So, we only have 1D asset tags, will that work with AR-enabled work instructions?

Yes, some solutions support 1D asset tags in limited ways.  It is important to note, however, that 1D asset tags typically only include information about the specific pierce of equipment and do not contain enough information to spatially anchor 3D content associated with work instructions. Therefore, most AR-enabled work instructions use QR codes to provide information about a specific asset, associate procedural work instructions with equipment, and to spatially anchor 3D content.  With many solutions, it is possible to incorporate information associated with 1D asset tags into a QR code. 

For more about uses of QR codes, please see this blog post.