BARCODING, LABELLING & PACKAGING
THE ROLE OF AIDC TECHNOLOGY Many supply chains are geared up to solve decades-old challenges and are only just starting to digitalise. Nearly a third (30 per cent) of manufacturers are already said to be using digital technologies for supply chain management with a further 40 per cent considering it. But their journey is not an easy one as concurrent and rapid changes in technology, trade relations, like new tariffs, labour issues and supply chain disruptions due to issues like geopolitical instability and climate change, all threaten their logistical effectiveness. Automatic identifi cation and data capture
(AIDC) technologies, especially RFID and barcode scanning, can really help manufacturers digitise and streamline their global supply chain operations. 1D and 2D barcodes along with RFID are invaluable tools for processes like inventory and asset management, product traceability and automatic generation of work orders. RFID in manufacturing has grown
signifi cantly in recent years, driven largely by a need for real-time data monitoring, lower operational costs and improved resource usage. A number of retailers like Walmart are also mandating RFID tagging on items like clothing, home goods, kitchenware, toys and sporting goods, so manufacturers and suppliers need to start applying RFID labels. For this, you need to decide if you will source fi nished labels from a Service Bureau or print and encode the labels in-house. Your decision might just come down to simple maths and how your business processes will be affected but it’s worth speaking to an experienced RFID reseller to evaluate the entire process before making your decision. This raises an important point. RFID science
is complex, selecting the right partners, printers and equipment cannot be overstated; it’s often the critical difference between success and failure. You need to choose partners with advanced technical knowledge to properly support RFID projects. Approach a number of them, get a good understanding of their true level of expertise. If you’re unfamiliar with the terminology, ask them to explain. If they can’t, switching to another potential partner is the best advice. Similarly, if you’re thinking about
implementing the high density, complex
symbologies of 2D barcodes then remember that your existing thermal printing devices might not be up for the task, they might struggle to print these codes accurately. The intricate details and data-rich nature of newer QR codes can often lead to scaling issues, which can result in readability challenges during assembly if you’re using the codes for parts, a key consideration if you’re manufacturing for industries like automotive. Again, work with an experienced provider.
SO, WHAT ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY? Sustainability is now considered a critical factor for business success with over 54 per cent of consumers claiming they’d pay a premium for sustainable products or services, especially automotive and consumer goods. As has already been mentioned, sustainability is very much a focus of the DPP regulations. Businesses will be required to provide item-level information about the product’s origin, its composition
FACTORY&HANDLINGSOLUTIONS | SEPTEMBER 2025 13
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