Did you wake up one day and realize that you work in the “AIDC industry” – an industry that you had never even heard of before getting the job? Not to mention, what is AIDC? Unfortunately, our industry is neither well known nor widely taught in our schools. This is absurd when you consider that you interact with barcodes, RFID and other AIDC technologies multiple times every single day. Yet here you are, right in the middle of this industry by some fluke of destiny. If you would like to finally get the basics cleared up so that you can better help your customers and advance your career, then this course is for you.
Attending the AIDC 101 Workshop provides the tools and knowledge to leverage barcodes, RFID, and global standards, enabling businesses to enhance efficiency, improve traceability, ensure regulatory compliance, and build resilience into their supply chains. By mastering these technologies, organizations can future-proof their operations, adapt to evolving industry demands, and strengthen their ability to navigate challenges with confidence and agility.
AIM Celebrates Women of AIDC
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | January 29, 2025 | AIM Global, the leading industry association and global authority in innovation, standards, and solutions in barcode, biometrics, IoT, NFC, RFID, RTLS, and RAIN, is proud to announce the launch of the Women of AIDC Industry Group, a groundbreaking effort to highlight and celebrate the achievements, contributions, and leadership of women in the AIDC industry.
This Industry Group focuses on fostering a supportive and inclusive community where women can feel inspired, heard, and empowered. It features recognition campaigns, mentorship opportunities, and educational resources designed to uplift women professionals at all career stages—from newcomers to established industry leaders.
“For decades, women have been underrepresented in this industry. In recent years, we are now seeing growth in women entering and serving in leadership roles,” said AIM CEO, Mary Lou Bosco. “A task force of AIM women leaders was formed last year to discuss the needs of women in the industry and to develop a program and peer network to meet those needs. As a result, the Women of AIDC Industry Group was created.”
To kick off the celebrations, a special podcast series has been created; featuring interviews with dynamic women across the ecosystem. The series dives into their career journeys, challenges, and insights, while providing inspiration for the next generation of AIDC professionals.
A dedicated Women of AIDC webpage, is also available where individuals can register for updates, explore upcoming events, and review educational materials, podcasts, and other resources.
This Industry Group underscores AIM’s broader mission to enable adoption, growth, and interoperability of AIDC technologies through collaboration, education, and advocacy. By highlighting the unique contributions of women, AIM is paving the way for a more inclusive and innovative future for the industry.
For more information about the Women in AIDC Industry Group, please visit here.
AIM Global invites industry professionals, organizations, and stakeholders to engage with the work groups and take advantage of the networking and educational opportunities they provide. For more information about AIM and the workgroups, contact AIM’s headquarters by email or call +1.724.742.4470.
AIM Offers Hands-On AIDC 101 Fundamentals Workshop
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | January 21, 2025 | AIM Global, the leading industry association for Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) technologies, is excited to announce the AIDC 101 Fundamentals Workshop, a comprehensive educational experience designed to empower professionals at every level. This full-day event will take place on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM CT at the TSC Auto ID Academy in Chicago.
This event is ideal for newcomers seeking foundational knowledge, seasoned professionals looking to enhance their expertise, and technology users interested in implementing AIDC solutions effectively within their organizations. Attendees will:
- Be introduced to the definition, history, and purpose of AIDC technologies
- Gain essential knowledge and practical tools to leverage barcodes, RFID, and global standards
- Participate in interactive workstations to generate barcodes and design RFID tags
- Explore practical applications in retail scanning, logistics, and inventory management
Representatives from key industry players and educational institutions like TSC, Avery Dennison Trustwell and the University of Memphis will be on hand to help lead the course. Pricing is set at $100 for AIM Members and $175 for Non-Members. Register Now for this opportunity to deepen your understanding of AIDC technologies. Space is limited, so secure your spot now!
“Our industry is neither well known nor widely taught in our schools. This is absurd when you consider that you interact with barcodes, RFID, and other AIDC technologies multiple times every single day,” shared Chris Brown, RFID Program Director & Subject Matter Expert at TSC. “Yet here you are, right in the middle of this industry by some fluke of destiny. If you would like to finally get the basics cleared up so that you can better help your customers and advance your career, then this course is for you,” Brown explained.
We extend our gratitude to our sponsors TSC, Avery Dennison, Trustwell and the University of Memphis, who make this event possible. Sponsorship opportunities are still available for those looking to showcase their expertise in printing and labeling solutions.
Thank you to our sponsors:
AIM Announces Premier AIDC Innovation Gathering
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | January 16, 2025 | AIM Global, the leading industry association and global authority in innovation, standards, and solutions in barcode, biometrics, IoT, NFC, RFID, RTLS, and RAIN, is thrilled to announce the 2025 AIM Summit, scheduled for 9-10 April at the Zebra Technologies corporate office in Holtsville, NY. This highly anticipated event will bring together industry leaders, innovators, and professionals from across the AIDC sector to explore the future of the industry and foster collaboration.
