Change is Creating Conditions for Growth

Should changing enterprise priorities, new competition and industry consolidation be considered threats or
opportunities? For AIDC solution providers, they will be both in 2025. Most indicators point to it being a good
year for AIDC growth and sales. AIM is seeing even stronger signals that it will not be a year for business
as usual. Many changes are already underway in the AIDC market, and in 2025, the best opportunities will
come from change.

The retail sector provides several clear examples of how change is creating opportunity. Core retail use
cases like POS, in-store mobile systems and RFID tagging programs by Walmart, Kroger and others will
continue to provide a strong baseline market. Meanwhile, thousands of new products with Digital Product
Passports (DPPs) will enter retail supply chains as the EU program approaches its mandatory labeling
deadline. Digital Product Passports set the foundation for many new traceability and sustainability use cases
and are expected to catalyze RFID and blockchain adoption in the supply chain. The apparel segment alone
will support $1.6 billion in DPP-related solution sales by 2030, according to ABI Research, and research firm
Future Market Insights predicts the DPP software market will grow from $144 million in 2024 to $801.2
million in 2034 as enterprises create systems to support DPP-related blockchain and IoT inputs. AIDC
providers with solutions that support DPP and related technologies are well-positioned to benefit from these
retail changes; those that do not are at risk of losing out. 2025 also brings us a year closer to GS1’s target
date to replace traditional UPC/EAN symbols on retail products with QR Codes as part of its Sunrise 2027
program, another example of a change that is creating new opportunities.

Similarly, the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA), Unique Device Identifier (UDI) and their many related
international programs to promote traceability created changes in the life sciences supply chain. While
their growth has been uneven, the programs have grown nonetheless and provide a foundation for future
enhancements.

In the industrial sector, including manufacturing and logistics, changing enterprise priorities present threats
and opportunities to AIDC solution providers. AI is a high priority and companies also want to continue
investing in IoT and robotics, making it hard for AIDC solution providers to compete for limited budget
dollars. In real-world implementations, AIDC technologies are often used with IoT and AI systems, but
enterprise buyers need to be shown how the technologies work together and educated about their value.
In industrial environments, AI analyzes data, but it doesn’t collect it, so supporting industrial AI programs
with an accurate, automatic data capture system is a solid investment. Interoperability has been an IoT
market inhibitor, so AIDC solution providers can help grow the market by pursuing product and standards
development that makes their products easier to use within IoT, DPP, AI and other systems.

Some AIDC solution providers have already moved in this direction, and the channel is changing as a
result. Consolidation continues and brings with it the familiar risks and opportunities. Industry consolidation
is taking some interesting turns as AIDC companies are acquiring providers of non-AIDC technologies.
AIDC firms are broadening their solution portfolios to attract new clients and help their existing ones
meet their next-generation system needs. There have been examples of AIDC companies combining with
those focused on intelligent and mobile robots, sensors, machine learning for supply chain and industrial
automation, AI for inventory control, and more. At least 25 companies are developing solutions that combine
AI with vision or scanning technology, according to VDC Research. Going forward, I expect more merger and
acquisition activity that brings together AIDC, blockchain and IoT specialists. There aren’t well-established
markets for some of the potential use cases yet, but the moves companies are making signal confidence
that there will be.

Business goals, business processes and the complementary systems that AIDC technologies are used with
are all changing. One constant is that AIDC solution providers have been helping their clients do things in
new ways and improve their operations for decades. We have an essential role to play in the next phase of
business transformation, and AIM members will contribute in exciting new ways in 2025.

Now that the United States has finished its Presidential election, both the U.S. and World have a better idea
about the policies that will affect them. However, the continued global and regional instability, conflict, and
animosity brings about many threats to our industry. This includes challenges like resolving the disjointed
regulations surrounding passive UHF RFID frequency harmonization as well as the global adoption of the
various U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) regulations like the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA),
the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA), and the Unique Device Identification (UDI) present both threats
and opportunities. These issues are further exacerbated by continuing supply chain issues and production
capability limitations, i.e. RFID chip manufacturing. Lead times for getting certain products has not improved
much from the days of COVID. However, despite the uncertainties, continued adoption of passive UHF RFID
(pRFID) in almost all segments, especially in retail, will continue to drive growth and opportunities.

Challenges in the AIDC Industry
1. Technological Integration and Rapid Advancements
One of the primary challenges in the AIDC industry is keeping pace with rapid technological advancements.
As new identification systems and data capture technologies emerge, businesses must stay ahead of the
curve to remain competitive. Integrating new technologies into existing systems can be complex and costly,
especially for organizations that rely on legacy equipment. The need for seamless interoperability between
different technologies, standards, and platforms will continue to be a critical hurdle for many companies.

