AIM Establishes Young Professionals Industry Group

AIM Establishes Young Professionals Industry Group

Pittsburgh, PA, May 28, 2025 – AIM, the trusted global authority in barcode, biometrics, IoT, NFC, RFID, RTLS, and RAIN technologies for over 50 years, has created a dynamic new initiative in the Young Professionals Industry Group; designed to attract, develop, and retain the next generation of future industry leaders.

This new work group will serve as a dedicated space for early-career professionals working in barcoding, RFID, IoT, mobile computing, and the wider AIDC ecosystem. Through regular meetings, meaningful discussions, and mentoring opportunities, participants will be able to:
• Network with peers and experienced professionals
• Explore career growth paths and industry challenges
• Share ideas and success stories
• Learn about emerging technologies and trends

“As an industry, it’s vital that we invest in the people who will lead it forward,” said Mary Lou Bosco, CEO of AIM. “This group will transform their careers with unique opportunities, speaker events, and leadership development while building lasting friendships with like-minded young professionals.”

“Joining an association group like AIM Global, has been pivotal in my own development as a business professional, “ Said Colynn Black, the Western U.S. & Canada Regional Sales Director Identification Technologies Business Area for HID Global. “It’s not what you know, but who you know, industry associations are all about growing your network which is what can really catapult your career towards success.”

Anyone early in their AIDC career — regardless of company size or role — is welcome to participate. To learn more and register for upcoming meetings, visit the landing page.

For more information, contact AIM headquarters by email or call +1.724.742.4470.

Checkpoint Systems boosts Smart Food Chain with Chinook™ inlay, the pioneering RFID tag for microwavable food

Checkpoint Systems boosts Smart Food Chain with Chinook™ inlay, the pioneering RFID tag for microwavable food

– Chinook is an innovative response which, thanks to its design and functionality, contributes significantly to boosting the circular economy, integrating advanced technology and food safety.
– This inlay is a rugged and reliable solution for reusable and microwaveable food packaging, a unique feature that allows for repeated use without affecting food safety and RFID functionality.

May, 2025: Checkpoint Systems, global leader company in RFID/RF-driven solutions, presents Chinook, an innovative RFID inlay designed specifically for reusable food packaging, providing microwave safety and resistance whilst improving traceability in the supply chain. This solution is an important bridge between sustainability and innovation, especially to address the environmental challenges facing the industry.

Global challenge of sustainable packaging

Waste packaging is a major global environmental challenge, which has led to the implementation of strict regulations in countries around the world. European Union (EU) is leading the way with its Packaging Directive, which aims to require all packaging on the market to be reusable or recyclable by 2030, setting milestones to be achieved by 2025. In addition, from January 2030, single-use plastic packaging will be banned for certain types of packaging.
Against this background, companies are facing increasing pressure to adopt sustainable solutions. Chinook inlay comes as an innovative response which, through its design and functionality, makes a decisive contribution to the circular economy, integrating advanced technology and food safety.

Chinook: A pioneering solution for reusable food packaging

Checkpoint Systems’ Chinook inlay, for which patent protection is being sought, stands out as a rugged and reliable solution for reusable and microwaveable food packaging. The innovative design has a unique feature that allows for repeated use without compromising food safety or RFID functionality. Certified by EECC official tests, Chinook inlay’s performance remained stable, maintaining more than 50% of its maximum read range, after 45 microwave cycles under the tests’ predetermined conditions. EECC concludes that: “Overall, the Chinook tag from Checkpoint has proven to be a robust and reliable transponder, making it well-suited for applications requiring frequent microwave exposure while ensuring consistent RFID performance.” In addition, Chinook is standards-compliant and suitable for microwave use and indirect food contact, offering confidence and peace of mind to consumers and businesses, even under demanding conditions.
In terms of sustainability, this inlay promotes the circular economy, reducing waste by being reusable in multiple cycles. Its traceability and visibility in the supply chain enables efficient tracking of products from their origin to the final consumer. Finally, its flexibility makes it suitable for different types of reusable packaging, including plastic and glass, providing ideal solutions for fresh, frozen and prepared foods.