“The AIM Summit 2025 is set to be a cornerstone event for the AIDC industry, bringing together the brightest minds and innovative technologies,” said Mary Lou Bosco, CEO of AIM. “We are excited to foster collaboration, inspire innovation, and drive the industry forward. Thank you to Zebra Technologies for their invaluable support and partnership. We look forward to seeing you in Holtsville!”
Attendees will have the unique opportunity to:
- Explore AIDC’s Future: Gain insights into the latest trends, technologies, and advancements shaping the industry. Topics will include successful AIDC implementations, conversations on the latest relevant standards, a report on the industry and global initiatives reshaping the supply chain.
- Learn and Innovate: Participate in engaging sessions covering a range of hot topics in AIDC.
- Network with Leaders: Meet experts, thought leaders, and peers to exchange ideas and form valuable connections.
The AIM Summit 2025 is perfect for technology professionals in AIDC and related fields, supply chain and logistics managers, healthcare IT specialists, retail and manufacturing leaders, and startups exploring AIDC technologies.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be at the forefront of AIDC innovation. Register now and be part of shaping the future of our industry.
For more information and the latest event details, visit our AIM Summit Website.
Thank you to our sponsor:
AIM Honors the 2024 Don Percival Award Winner
Pittsburgh, PA, January 14th 2025 – AIM Global, the leading industry association and global authority for over 50 years in innovation, standards, and solutions in barcode, biometrics, IoT, NFC, RFID, RTLS, and RAIN, is delighted to announce today the winner of the Don Percival award.
The Don Percival Award was established in 1982 to honor Don Percival, an early founder and pioneer in the development of bar code scanning.
The award is presented each year to an individual or organization from the user community recognizing outstanding contributions to the application of automatic identification and data capture technologies.
Jason Berns is recognized for his visionary leadership in embedding consumer-accessible QR codes into Ralph Lauren garments. The groundbreaking initiative, which began in 2016, has not only set a new industry standard for product identity and authentication but has also paved the way for future advancements in automatic identification and data capture technologies.
For more information about AIM Industry Awards, please visit https://www.aimglobal.org/awards.html
About AIM
AIM is the trusted worldwide industry association for the automatic identification industry. For more than half a century, AIM has provided unbiased information, educational resources, and standards to providers and users of these technologies. AIM membership provides access to an insider’s perspective on trends and opportunities along with a voice in shaping the growth and future of the industry. Member benefits include education, advocacy, and community, as well as a role in creating industry standards through collaboration. Visit www.aimglobal.org for more information.
AIM Chapter Meeting Recap: A Collaborative Future for 2025
Last month, AIM chapters from around the world gathered virtually for a dynamic and insightful meeting. This event was a testament to AIM’s unwavering commitment to advancing the automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) industry through collaboration, innovation, and strategic planning.
The meeting kicked off with updates from various AIM chapters, each bringing a unique perspective on their regional challenges and successes. Here’s a glimpse into the key highlights:
Peter Altes, Managing Director for AIM – D e.V., provided a candid overview of the current market in Europe. Peter shared optimism of further growth as he discussed upcoming events like the their Track and Trace Theatre at LogiMat and the Transport Logistics 2025 event, which will invigorate industry collaboration.
Jeanne Duckett from AIM North America shared several exciting developments, including board activities and pivotal food safety initiatives. Notably, AIM North America has been actively engaging with the US House Committee on Energy & Commerce and the FDA to enhance food traceability, demonstrating AIM’s influence on critical industry regulations. You can read those comments here.
Sanjive Mehta of AIM India highlighted the chapter’s successful webinars that have attracted significant attention, along with the addition of Zebra Technologies as a new member. This growth is a testament to AIM India’s expanding community.
Grigory Slusarenko from AIM Russia spoke about their integral role in the national traceability system. Collaborating closely with GS1 Russia, AIM Russia is providing expert support on implementing AIDC technologies such as UHF RFID and DataMatrix for a wide range of products, further cementing their leadership in the field.
Masaki Ehara from AIM Japan delivered exciting news about strategic partnerships and the successful ‘AIDC Connect Asia’ event orchestrated by Anna Lau of AIM Asia .
Anna Lau from AIM Asia sent notes about the successful ‘AIDC Connect Asia’ event. With over 120 attendees, this event showcased AIM Asia’s strategic alliances with organizations like LogiMat, the Thai International AIOT Association, and IEEE Macau Chapter. The event featured industry forums that focused on retail, logistics, and supply chain, fostering meaningful dialogue and collaboration.
Looking ahead, AIM and its global chapters outlined a robust strategic plan for 2025, underscoring their commitment to growth and innovation. Key initiatives include the formation of ad hoc teams to address specific challenges and the launch of new programs like the AIDC 101 Workshop.
