operational data.
‍

BIRT reports are often used to turn Maximo data into readable documents that can be printed, exported, shared, or attached to business processes.

Why Add a QR Code to a BIRT Report?

Adding a QR code to a BIRT report gives users a simple way to connect printed or digital reports back to useful information. Instead of manually searching for a record, asset, work order, or related page, a user can scan the QR code and quickly access the destination tied to that report.
‍

For Maximo teams, QR codes can help bridge the gap between physical work and digital records.
‍

Common use cases include:

• Linking a printed asset report to the asset record in Maximo
• Connecting a work order document to the related work order
• Giving technicians quick access to inspection details
• Helping field teams scan reports from mobile devices
• Making reports easier to use in real-world maintenance workflows

Episode 2 Overview: Adding a QR Code to a BIRT Report

In this episode, Steven Shull explains how QR codes can be added to BIRT reporting in IBM Maximo. The tutorial focuses on a practical reporting enhancement that can improve how users interact with Maximo data.
‍

The episode covers why QR codes are useful, how they can support field workflows, and how report builders can think about making BIRT reports more actionable.
‍

The main idea is simple: a report should not just display information. It should help users get to the next step faster.

How QR Codes Improve Maximo Reporting

QR codes can make Maximo reports more practical because they reduce the friction between viewing information and taking action.
‍

For example, a technician may have a printed work order, inspection sheet, or asset report. Without a QR code, the technician may need to manually search for the right record in Maximo. With a QR code, the technician can scan the report and go directly to the relevant information.
‍

That can improve efficiency in several ways:

1. Faster Access to Maximo Records

QR codes can help users jump directly from a report to a related digital record. This saves time and reduces manual searching.

2. Better Connection Between Physical Assets and Digital Data

Many asset-intensive organizations still use printed reports, labels, forms, or field documents. QR codes help connect those physical materials to Maximo’s digital system of record.

3. More Useful Reports for Field Teams

A report with a QR code becomes more than a static document. It becomes an entry point into the related workflow, record, or supporting information.

4. Improved Data Accessibility

Users can scan QR codes from mobile devices, making Maximo data easier to access in the field, on the plant floor, or at the asset location.

5. Practical Support for Work Orders, Assets, and Inspections

QR codes can be useful across many Maximo objects, including work orders, assets, locations, inspections, and other records that field teams interact with regularly.

Who Should Watch This Episode?

This episode is especially useful for:

• IBM Maximo administrators
• Maximo report builders
• BIRT report developers
• Maintenance and reliability teams
• Asset management teams
• Field operations leaders
• Maximo users looking to improve reporting workflows
  ‍

Anyone responsible for making Maximo reports easier to use can benefit from understanding how QR codes fit into BIRT reporting.

Practical Examples of QR Codes in Maximo BIRT Reports

A QR code in a Maximo BIRT report can support many real-world scenarios.

Asset Records

A QR code on an asset report can help users quickly access the asset record, review details, check history, or connect to related work.

Work Orders

A QR code on a work order report can help technicians open the corresponding work order, review instructions, update progress, or access attachments.

Inspections

A QR code on an inspection-related report can help users connect inspection paperwork to digital inspection records or supporting Maximo data.

Locations

QR codes can help teams access location information, associated assets, or related maintenance activity.

Field Documentation

For teams that still rely on printed materials, QR codes can make those documents more useful by connecting them back to Maximo.

Why This Matters for Maximo Teams

Maximo teams are often focused on improving efficiency, data access, and field execution. A small reporting enhancement, such as adding a QR code to a BIRT report, can have a practical impact because it helps users move from information to action faster.
‍

This type of improvement is especially valuable when teams are trying to:

• Reduce manual lookup time
• Improve technician experience
• Support mobile and field workflows
• Increase adoption of digital tools
• Make reports more actionable
• Connect Maximo records to physical work environments

Watch or Listen to Episode 2

Episode: Ep. 2 | Adding a QR Code to a BIRT Report
Host: Steven Shull
Podcast: MORE by Naviam: A Maximo Podcast
‍

Watch on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLtKMZ6cKtM
‍

Listen on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4N1a4JUeD9rpvcAKH9sYPZ?si=VTGnHFgSRWuqGvS6GeoWNA

Frequently Asked Questions

Can QR codes be added to IBM Maximo BIRT reports?

Yes. QR codes can be added to BIRT reports in IBM Maximo so users can scan the report and access related information, such as asset records, work orders, inspections, or other Maximo data.

Why would a Maximo team add a QR code to a report?

A Maximo team may add a QR code to a report to make information easier to access, reduce manual searching, and connect printed or digital reports to related Maximo records.

What types of Maximo records can QR codes support?

QR codes can support many types of Maximo records, including assets, locations, work orders, inspections, and other operational data used in maintenance and asset management workflows.

Who should learn how to add QR codes to BIRT reports?

Maximo administrators, report builders, BIRT developers, and maintenance teams can benefit from learning how to add QR codes to BIRT reports.

Are QR codes useful for field teams?

Yes. QR codes can be especially useful for field teams because they allow technicians and users to scan a report and quickly access related Maximo information from a mobile device.

Final Takeaway

Episode 2 of MORE by Naviam shows how a simple reporting enhancement can make Maximo data more accessible and actionable. By adding QR codes to BIRT reports, organizations can help users connect reports to real-world workflows, improve field accessibility, and make Maximo reporting more practical for everyday use.

‍