Chinook inlay: a perfect solution for restaurants, supermarkets and food service sectors that are betting on reusable containers

Chinook is ideally suited to a wide range of use cases, offering key benefits in sectors such as processed food production, where it enables full traceability throughout the product life cycle. In supermarkets and retail chains, its innovative design is ideal for improving the management of fresh, pre-cooked and bulk products, optimizing operational efficiency. Likewise, in restaurants and catering services, Chinook inlay is positioned as an indispensable solution for fast food chains, delivery services and mass events, providing more efficient inventory control and reusable packaging.
Wherever reusable packaging needs to be tracked, Chinook could be the perfect partner to ensure seamless operations and sustainability.

 

 

About Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
Checkpoint Systems, a division of CCL Industries, is a global leader in RFID/RF-driven loss prevention, inventory control & traceability, branding, supply chain management and business data intelligence solutions. Its +50 years’ expertise are behind its unique combination of cloud-based SaaS, connected hardware, labels and tags offering intelligent solutions that bring clarity and efficiency to companies, from source to shop.
Checkpoint’s range of technological solutions offers retailers and brands – from several markets such as food & beverage, apparel & footwear, general merchandise, health & beauty, supply chain & logistics -among others- a connected approach to profitability and more seamless and engaging shopper experiences.
To find out more go to www.checkpointsystems.com

Join the Young Professionals Industry Group – A New Community for Future Leaders

We’re excited to launch the Young Professionals Industry Group, a new initiative from AIM designed for early-career professionals working in barcoding, RFID, IoT, and connected technologies.

This group is a place for you to connect with peers, learn from experienced professionals, and grow your career in a fast-moving industry. Whether you are just starting out or a few years into your journey, this is your space to get involved.

Why You Should Join

Starting your career in any industry can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone.

This group has been created as a premier support system to the new workforce in our industry . It is a place where early-career professionals can come together to learn, grow, and build meaningful connections. Here’s what you can expect:

Community & Connection
Meet others who are also in the early stages of their careers. Whether you are in engineering, product development, marketing, sales, or operations, this group brings together people working across the technology and automation ecosystem.

Learning Opportunities
Get access to real-world advice and resources from those who have been in your shoes. Hear from guest speakers, explore career development topics, and pick up practical tools that will help you succeed.

Guidance
Connect with industry professionals who are just a few years ahead in their careers and willing to share their experiences. You’ll also hear from seasoned mentors who can offer perspective and help you avoid common pitfalls.

Career Growth
Learn how to grow into leadership roles, manage projects, stay on top of industry trends, and navigate the evolving world of digital and connected technologies. The goal is to help you take the next step, wherever you are in your journey.

Visibility & Recognition
We also want to spotlight the great work young professionals are doing. This is your chance to contribute, share your voice, and be part of building the future of the industry.

Whether you are looking to connect, learn, or lead, this group is for you.

Best of all, the group is open to both AIM members and non-members — all are welcome.

Learn from Your Peers

On our landing page, you will also find short videos from professionals who have already made great strides in the industry. These stories offer great advice and inspiration:

These videos are packed with advice you can use right away to build your skills and confidence.

Be Part of the Future

If you’re ready to grow your career, connect with others, and learn from the best — this group is for you.

👉 Register here to join today and be part of our June kickoff meeting.

Looking forward to building exciting content to help move the industry forward!

AIM Honors Excellence in Journalism

AIM Honors Excellence in Journalism

Pittsburgh, PA, May 15th, 2025 – AIM Global, the leading industry association and global authority in barcode, biometrics, IoT, NFC, RFID, RTLS, and RAIN, is delighted to announce Debbie Hughes as the winner of the 2024 Bert Moore Excellence in Journalism Award. This award was established to recognize a journalist or media representative in the automatic identification industry whose work exemplifies the qualities of honest, educational, and unbiased reporting of the automatic identification and mobility industry. The award was renamed in 2012 to honor Bert Moore, a long-time AIM contributor and industry expert.

 

Debbie Hughes has been awarded for her work as Senior Editorial Director of Events at RFID Journal LIVE! and her unwavering support for education within the RFID industry. Her tireless efforts and commitment have been instrumental in shaping the future of RFID technology and fostering industry growth.

