Barcodes have been a silent workhorse of the retail and supply chain industries for decades. But as businesses face increasing demands for efficiency, traceability, and consumer transparency, barcodes are undergoing a revolutionary transformation. On this episode of SNEED-CAST, Alexa takes a deep dive into the world of barcode technology with David Holiday, creator of PackagingNews.net and an industry expert with over 30 years of experience in product and packaging innovation.
David provides a fascinating origin story of barcodes, starting with their initial patent in the 1950s, exploring the evolution from simple designs like the bullseye barcode to the now iconic UPC code. He explains how barcodes not only revolutionized retail checkout processes but became indispensable in inventory management and global supply chains. David also highlights the rise of more sophisticated technologies, like 2D barcodes and RFID, and their implications for e-commerce and omnichannel fulfillment.

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
02:17 - The Origin of Barcodes
7:02 - Barcodes Transform Retail and Supply Chains
08:47 - Barcodes in the Digital Age
12:28 - Sunrise 2027 & 2D Barcode Technology
17:29 - SNEED-JET® Freedom 41 Ad
18:11 - Challenges in Transitioning to New Barcode Systems
22:14 - RFID and Digimarc Innovations
31:37 - Regulatory and Global Supply Chain Challenges
35:35 - Final Advice for SMBs & Packaging Professionals
39:58 - Closing Thoughts

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