Industry Groups Drive Progress in RFID, 2D Barcodes, Traceability, and Emerging Technologies
From advancing RFID education and security to supporting 2D barcode migration, Digital Product Passports, and supply chain visibility, AIM Global’s industry groups continue to address some of the most important developments shaping the automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) industry Through collaboration among technology providers, manufacturers, standards experts, and industry stakeholders, these groups are developing educational resources, monitoring regulatory developments, and identifying opportunities to improve interoperability and traceability across industries. Here is a look at the latest activities underway throughout the AIM Global community and how members can get involved:
RFID Experts Group: Addressing Security, Education, and Emerging Applications
The RFID Experts Group (REG) continues to advance several initiatives focused on strengthening industry understanding of RFID technologies and their applications. One area receiving significant attention is the ongoing NextNav proposal before the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) involving the 902–928 MHz frequency band. The group continues monitoring regulatory developments and potential implications for UHF RFID systems and the broader AIDC industry.
RFID security and privacy also remain priorities. Members are developing a customer-facing whitepaper to provide practical, accurate information about RFID system security, while a separate educational initiative will address ghost tapping, including common misconceptions and what consumers should understand about NFC technology.
On the education front, the group is expanding resources for RFID.org, including technology primers covering Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), NFC, and Ultra-Wideband (UWB). Updates to the AIDC Glossary and RFID 101 materials are also underway to help industry professionals better understand these technologies and their applications.
Additional projects include the second phase of a retail RFID FAQ in collaboration with the Retail Value Chain Federation (RVCF), revisions to RFID data content guidance, and an RFID cold-chain initiative focused on pharmaceutical supply chains. The cold-chain work is exploring interoperability across RFID, IoT, Bluetooth, sensors, and supporting supply chain systems, with the goal of identifying technical gaps and potential future standards needs.
Next Meeting: November 19, 2026 | 2:00 PM ET
Visibility Technologies Group: Connecting Regulations, Sustainability, and Supply Chain Traceability
The Visibility Technologies Group is examining how emerging regulations and technology developments are influencing the movement, identification, and traceability of products throughout the supply chain.
Following AIM Global’s submitted comments related to the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA), the group continues monitoring implementation developments and is planning an educational webinar focused on cosmetics traceability.
The group is also working to organize a growing number of regulatory topics into several broader areas of focus. These include sustainability and Digital Product Passport requirements, battery recycling, food traceability and food waste, and healthcare traceability.
To support broader industry education, members are developing a series of supply chain visibility graphics illustrating how identification and data capture technologies support products throughout their lifecycle. The initial Harvest to Purchase concept will serve as a foundation for additional examples across different industries.
Cybersecurity is another emerging area of interest. Following an industry briefing on the FCC’s U.S. Cyber Trust Mark program, the group is evaluating supporting documentation and opportunities for AIM to provide technical input on connected-device security, labeling, and related requirements.
Next Meeting: November 24, 2026 | 11:00 AM ET
Digital Product Passport Task Force: Supporting Standards and Regulatory Readiness
As Digital Product Passport (DPP) requirements continue evolving, AIM Global’s DPP Task Force is focused on helping the AIDC community understand the implications for identification, data carriers, and product information.
The task force has reviewed draft standards 18219 and 18220, submitting comments through the German standards organization DIN. Members continue tracking the review process and identifying opportunities to contribute technical expertise as standards development progresses.
The group is also monitoring related developments, including battery data requirements and emerging registry activities that may influence future DPP implementation.
To make these developments easier to understand, this group is creating a dedicated DPP resource page that will bring together regulatory information, educational materials, and relevant standards developments. The goal is to help organizations better understand DPP requirements and the role AIDC technologies can play in supporting them.