 

“Debbie has been the glue that holds RFID Journal LIVE! together. Without her expertise in the background, there may still have been 20 years of RFID Journal LIVE!, but they wouldn’t have been as successful as they have been,” said nominator Kevin Berisso (AutoID Lab, University of Memphis). “Her value to the industry is invaluable and I can’t thank her enough for the support she has shown me over the years.”

 

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 a 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. 

Why You Should Submit for the AIM Awards

Each year, the AIM Awards shine a spotlight on the visionaries, trailblazers, and contributors who help shape and grow the Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) industry. These awards honor not only innovation and technical achievements, but also the people and organizations driving the global advancement of our industry’s technologies. If you or someone you know has made a significant impact in the AIDC space, submitting a nomination before the June 13 deadline is more than a chance at recognition; it is an opportunity to help elevate our entire industry.

Nominations are now open. You can submit your nominations here.

Let me break down each award and why it is worth your time to submit:

Richard Dilling Award
This is the most prestigious recognition in the AIDC industry. The Dilling Award has been honoring the best of the best since 1984—executives, engineers, scientists—those who have significantly contributed to the industry’s growth. If you have dedicated your career to advancing AIDC or led a major leap in its capabilities or adoption, this award is a badge of distinction and lasting legacy.

Paul Bergé International Business Development Award
If you or your organization has worked across borders to grow AIDC adoption, this award may suit you or your organization. Named for Paul Bergé, who made a career of expanding international markets, this award celebrates those who have left a global footprint. It recognizes the critical role international collaboration and outreach play in advancing technology and creating new opportunities for implementation worldwide.

Allan Gilligan Award
This award is especially relevant for those making AIDC work in the real world of logistics and supply chain. Named after a revolutionary developer of supply chain standards, the Gilligan Award recognizes individuals creating real, lasting impact through AIDC applications in materials handling. If you know someone who is solving operational challenges and enabling supply chain visibility with AIDC, nominate them today.

Clive Hohberger Technology Award
Named for Dr. Clive Hohberger, a respected technologist and inventor, this award celebrates those on the cutting edge. Whether you or someone you know are developing new technologies, writing code, designing hardware, or integrating systems, the Clive Hohberger Award recognizes the power of innovation.

Bert Moore Excellence in Journalism Award
The media shapes understanding and adoption. This award is for journalists or media professionals whose work has brought clarity, integrity, and education to the AIDC field. If you know someone who is telling the industry’s story—clearly, accurately, and with impact—this is your chance to celebrate their work.

Don Percival Award
Are you a user of AIDC who has transformed operations, improved traceability, or streamlined processes? This award is for individuals or organizations from the user community who demonstrate how impactful real-world applications can be. It celebrates implementation and the value AIDC brings when it meets practical business needs.

Ted Williams Award
This award is recgnition for educators, students, and researchers.  The Ted Williams Award honors those in academia or early-career innovators whose work is pushing boundaries and inspiring the next generation of AIDC professionals. If you know someone who is advancing the industry through research, entrepreneurship, or teaching, recognize them with a nomination.

Lifetime Achievement Award
Reserved for the giants among the industry, the Lifetime Achievement Award honors those whose careers have made an indelible impact on AIDC technology. If you know someone whose contributions have stood the test of time—across technologies like asset tracking, product verification, or IoT—nominate them to ensure their legacy is celebrated and remembered. 

Whether you or someone you know are a seasoned expert, an emerging innovator, or part of a team implementing game-changing technology, the AIM Awards offer a platform to recognize excellence and inspire the future of AIDC. Nominate someone (or yourself) today and help us celebrate the people and work that are propelling the industry forward.

Deadline to submit: June 13

Nominate here.

 

If you have additional questions about the awards, the AIM organization, or anything else contact Michael Allen.

AIM Welcomes New Board Member

AIM Welcomes New Board Member

Logo

AIM Welcomes New Board Member

ScanSource Designates New Representative

May 15th, 2025 – Pittsburgh, PA – AIM, the foremost authority and global hub for innovation, standards, and solutions in barcode, biometrics, IoT, NFC, RFID, RTLS, and RAIN technologies, proudly announces the appointment of Nell Alverson, the Senior Director, Channel Marketing at ScanSource to the AIM Board of Directors.

