Yes, Excel would definitely suck at this. It's time to step up to a database. My first question is this:
"Anyone recommend a good inventory or database software (other than MS Access) that would allow us to make printable pages?"
Why not Access? It gets a bad rap, because it's easy for people that don't know what they're doing to make fundamental errors in db design. You can also find ways to integrate QR codes into Access reports. A quick google search found several examples, even third party add in's like this one: https://www.idautomation.com/cart/QR-Code-Native-Microsoft-Access-Barcode-Generato
r-P12388.aspx
Here's a few facts:
-MS Access is still the most popular Desktop database program in the world.
-It's nearly free.
-While bad db design on any software platform will struggle, a properly designed database application in Access can support at least 200 users (few in our industry would come even close to this). http://blog.fmsinc.com/microsoft-access-database-scalability-how-many-users-can-it
-support/
-let's say you're a MASSIVE company, no problem. Just upgrade your db to SQL Server, now you can grow as large as you want.
So, if you want something that works and does everything YOU want it do, dig in and learn. Focus on the fundamentals of a good database. Data Normalization, Primary & Foreign Keys, indexing, etc. You'll be amazed how you ever got along without it. Lynda.com has some excellent videos to get you moving. You can even learn enough from Youtube.
The drawback to MS Access comes if you want to use it beyond windows, or outside the office. You'll need to come up with a way to remote in at that point.
Or, if you don't have the time, energy, desire...Just look into ShopPAK and ProjectPAK, they are excellent enterprise-grade solutions, specific to our industry.