2. Data Privacy and Security
With the growing adoption of AIDC systems, data privacy and security are becoming ever more important.
As these systems capture and transmit vast amounts of sensitive information—ranging from personal data
to operational details—companies must ensure robust cybersecurity measures are in place to protect that
data from breaches. The evolving landscape of data privacy regulations, such as GDPR and CCPA, also
requires organizations to stay compliant, adding another layer of complexity to AIDC implementations.

3. Cost and Complexity of Implementation
For many small and mid-sized businesses, the cost of implementing AIDC solutions remains a significant
barrier. From the initial investment in hardware (scanners, RFID tags, sensors) to the ongoing costs of
software, training, and system integration, businesses can find the total cost of ownership daunting.
Additionally, for companies that don’t have in-house IT teams, outsourcing the integration of AIDC
technology can add to the overall cost and complexity.

4. Scalability for Smaller Enterprises
While AIDC is becoming more accessible, scaling these systems for smaller enterprises can still be a
challenge. As these businesses grow, their data capture needs often evolve, requiring more sophisticated
systems and a larger infrastructure investment. Many small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) struggle to
find scalable solutions that fit both their budget and their evolving operational requirements.

Opportunities in the AIDC Industry

1. Supply Chain Automation and Efficiency
One of the most significant opportunities for the AIDC industry in 2025 lies in the continued digital
transformation of supply chains. The push toward end-to-end automation is driving demand for AIDC
technologies that can streamline operations, reduce errors, and improve inventory management. RFID and
barcode scanning technologies enable real-time tracking of goods and assets, helping businesses optimize
their logistics and reduce operational costs. As more companies adopt AIDC solutions, the industry will
see an increase in demand for innovative applications in warehouse management, order fulfillment, and
transportation.

2. Advances in AI and Data Analytics
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning are enhancing the capabilities of AIDC technologies. In 2025,
AIDC systems will increasingly leverage AI-driven data analytics to provide deeper insights and predictive
capabilities. For instance, RFID systems combined with AI can offer real-time insights into inventory levels,
stock movement, and asset health, enabling businesses to make more informed decisions. By harnessing
AI’s power, organizations can move from reactive to proactive management in areas like supply chain
optimization and predictive maintenance.

3. IoT Integration for Smarter Systems
The convergence of AIDC with the Internet of Things (IoT) is another exciting opportunity. As IoT devices
become more prevalent, AIDC systems can integrate with them to create smarter, more connected
environments. For example, RFID sensors embedded in products or containers can send data to cloudbased
systems in real time, triggering automatic updates to inventory management systems, maintenance
alerts, and more. This integration will make AIDC solutions more intelligent, efficient, and adaptable to
changing business needs.

4. Expanding Use Cases in Healthcare, Retail, and Logistics
As the adoption of AIDC technologies grows, new use cases will continue to emerge across various
industries. In healthcare, AIDC solutions such as barcode scanning and RFID are increasingly used for
patient identification, medication tracking, and asset management. In retail, AIDC enables seamless
checkout experiences with self-scanning and inventory tracking. Meanwhile, logistics and warehousing
operations are leveraging AIDC for everything from shipping and receiving to inventory management and
quality control. These diverse applications will drive growth in the AIDC market as industries recognize the
benefits of automation and real-time data capture.

Looking ahead to 2025, the AIDC industry is poised for tremendous growth, driven by technological
advancements, the expansion of automation, and the increasing demand for data-driven insights. While
challenges like integration, security, and cost remain, they are outweighed by the tremendous opportunities
for businesses that can adapt and innovate. As industries across the globe continue to embrace digital
transformation, AIDC technologies will play a crucial role in shaping more efficient, connected, and
intelligent systems. For businesses, the key to success will be staying informed, making strategic
investments, and embracing the potential of this ever-evolving industry.

In summary, being a part of an organization like AIM, that only has the best interests of all its stakeholders
in mind, is the best hedge against uncertainty and the best chance for growth and stability regardless of
your interest in AIDC. Being a part of an organization like AIM allows our stakeholders a voice in the world
for the proper adoption and use of automatic identification and data capture (AIDC), particularly pRFID, that
will enable all segments to benefit from knowledge transfer, open standards, and collaboration.

Anantics has seen unique applications demand using AutoID technologies in this year. We are providing the
complete IoT solutions to track and trace decedents in morgue facilities, heavy assets in railroad industry,
personnel mustering in large buildings, IT assets in multiple facilities, etc. We are blending hybrid use of
AutoID technologies, such as RFID, BLE, LoRaWAN, UWB and GPS along with different types of sensors to
cater to the demands of indoor and outdoor tracking and sensing.

The RFID market is expected to grow significantly. Reports estimate a compound annual growth rate (CAGR)
of over 15% through the next few years, driven by increased demand for efficient inventory management
and supply chain optimization. Industries such as retail, logistics, healthcare, and manufacturing are major
contributors to this growth due to their need for enhanced tracking and data collection capabilities. New
protocols and standards, like the EPCglobal Gen2 standard, are enhancing interoperability and enabling
better performance across different applications.

