Fun Facts About Barcodes: The Unsung Heroes of Modern Technology

In the bustling world of supply chain software, certain technologies stand out as critical yet underappreciated components that enhance operational efficiency and ensure public safety. Among these, the barcode is a standout example, an indispensable tool that revolutionizes how businesses manage inventory and track products. Despite its common presence, many are unaware of the fascinating aspects and history of the barcode.

 

 

 

 

The invention of the barcode can be traced back to Norman Joseph Woodland, who was inspired by Morse code. Woodland sketched the first barcode in the sand on a Florida beach, attempting to solve a challenge presented by a supermarket executive to the Drexel Institute. Together with Bernard Silver, his colleague Woodland patented this groundbreaking idea in 1952. However, it wasn’t until 1974 that the first barcode was actually scanned—on a pack of Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit chewing gum at Marsh’s supermarket in Troy, Ohio. By the 1980s, barcode technology had become a mainstay in major retail operations, paving the way for further innovations in the 1990s, including enterprise applications and internet-enabled business functions. These advancements have solidified barcodes as a fundamental element of modern supply chain management. 

 

 

 

Having explored the critical role of barcodes, let’s dive into some entertaining and lesser-known facts about this technology:

 

 • First Scan Achievements: The first item scanned with a barcode was at Marsh’s supermarket in Troy, Ohio, which also boasted the first installation of a UPC scanner.

 

 • Global Usage: GS1 barcodes are now scanned over ten billion times daily, assisting more than two million organizations worldwide in accurately identifying and tracking items across numerous sectors. 

 

 • High Reliability: Barcodes maintain an impressive 99% scanning success rate.

 

 • Beyond the Living: In Seattle, QR codes are used on gravestones to link to detailed information about the deceased, illustrating the adaptability of barcode technology.

 

 • Edible Barcodes: Innovations by TruTag Technologies have led to the development of edible barcodes, known as TruTags. These are made from nano-porous silica, which is recognized as safe by the U.S Food and Drug Administration, and can be used directly on products or in packaging to monitor them through the supply chain. 

 

 • Space Exploration: NASA has utilized barcodes on various equipment and supplies aboard space shuttles, aiding in inventory management during space missions. 

 

These fun facts underscore the varied and surprising ways in which barcodes have integrated into different facets of our lives, demonstrating that they are more than mere tools for product identification. They are vital, versatile technologies that continue to expand their influence across industries and activities, making them true unsung heroes of the technological world.