Since the start of COVID-19, the Auto Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) sector have changed dramatically. Consumer behaviour has evolved as a result of the pandemic, supply chain fluidity has been disrupted, e-commerce transactions have increased. Now there is a greater demand for both consumer safety and organizational sustainability. In order to get a sense of where the AIDC industry is headed, we should examine what experts predict for labelling and barcoding this year.

Changes in the Labeling and Barcoding Industry

New industry regulations are being rolled out, and companies like Seagull Scientific have curated an expert predictions dialogue around the future of labelling technologies. The encoding of variable data is expected to be one of the most important 2022 label industry trends. Manufacturers need to be able to quickly and precisely identify labelled products, which can possibly be solved alongside an increase of automation equipment. This remedy allows for improved automation of labelling and barcoding.

In addition, product lifecycle management can be solved if product codes and symbols can work together. This way information can be accessed by consumers and improve labelling standards for simplified identification. Another major shift prediction will surround EAN/UPC linear barcodes such as general retail and fresh food products. These trackable engagements will pave the way for innovative business solutions in the present and future.

Since “tag clutter” or poorly encoded tags is a current issue, education on proper encoding standards will reveal what methods are suitable for the industry. This should assist with reducing shipping industry delays, among other issues. The rise of smart labels will allow consumers to continue to connect the dots for better purchasing decisions. Multilayer authentication labels will then be valued at a higher level and practical to use on wider tracking systems.

This year will reveal companies within the AIDC industry are trying to sustain their strength. Based on the insights drawn from industry experts, notable themes to keep watch for will be guided by these labelling trends and predictions: 

•       Encoding variable data for quick and accurate identification of labelled products.
•       A rise in automation equipment for maximum optimizations.
•       Fitting product coding and symbols for product lifecycle management longevity.
•       Progress with intelligent labelling and packaging standards for consumer safety regulations.

BarTender by Seagull Scientific will help simplify your supply chain with the automation of the creation of labels, barcodes, RFID tags, packing slips, and other items. Through their comprehensive barcode labelling systems, small businesses and large corporations alike may improve safety, security, efficiency, and compliance. Seagull Scientific understands what is necessary for integrating across a wide range of industries like supply chain, retail, and pharmaceuticals.

A barTender can assist with making sure your supply chain is agile. Business owners can be secure knowing how to automate shifts in label production. In-house changes needed can be made empowering businesses to update production data across their process scope. The dependent factor of supply and demand makes BarTender necessary for the seamless supply chain management.

Explore how BarTender by Seagull Scientific can enable your organization to remain flexible as the industry changes.