While human-readable text is a better solution for that particular case, there might be a level of scale or rate of change where this idea wins out, and in that case I recommend barcodes instead. (A standard barcode label sticker can be wrapped around the cable and read from nearly any orientation)

I understand the appeal.

At my day job (ewaste recycling), all of us in the refurb department maintain our own lists. I keep track of individual items by scanning whatever serial number it already has. Some things lack scannable serial number barcodes (not present, smudged, etc), or don't have serial numbers to begin with. I print out labels with a UUID qr code so I can scan them into my list, and off when they're bought.

I prefer human readable text, but labeling cables is good practice.

Filed under "smart people do some really stupid things".