Despite the buzz around AI and IoT emerging to drive smart supply chains and worldwide track-and-trace capability, barcode technology remains the backbone of enterprise visibility.
AIM’s 2025 Industry Direction Report found that enterprise technology buyers consider barcodes essential to traceability and they will remain so even as other technology implementations expand. Barcode systems ranked as the second-most likely area for technology investment by end users over the next 12–18 months, just behind sensor technology, and ahead of AI solutions for industrial environments and a long list of other enterprise technology investment options studied.
So why do barcodes continue to perform well while trendier innovations have come to market?
It is likely because barcodes offer a combination of affordability, global standardization and proven utility across countless industries, from healthcare, retail, logistics and manufacturing, just to name a few. Enterprise spending plans suggest barcode systems are considered foundational, not replaceable. While AI and IoT systems often require major infrastructure changes, barcodes plug directly into existing workflows and deliver value immediately. They are familiar and work in a plethora of settings.
One of the biggest trends uncovered in the report is the increasing demand for mobile barcode systems. From handheld scanners to mobile-enabled apps, companies are equipping frontline workers with tools that increase flexibility and reduce operational friction. This mobile-first push is particularly strong in warehouse and logistics environments, where agility is key. Valued for their accuracy and familiarity factors, barcode systems remain a first-line solution for many visibility challenges. Current and pending regulations are also supporting the continued demand for barcode systems.
Regulatory and industry mandates like the Digital Product Passport (DPP) in Europe, the FDA’s Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), and the GS1 Sunrise 2027 initiative are pushing organizations to revisit their labeling and identification infrastructure. For many, this means upgrading to more robust barcode systems, including 2D barcodes and mobile-friendly formats like QR Codes and Data Matrix symbols.
Traceability requirements give barcodes a valuable role and purpose. When paired with smart label materials or serialization tools, barcodes become vital data carriers in an increasingly transparent supply chain.
Perhaps most importantly, the report reveals how barcode technology is not in competition with newer technologies; they are becoming complementary assets. Barcodes are often the first layer of data capture in environments that later integrate RFID, IoT or AI-based analytics. In other words, barcodes in some settings are a foundational tool for digital transformation.
The research done by AIM is showing that barcode technology is not being left behind. It is being reimagined, mobilized and integrated into the future of enterprise operations.
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