Nell Alverson serves as the Senior Director of Channel Marketing at ScanSource, where she leads a team of channel marketing managers in developing effective go-to-market strategies within the technology channel. Nell joined ScanSource in 2005 as Product Manager.  In 2008, she advanced to Director of Merchandising overseeing vendor relationships and leading the payments business until ScanSource acquired POS Portal in 2017. Nell began her career in point of sale (POS) installations and systems engineering, spending over a decade

 

 at a value-added reseller. With over 30 years of experience in the POS and automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) industry, Nell brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the industry and her role at ScanSource.

 

“We are thrilled to welcome Nell Alverson to the AIM Board of Directors.” stated Mary Lou Bosco, CEO of AIM, Inc. “Nell’s deep-rooted expertise in the AIDC and POS industries, combined with her strategic leadership in channel marketing, will be an incredible asset to our organization. Her unique perspective and proven track record of innovation and collaboration align perfectly with AIM’s mission to drive global adoption and advancement of automatic identification technologies.”

 

The AIM board is led by chair Chuck Evanhoe, Aware Innovations and vice chair Patti Blessing, Zebra Technologies. The members at large include Matt Sterner, Honeywell Industrial Automation; Mark Fraker, BlueStar; Don Ferguson, Lyngsoe Systems; John DiPalo, ACSIS; Tony Fonk, SpotSee; Steven Keddie, GS1 GO; Elizabeth Sinclair, Emeritus; Anna Lau, AIM Asia; Frithjof Walk, AIM Europe; and Jeanne Duckett; AIM North America.

 

For more information, biography, or photos, contact AIM headquarters by email or call +1.724.742.4470.

Event Recap: AIDC 101 Workshop – April 16, 2025

Event Recap: AIDC 101 Workshop – April 16, 2025

On April 16, AIM hosted its inaugural AIDC 101 Workshop at the TSC facility in the Chicago area. This one-day, immersive experience was designed to introduce attendees to the foundational elements of automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) technologies. With over 20 participants in attendance, the workshop provided an ideal setting for both learning and networking, combining educational sessions with hands-on demonstrations from industry sponsors.

The day began with open access to sponsor tables, where attendees had the chance to explore demos and connect with leading solution providers from SpotSee, SICK, Zebra Technologies, Seagull, TEKLYNX and Metalcraft.  They also got to see AsReader and FEIG’s handheld equipment. The formal program launched soon after and featured four structured sessions that guided participants through the landscape of AIDC:

What is AIDC?

Led by Amy Awe of NXP, this session introduced the core concepts of AIDC, including its history, purpose, and key technologies such as barcodes, RFID, NFC, and digital watermarks. Attendees also gained insight into commonly used terminology and symbologies across industries.

Equipment & Applications

This session covered by Chris Brown from TSC discussed  the essential tools of the trade—from barcode scanners and RFID readers to encoders, printers, and verification devices. Attendees learned how these components work together to enable data capture across various environments.

The Current AIDC Landscape

A high-level overview of the market from the University of Memphis’ Kevin Berisso; this session examined the structure of the AIDC industry, key players, trends, and AIM’s role in shaping innovation and standards adoption.

AIDC Standards & Governing Bodies

Attendees were introduced to the various national and international organizations that develop and maintain standards for AIDC technologies, ensuring global interoperability and trust.  This session was hosted by Michael Allen of AIM.

Following the morning sessions, attendees participated in two rounds of hands-on breakout demonstrations, which brought the technologies and concepts to life in real-world scenarios. These included eight interactive stations, split between the “Generating Sample Solutions” session and “AIDC in Practice” session:

Generating Sample Solutions

Barcode Creating

Attendees created barcodes using BarTender and Codesoft software, printing real labels and learning about proper design and formatting.

Barcode Scanning

Participants tested both handheld and fixed barcode scanners, exploring how different scanning setups work in various environments.

