50 Years of Innovation: A Very Special National Barcode Day

Ever since we put National Barcode Day on the calendar, we have been celebrating every year. And we go hard the entirety of June because not only has the invention of the barcode significantly changed the way we live but it is also why we aspire every day to help our customers be more efficient, accurate, and connected. This year, we plan to go even bigger and further with our celebration because it’s the 50^th birthday of the barcode!

Not So Humble Beginnings

Back on June 26, 1974, the first UPC (on a pack of Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit gum) was scanned at a grocery store in Troy, OH. This was a momentous achievement for the grocery industry who had been begging for help. Now, we know this barcode scan literally changed the world—and for us, was the start of our AIDC industry that has transformed the supply chains of every industry and continues to do so today. Think about how often a barcode gets used in your everyday life—grocery store check-outs, deliveries, flights, etc. It’s truly the most amazing, and yet still inconspicuous, innovation!

Sunrise 2027—A New Dimension is Coming

You may have heard the buzz about the “grandfathering” of the 1D barcode to make way for 2D. In actuality, there are already several places using the 2D barcode, especially in the food sector. In Australia and New Zealand, 2D barcodes can be found on deli foods to provide data on freshness to customers. Puma’s US stores have been using 2D barcodes to let consumers know more about their sustainability efforts. When more information can be made to customers, we anticipate businesses will be able to generate better brand loyalty, safety, and traceability.

However, don’t discount 1D barcodes just yet! The transition to 2D will take some time, but 1D still has its place in our day-to-day. Systems will need time to be upgraded to scan one or both types and new policies will need to be implemented. In whatever form, we are confident to say the barcode is here to stay.

Celebrate Good Times

The scans are loud, the labels are clear and it’s a good time to celebrate. Come join the month-long party:

• Sign up for a webinar with our founding partner Datalogic, sponsored by ScanSource! Not just for history buffs, we will be discussing ways to modernize with the barcode, Sunrise 2027, and what to look forward to in the future.

• Good day for swag! Shop the official #SupplyChainGeek Store for some fire fits and accessories. All proceeds will be matched and donated to ALAN (American Logistics Aid Network) for hurricane relief.
• Celebrate on social media with us with free-to-use images and designs. Download here! Tag us if you share, and use the hashtag, #nationalbarcodeday! 
• Forge your own path, make new yearly traditions! How you celebrate is up to you and it’s a great time to round up friends and family to geek out on June 26^th!

We look forward to celebrating with you! Make sure to tag us on social media as well, we’d love to see what you’re doing for the barcode’s big 5-0.