Next Meeting: November 30, 2026 | 10:00 AM ET
Technical Symbology Committee: Advancing 2D Barcode Quality and Migration
With organizations increasingly exploring the transition from traditional linear barcodes to 2D technologies, AIM Global’s Technical Symbology Committee (TSC) continues working on technical guidance, standards alignment, and educational resources. A key initiative involves developing a healthcare 2D scanner evaluation guide designed to help organizations verify that their scanners correctly output GS1-specified ISO/IEC Symbology Identifiers. This practical resource is intended to support accurate data capture and implementation.
The committee is also examining 2D barcode Layman’s Guide to help people understand quality and copy-detection considerations, including symbol damage, verification consistency, and the relationship between emerging approaches and established ISO/IEC standards. Recognizing the need for clearer industry communication, members are reviewing existing educational guides and developing more accessible terminology for different 2D barcode applications. This includes explaining distinctions among basic product identification, additional product data, serialization, and GS1 Digital Link use cases.
The committee is also contributing technical expertise to AIM’s broader 2D migration education activities, including the upcoming Community Connect program, while evaluating emerging symbologies and interoperability considerations.
Next Meeting: December 1, 2026 | 11:00 AM ET
Women of AIDC: Expanding Global Engagement and Industry Conversations
The Women of AIDC community continues building opportunities for professional development, networking, and knowledge sharing throughout the global AIDC industry.
Through AIM’s international chapter network, the initiative is expanding its engagement in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, bringing additional perspectives and experiences into the community.
The group’s Community Dialogues series continues highlighting career experiences, industry insights, and opportunities for professional growth. Recent sessions have helped connect professionals across organizations and regions, while additional programming is planned to close out the year.
Upcoming Community Dialogue: November 17, 2026
Young Professionals: Building the Next Generation of AIDC Leaders
AIM Global is also creating new opportunities for individuals entering or advancing within the industry through its Young Professionals initiative.
The community recently launched a dedicated Discord space, NextGen Supply Chain Tech, designed to encourage discussion, networking, and peer learning among professionals interested in AIDC, supply chain technology, and emerging applications.The platform will provide opportunities for members to exchange ideas, ask questions, explore career development, and connect with others who share an interest in the future of identification and data capture technologies. As the community grows, AIM is developing additional resources and engagement opportunities to encourage participation and collaboration.
Upcoming Community Dialogue: December 15, 2026 at 11:00 AM ET
Global Chapters: Strengthening Industry Collaboration
AIM Global’s international chapter network continues playing an important role in expanding industry education, collaboration, and regional engagement.
Following its third-quarter Chapter Relations meeting in September, the network is preparing for its final quarterly meeting of 2026 in December. These discussions provide opportunities to share regional developments, coordinate initiatives, and identify areas for collaboration across the global AIDC community.
Meanwhile, AIM North America continues advancing educational and industry engagement initiatives across several markets.Its Food Supply Chain Work Group is supporting a three-part webinar series addressing Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) requirements for value-added resellers. The UDI Work Group continues focusing on medical device traceability, 2D barcode migration, and practical education, including developing short expert resources and supporting a collaborative 2D scanner selection guide. Additional activities include work on cannabis traceability, regulatory compliance, and the business value of traceability beyond meeting regulatory requirements.Across these initiatives, AIM’s chapters are helping connect technical expertise with real-world industry challenges.
Get Involved with AIM Global’s Industry Groups
Whether your organization is focused on RFID, 2D barcodes, supply chain visibility, Digital Product Passports, cybersecurity, regulatory developments, or emerging identification technologies, AIM Global’s industry groups provide opportunities to contribute expertise and help shape industry resources. Participation offers members the opportunity to collaborate with peers, stay informed about emerging developments, contribute to technical and educational initiatives, and help address challenges affecting the AIDC community.
Interested in attending an upcoming meeting or becoming involved in one of these initiatives?
Contact Michael Allen at mike@aimglobal.org to learn more about AIM Global’s industry groups, upcoming meetings, and opportunities to participate. Together, we can continue advancing the technologies, standards, and knowledge that support a more connected and transparent global supply chain.