RFID Tag Encoding

Using dedicated printers and software, attendees encoded RFID labels and understood tag selection based on use cases.

RFID Reading

Hands-on exercises included scanning RFID tags with multiple reader types to understand range, tag orientation, and data read rates.

AIDC in Practice

Retail Scanning

Participants experienced UPC barcode scanning and learned about GS1’s Sunrise 2027 initiative.

Food Labeling & Traceability

This station explored how AIDC supports food safety and transparency across supply chains.

Logistics Labeling

Participants experienced UPC barcode scanning and learned about GS1’s Sunrise 2027 initiative.

Inventory Count

Attendees used software platforms such as GreyTrunk to perform sample inventory operations.

The day concluded with an optional plant tour of TSC Printronix Auto ID, followed by an open Q&A, networking break, and certificate distribution to all attendees for completing the class.

 

The response from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. As one participant, Stephanie Podgor, Business Development & Marketing Specialist at TEGO, shared:

The AIDC 101 Workshop was such a great experience—educational, engaging, and really well-executed. The speakers did a fantastic job laying the groundwork for those of us newer to the AIDC space, and the hands-on demos made the concepts click in a real-world way. The day flowed smoothly, the group size was just right (about 30 people), and it was easy to connect, ask questions, and have meaningful conversations. It was my first AIM event, and definitely won’t be my last!

Stephanie Podgor

Business Development & Marketing Specialist, TEGO

AIM extends its gratitude to all sponsors, speakers, and attendees who helped make this event a resounding success. The AIDC 101 Workshop demonstrated the value of combining education with application—and highlighted how AIM continues to support the growth and adoption of AIDC technologies.  Be on the lookout for future educational opportunities like this one!

Global Chapter Highlights: AIM’s Expanding Impact Across Regions

Over the past year, AIM chapters around the world have made impressive strides in advancing the adoption and impact of Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) technologies. With a renewed focus on education, outreach, and collaboration, these regional efforts are not only strengthening local engagement but also shaping global best practices in the AIDC community.  Below are some of our chapters latest initiatives, which were discussed at the AIM Summit event:

In India, AIM India has experienced transformative growth. A strong digital presence was established through the launch of a website, a LinkedIn Company page, an X account, and a dedicated YouTube channel. These platforms have become hubs of activity, helping to expand awareness and promote the value of AIDC technologies to a broader audience. This visibility is backed by an ambitious webinar program that kicked off in May 2024 with the organization’s inaugural event, The Future of AIDC Technologies. The session featured three expert presentations that offered forward-looking insights into the evolution of AIDC. In August, AIM India hosted RFID for Supply Chain Traceability and Inventory Count, a deep dive into the practical applications of RFID in logistics. October brought the third installment, Positive Patient ID as a Cornerstone of Patient Safety, which explored the life-saving benefits of AIDC in healthcare environments. These sessions have not only informed attendees but have sparked genuine excitement within the community. AIM India also participated in the North Zone Meet organized by the AIDC Technologies Association of India at Crowne Plaza in Okhla, furthering connections within the national ecosystem. Looking ahead, AIM India plans to launch a regular newsletter, expand collaborations with like-minded associations, continue its webinar series, grow its membership, engage in more conferences, and produce additional educational content for YouTube and beyond.

Meanwhile, in Europe, AIM AIM-D e.V. is preparing for a full slate of events and expert forums in 2025. The Spring Meeting, hosted by Think WIOT Group, will be held in Lüneburg from May 7–9, followed by the Autumn Meeting in Waldkirch from November 5–7, hosted by SICK. AIM Germany also has a strong presence at industry trade shows. LogiMAT 2025 in Stuttgart is already sold out with 12 partners committed to the AIM Booth and continued programming at the popular AIM-ident Experts Forum and Tracking & Tracing Theater. Additional participation is planned for transportation logistics 2025 in Munich and the #WIOT25 conference in Wiesbaden, where AIM will present lectures and host expert panels. Planning for LogiMAT 2026 is already underway, with booth reservations now open.