Inclusivity and professional growth are also at the forefront of AIM’s agenda, with the introduction of the Young Professionals of AIDC and Women of AIDC initiatives. These programs aim to foster a more inclusive industry, providing opportunities for growth and networking across all AIM chapters.
Membership development remains a top priority, with plans to enhance AIM’s membership package to attract new members and retain existing ones. By adding new benefits and focusing on member engagement, AIM aims to solidify its community and drive further growth.
This meeting underscored AIM’s dedication to fostering collaboration and innovation across its global chapters. With a clear strategic vision and numerous initiatives planned, AIM is well-positioned to lead the AIDC industry into 2025. The future looks bright as AIM continues to drive growth, embrace innovation, and ensure continued success for its members worldwide.
If you would like to get more insight into the work of AIM and our worldwide chapters, contact chapter liaison Michael Allen.
AIM Releases Year in Review and Predictions for 2025
Pittsburgh, PA, January 8th, 2025 – AIM Global, the leading industry association and global authority for more than 50 years in innovation, standards, and solutions in digital asset tracking technologies and solutions, reflects on 2024, a year filled with product and standards development that make products easier to use within IoT, DPP, AI and other systems and looks ahead to 2025, an industry poised for tremendous growth, driven by technological advancements, the expansion of automation, and the increasing demand for data-driven insights.
This publication spotlights the many extraordinary achievements made possible through the collective strength of our members and partners including the introduction of new educational tools and online resources, and celebratory events marking key industry milestones, such as the anniversary of the first barcode scan and the achievements of AIM’s RFID Experts Group.
For the first time, the Year in Review is available both as a downloadable PDF and a browser-accessible version, ensuring greater accessibility and convenience for industry stakeholders.
The report also features insights from industry thought leaders on the future of AIDC technologies and AIM’s strategic priorities for 2025 and beyond.
“AIM members’ dedication to creating transparent, efficient, and sustainable supply chains is truly inspiring. These innovations and transformations improve lives, grow economies, and reduce carbon footprints around the world,” shared Mary Lou Bosco, CEO, AIM Global.
Special Thanks to our Year in Review Sponsors!
A Future Proof Solution for Strong Digital Product Passports
Celebrating AIM Industry Groups’ Achievements in 2024
AIM’s industry groups have always been at the forefront of creating, learning, and sharing knowledge to advance automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) technologies. These collaborative efforts result in standards development, technical reports, educational materials, advocacy, and insights into the latest industry trends. Many AIM-published symbologies and standards have been adopted internationally through the ISO standardization process. In 2024, AIM’s industry groups reached several significant milestones that underscore their commitment to innovation and excellence.
Technical Symbology Committee (TSC)
Led by Steve Keddie of GS1 Global, the TSC continues to help get symbologies to market worldwide. This year, the group prepared the Ultracode International Symbology Standard for submission to ISO. This innovative symbology, which features a color multi-row, variable-size 2D matrix design, ensures compatibility with standard sRGB-compliant scanners and devices. Additionally, the committee published an awareness piece on QR Code phishing risks, providing actionable safety practices to prevent users from falling victim to malicious schemes that compromise sensitive information.
RFID Experts Group (REG)
Under the guidance of Jerry Peyton of VISTA IT Systems, the REG made significant strides in advancing RFID technology. The group released the “Understanding Sensors for the Supply Chain” whitepaper, which highlights the pivotal role environmental sensors play in ensuring efficiency, compliance, and traceability across diverse industries. They also submitted comments to the FCC on the potential relocation of the Lower 900 MHz Band, addressing the critical implications of proposed frequency band changes and emphasizing the value of current use cases. Another landmark achievement was the launch of RFID.org, a comprehensive online resource designed to educate and support RFID implementers, users, and stakeholders.
Visibility Technologies Industry Group (VTIG)
Led by Kim MacDonald of REATH, the VTIG focused on enhancing product lifecycle visibility and interoperability. In 2024, the group published the whitepaper “How AI, IoT, Robotics, and AIDC Technologies Are Coming Together in Industrial Environments,” showcasing how AIDC’s foundational role in data capture is now augmented by IoT, AI, and robotics to enable advanced decision-making and traceability. They also addressed environmental sustainability challenges by releasing guidance on RFID tag recycling and disposal. Furthermore, the VTIG submitted comments to the FCC on IoT cybersecurity labeling, advocating for the use of established standards and QR Codes to deliver user-friendly, accessible information.
Join Us in Shaping the Future
These accomplishments exemplify the transformative power of collaboration within AIM’s industry groups. While these are the items finished in 2024, there are several that will be completed in the first quarter of 2025 that members can take a part in helping finish. On top of that, many new projects will begin, so if you want to be part of this dynamic community and help shape the future of AIDC technologies, contact Michael Allen, AIM’s Business Development Director, to learn how you can get involved.