Barcodes and Sustainability
The trajectory of 50 years of barcode technology bears a fresh look from a different perspective. As we all know, barcodes mark consumer goods, assets, subassemblies in a manufacturing process, upstream raw materials, patients and electronic medical records, boarding passes and luggage, event access, and a constantly growing list of other important functions. In its most basic form, this is all about database management. But there is a larger perspective that reveals how barcodes bring us together and help us build a sustainable future. Sound absurd? Read on.
Sustainability
In earlier articles, I have referred to barcodes as the connective tissue of supply chains. They are certainly that, but barcodes are much more. When the right items in the right quantities are shipped to the right destination, fuel is saved. Pollution is reduced. Greenhouse gas emissions are reduced. Sustainable sourcing is enabled, all because of the traceability that barcodes make possible. Reducing waste reduces costs.
Supply chain visibility is a buzzword in logistics. It means having the ability to track a package, a pallet, a truck, a sea freight container or an air cargo shipment. Knowing where a package is makes it possible to predict where it will be–and when. Without barcodes that would be impossible.
Barcodes are a critical risk management tool. Lot-specific recalls of defective or adulterated foods and medicines is possible thanks to barcodes. Hospitals rely on barcodes to prevent medical mistakes. Barcoded wristbands alert medical workers to patient allergies and medical conditions and prevent drug and dosing mistakes.
Real-time monitoring of inventories is possible only because of barcodes, and make replenishment more precise and less speculative. This reduces waste and costs while supporting customer demand and growing the businesses that serve them. Responsive, customer-attentive vendors succeed.
Waste Reduction
Supply chains are complex and multi-leveled. Barcodes capture massive amounts of data which enable numerous benefits:
- Accurately detect consumer trends
- Identify regional market differences
- Identify and locate assets
- Track service records
- Plan replacement interval
- Efficiently manage product movement
- Realize long-term savings and sustainability.
- Serve clients better
- Reduce waste
Barcodes serve people, the planet and profitability—these are the bedrock of supply chains that are ethical, efficient and environmentally responsible.
Got a barcode quality or compliance problem or question? We can help.
John helps companies resolve current barcode problems and avoid future barcode problems to stabilize and secure their supply chain and strengthen their trading partner relationships.
