Today the barcode celebrates its 57th birthday.
On October 7, 1952 Norman J. Woodland and Bernard Silver were awarded U.S. Patent 2,612,994 - the patent for the barcode system.
This patent revolutionized the retail industry and gave birth to the Universal Product Code or UPC. Today the UPC and other barcodes are a crucial part of modern society. Imagine a world where UPS and FedEx did not have barcoded package labels, the grocery store did not implement UPC, or your favorite loyalty card was a stamp book rather than a barcoded keytag.
The barcode has become so common in modern civilization that it practically touches every part of our lives... increasing efficiency and lowering costs for every product or service we use.
Today as you go about your work and errands, pause for a moment to remember that rather plain white block with black stripes and reflect on how after 57 years it is still as important a technology as the microchip, satellite communication, or fiber optics.
*StoneHouse Marketing Services is a leader in managed print solutions with over 14 years of experience in barcoded gift and loyalty marketing products. Contact us today to learn how we can help create a variable barcoded product to help you build your business.
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