Beyond all the noise about the GS1 Digital Link Sunrise 2027 and, frankly, the noise we’ve added in the articles I’ve written about how barcodes have evolved and remained relevant…what does all of this mean in terms of longevity? Will barcodes still be around in 10 years? The best indicator we have is growth. Is barcode use growing?

How can you get your arms around that—what metrics are available that can actually put a number to that? The best one is probably barcode scanner sales, and that metric is described as “robust and broadly based.”

In 2023, the barcode scanner market was valued at $7.32 billion USD.  SkyQuest projects it will nearly double to $13.06 billion by 2032. That’s not unicorn territory, but neither is it a death knell. That’s steady, reliable, structural growth.

Wait a minute—how do sales of barcode scanners equate to the growth of barcode technology? Maybe more people are just scanning the same barcodes in more places. Although that could equate to growth in the use of barcode technology, there is documented expansion of new barcode adoption. Here are the fastest-growing sectors:

  • Healthcare is currently the most dynamic, using barcodes to improve accuracy in patient identification, medication dosing, and inventory management. This is largely driven by concerns about patient safety and supply chain security. Barcodes are not only used in hospitals; clinics and labs are also adopting them. (Coherent Market Insights)
  • Manufacturing is forecast to record the highest CAGR, supported by warehouse automation and evolving manufacturing techniques (Fortune Business Insights).
  • E-commerce expansion, logistics, and the much-hyped retail Digital Link are major factors. (Intel Market Research)
  • Retail represents over 30% of all barcodes scanned in 2025 and will likely remain the largest single segment.(Strategic Revenue Insights)

Is this just more of the same in the consumer-frantic West? Although North America remains the dominant market, Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region in the world, driven by strengthening manufacturing and an expanding retail presence.

OK, so no short-term bubble, but how about longer term? Will growth continue?

It looks likely.  Smart warehousing will be a major factor in the long and longer term. Then there is the GS1 Sunrise 2027. But healthcare will continue to be a powerful contributor, driven by FDA regulatory requirements.

Finally, don’t think of barcode scanning only as a handheld device. Scanners are increasingly positioned over conveyors and dock doors and mounted on forklift trucks. Soon, you will see scanners on warehouse robots and drones.

A barcode problem with a person holding a scanner is one scenario. A barcode problem somewhere in a million-square-foot warehouse is a different scenario.

Growth means barcode quality will remain important, and automation means the consequences of poor barcode quality will be higher than ever. Problems can be fixed but the damage is already done. Prevention is the gold standard.

We can help.

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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