Despite strong momentum toward supply chain automation, many companies still face significant operational challenges, ranging from outdated scanning systems to inconsistent labeling practices, according to a VDC research report commissioned by GS1 US.
Key challenges in logistics environments today include the following findings from the groups’ report, “Advancing Logistics Operations Through Intelligent Data Capture”:
- 70% of logistics operations experience barcode readability issues weekly due to poor label quality, inconsistent labeling, or outdated scanning systems
- 43% of companies seek increased transparency in sourcing and traceability
- 36% of companies aim to improve inventory management and asset tracking
- 47% of companies cite enhanced information exchange for investing in 2D barcodes
“In today’s fast-paced, data-driven supply chain environment, outdated logistics systems, fragmented labeling practices, and manual processes are no longer sustainable,” Gena Morgan, vice president, Global Standards, GS1 US, said in a release. “The need for real-time traceability, inventory management and smooth operations calls for more-standardized logistics practices. In order for products to move efficiently through the supply chain in a system that can adapt to potential disruptions, more-automated data capture that builds on the foundation of supply chain standards is paramount.”
The rewards for surmounting those challenges could be significant, offering a path for companies seeking to modernize their supply chains and meet growing demands for transparency, speed, and efficiency, researchers said. And specifically, the path to transforming logistics operations lies in intelligent data capture, powered by two-dimensional (2D) barcodes and global standards.
“As pressure builds to strengthen traceability, automate fulfillment, and reduce waste, the findings show that businesses across industries – from retail and food to healthcare and apparel –can make meaningful progress by voluntarily adopting 2D barcodes and GS1 Standards. These proven enablers support faster, more accurate product identification and seamless data exchange from source to shelf,” Morgan said.
