AIM 1970'S

1973

Automatic Identification Manufacturers (AIM) Formed with 4 Companies as a Product Section of the Material Handling Association (MHI)

Computer Identics, Identicon, 3M and MEKontrol – Learn more by watching the video above!

1973

UPC Standard Adopted by National Association of Food Chains - Designed by IBM, George Laurer

George Laurer is credited as the inventor of the modern UPC bar code system. The addition of the thirteenth digit could not cause the equipment to require extensive modification. The extra digit would allow for “country identification” and make the UPC worldwide and the EAN (European Article Numbering system) symbol was born.

1974

First UPC Scanner in Troy, OH

Took 4.5 years for manufacturers to put UPC codes on 75% of pre-packaged items sold in supermarkets.

1974

Code 39 Symbology Developed by AIM

Used in Industry, Military & Healthcare

1977

New York Marathon Uses Bar code for Scoring

Computer Identics and Printronix

1977

SCAN Newsletter is published

The first trade publication to document the field of AIDC (including bar code scanning and related technologies) and its application in retail, manufacturing, distribution, transportation, health care, communications, and federal and local government operations.

1978

Positive Publicity in WSJ about bar codes

1978

MAD Magazine Cover

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