After more than 50 years, barcodes are still relevant and viable. The demise of barcodes was predicted almost from the start.

The first threat was RFID, the next was digital watermarking. RFID never replaced barcodes for numerous reasons, but RFID and barcodes work well together, which has undoubtedly contributed to the longevity of both technologies.

The AI Threat

Now, at least in the minds of some people, the next threat to barcodes might be AI.  The reasoning is based on the ability of AI to identify products, such as distinguishing an apple from an orange. While this is mostly true, it still doesn’t accomplish what a barcode does: distinguish Fuji apples from Honeycrisp apples, and individual apples from those of different farms, picked on different dates. Yes, barcodes can do that, and the next evolution of barcodes with GS1’s “Sunrise 2027” will make it even better.

Just as RFID didn’t replace barcodes, but rather the two technologies are used to work together, a similar evolution is already underway with AI and barcodes. AI will not replace barcodes, but it is transforming the way they are used. Barcodes are foundational for cost-effective automatic identification and tracking. AI enhances barcode functionality with smart scanning, advanced analytics, and IoT integration.

Smart Scanning

Scanner manufacturers are utilizing AI to facilitate the decoding of poorly printed barcodes and those that have been damaged during package handling. There is a limit to how much AI can do to accurately recover data from these barcodes, but AI is significantly enhancing barcode scanning.

AI-Enhanced Barcoding

The relationship between barcodes and AI is symbiotic. Although AI can assist in barcode scanning, its real power is in analyzing the captured data. Each does what it does best. Barcodes provide the data. AI enables broader and deeper analytics. Inventory gets smarter with AI predictions, optimized stock levels, and reduced waste.

IoT

Assets can be cheaply identified with barcodes. Expensive IoT sensors can be added on a scaled basis, starting with expensive or mission-critical assets first, and then other assets later.  Data based on usage frequency or other factors enhances the accuracy of maintenance planning, failure prediction and end-of-service-life replacement.

Barcodes capture usage history. AI applied to the data makes more accurate future demand predictions, enabling intelligent additional asset acquisition. Similarly, weight and proximity sensors on smart shelves detect stock changes linked to barcode scanning data.

Will AI replace barcodes? In manufacturing, supply chains, retail, and asset tracking, without barcodes, there is no AI.

 

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3db Barcode Testimonial

Our company (an advanced software company) recently worked with Barcode Test to source a barcode verifier.  Not long ago, we were awarded a contract requiring products to be marked with IUIDs in accordance with MIL-STD-130.  For that standard, marking labels must pass a verification test that evaluates many variables (contrast, size, clarity, syntax, modularity, and more).  After a thorough search, we reduced our options to a select few.

In our search for a verifier, the Axicon line caught our attention.  Barcode Test is our regional reseller for this product.   From the beginning, they were very prompt with their responses.  We ended up having a quick call with John Nachtrieb to go over our needs.  John was extremely easy to work with and provided a lot of great information.  He was very knowledgeable on the matter and was quick to offer up a demo unit (free of charge).

Upon receiving the demo verifier and testing it, a few questions arose.  John joined a call with us and answered all our questions.  Ultimately, the Axicon verifier wasn’t the best fit for us, so we shipped the demo back.  John was completely understanding.  A few weeks later, Barcode Test reached back out with another possible verifier for us to try.  While they didn’t sell that brand, they just wanted to help us find the best option that met our needs. They even offered to send us the unit that they have in-house to see if it worked to our liking. 

Barcode Test is truly a great company to work with.  Their service and willingness to help the customer are far beyond what you typically get from other companies.  They are experts in barcode quality assurance and seem willing to help in any way they can (even if that means not getting a sale and recommending another option that better fits the customer’s needs).  If anyone is in the market for barcode verification/scanning services or products, I would highly recommend giving Barcode Test a call.

Regards,

Production Manager