In terms of technical initiatives, AIM – D e.V. supports several active and emerging expert groups. The RFID & Sensors group continues its work on market development and technical refinement, with an updated white paper expected in Q4 2024. Optical Readable Media (ORM) efforts are ongoing, including work on standards such as IEC 61406 and verifier conformance for DPM. Marketing and regulatory teams are focused on market research, frequency harmonization, and critical EU regulations such as the Radio Equipment Directive and Cyber Resilience Act. Projects like the integration of AIDC in recycling systems and discussions on digital product passports reflect the chapter’s commitment to sustainability. Although some expert groups, such as AutoID & Security and RTLS, are currently paused due to leadership transitions, others like System Integration remain highly active. The RFID & IO-Link joint group launched in 2023 continues to hold regular meetings, with the next scheduled for April 8, 2025.

AIM Denmark‘s shared the latest developments with their international network. Their recent seminar at føtexGo—the first cashier-free store in Denmark—offered valuable insights into the future of retail and seamless shopping experiences. At their General Assembly, members re-elected the board, reinforcing our shared commitment to advancing the industry.

Now, all eyes are on RFID & IoT in the Nordics 2025, happening in Copenhagen on June 12th under the theme “Data as the Digital Heartbeat – Transparency and Value Creation in Modern Value Chains.” With the event fast approaching, AIM Denmark invites professionals and organizations across the AIM Global community and beyond to join them — whether as attendees eager for fresh perspectives or as sponsors looking to engage with key players in the Nordic and European markets.

Learn more and register for the conference at www.aidcdkconference.org or reach out by mail to conference@aidcdk.org

AIM Asia has also made noteworthy progress, forming a new EMC & RF Workgroup aimed at addressing evolving communications infrastructure challenges and ensuring environmental compatibility. In addition, the AIM Asia Education Arm has been established as a nonprofit, collaborative platform designed to bridge STEM learning with industry innovation. This educational initiative offers open-source courses, industry-aligned certifications, and career pathways to build a sustainable talent pipeline for the future. Plans are already underway for a 2025 seminar series under the theme “Building Synergies Across AIM Member Companies,” which will highlight case studies, branding strategies, and cross-border opportunities through the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). AIM Asia’s regional footprint includes engagement with stakeholders in Hong Kong, China, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, and Korea.

In North America, AIM North America is concentrating efforts through dedicated work groups focused on food safety, cannabis compliance, and unique device identification (UDI). The food group is conducting a survey to assess service practices, while the UDI group is working to resolve barcode decoding challenges within healthcare. Meanwhile, the cannabis workgroup is developing an educational podcast and webinar series to support this emerging industry’s labeling and tracking needs.

AIM Russia has played a pivotal role in advancing the national traceability system. In close collaboration with GS1 Russia, it provides expert guidance on the implementation of AIDC technologies such as UHF RFID and DataMatrix across a wide array of product categories, reinforcing its leadership in the field. AIM Russia is also deeply involved in a national initiative aimed at leveraging AIDC for product identification, traceability, and logistics optimization. The project’s scope continues to expand, now covering both food and non-food items. To support this effort, AIM Russia regularly delivers training and consulting services to participants, underscoring its commitment to industry development.

AIM Europe has sustained strong membership growth into the summer and is actively preparing for participation in LogiMat. The organization remains highly engaged in standardization initiatives with CEN and ETSI, working to promote the adoption and development of AIDC technologies across Europe.

AIM Korea has been jointly operated by KAIIA (Korea Automatic Identification Industry Association). Their focus lies in technological innovation and workforce development, particularly in auto ID applications utilizing barcodes, RFID, and IoT.

AIM China has contributed significantly to the Prepackaged Food Digital Label Platform, supporting over 70 food companies in transitioning from traditional to digital labels. This shift has enhanced both consumer experience and industry efficiency. AIM China continues to foster knowledge-sharing and capacity-building within the sector.

Across all regions, AIM chapters are demonstrating leadership through innovation, collaboration, and education. Their collective work is driving the future of AIDC and reinforcing the global value of standards-based identification technologies. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to grow and connect the AIDC community worldwide

If you would like to gain more insights into AIM’s global chapters, contact Michael Allen at mike@aimglobal.org.