Governments are increasingly recognizing the importance of AutoID technologies for security, traceability,
and efficiency, leading to more favorable regulations and standards. As data collection capabilities improve,
companies will increasingly leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to analyze sensors
data, leading to more informed decision-making and improved operational efficiencies. AIM Global brings
industry partners, OEMs, and Solution Integrators on a common platform for efficient and productive
association to serve industry demands.

The outlook for AutoID technologies is highly positive, with strong growth expected across various sectors
due to its advantages in efficiency, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness. As technology continues to evolve and
integrate with other digital solutions, AutoID technology driven solutions are poised to play a crucial role in
the future of supply chain management, inventory control, and asset tracking. Companies and organizations
that embrace these advancements will likely gain a competitive edge in their respective markets.

Economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and growing customer demands made life difficult for many
businesses in 2024, and we expect this to continue into 2025. These challenges manifest themselves into
tangible industry problems that we at Avery Dennison are working with our customers to address through
RFID and Intelligent Label technologies. These key challenges include:

• Enable sustainability, circularity and transparency
• Create more efficient and accurate supply chains
• Reduce waste throughout the product lifecycle
• Create deeper connections between brands and consumers

Significant progress was made in 2024, with frictionless shopping being a great example. Our work with
Amazon to expand their Just Walk Out capabilities with RFID sensor technology has reimagined the sports
fan experience. With deployments spanning sports arenas and stadiums, we can expect further uptake in
using RFID for frictionless shopping in 2025.

Looking ahead to 2025, we fully expect greater adoption among brands and retailers who realize the
convenience of tagging upstream (using RFID for loss detection and prevention when they are already using
it to ensure stock accuracy). We also anticipate greater understanding of how RFID tagging is applicable for
all products – not just big-ticket items but those that sell for as little as a dollar.

The RFID market has a promising growth outlook due to its increasing adoption across industries. Let’s
take grocery as a case in point: Kroger is building better associate and customer experience through RFID
inventory automation technology, starting in the bakery department. Making item-level digital identification
possible will enable more frequent and accurate inventory information to maximize freshness, reduce waste
and optimize associate’s time. As a triple win for the retailer, store teams and customers, we anticipate
further industry uptake in the year ahead.

We also expect further high volume RFID healthcare applications to drive traceability and patient care in
2025, with Becton Dickinson’s use of RFID to track pre-filled syringes being an example of this.

As with any technology solution, the continued success and uptake of RFID will be driven in part by a
dedicated and robust ecosystem of partners. Broadening this group further to welcome more talented
consultants and software integrators makes for an exciting future, helping to enable sustainability initiatives,
boost supply chains, reduce waste, and better connect people and brands.

As we close another year of innovation and technological progress, looking ahead to 2025 brings
opportunities (and challenges) both familiar and new.

The labor market continues to impact many industries. While unemployment rates have reached record
lows in many economies, the competition for skilled labor is fiercer than ever. Workers are still not
returning to some industries post-pandemic, and they have more power than ever, contributing to higher
wages, disputes, and stoppages. Supply chain and manufacturing jobs are particularly impacted by these
challenges, adding to the potential for technology to automate and augment labor, not to replace but to help
a tighter, potentially smaller workforce become more efficient. The World Economic Forum found that 27%
of jobs will change by 2027, and technology could be a significant contributor to that shift.

RFID has rapidly shifted from an “emerging” technology to commonplace in many industries, especially
warehouse and distribution. A 2023 BlueStar Nation survey found that 95% of operators use the technology
daily. ADC providers must understand that RFID is now seen as a complement to traditional barcode
scanning, not a complete replacement.

Businesses recognize the need to capture data to find better outcomes, but deeper (and faster) data
analysis will help them find paths to profitability and improvements in their services and product portfolios.
Artificial intelligence is helping solve that problem by sorting and compiling data on the edge, quickly and
tirelessly delivering insights that help business leaders make smarter decisions in near real-time. Machine
vision is even turning existing security cameras into data-collection points, improving operations in retail,
hospitality, manufacturing, and more. Last year, we cited the growth of Robots-as-a-Service (RaaS) to
address labor gaps. While still a market in its infancy, it is growing exponentially as an augmentation tool
for moving products, performing simple tasks, and as a data collector. Robots are being deployed in retail
spaces, warehouses, shipping yards, and hospitals to count inventory, identify restock needs, and maximize
employee coverage. Now is the time to lean in and learn about these technologies.

For data capture solution providers, the future is filled with possibilities, but only if we collaborate and
build strong partnerships to provide the best possible solutions to our customers. When customers can go
to online retailers to make one-off purchases or look for cheap, consumer-grade, and “free” options that
we know won’t give them the benefits they need, it’s crucial to present yourself as a full solution provider,
leveraging partnerships with hardware manufacturers, distributors, software companies, and service
providers. More than ever, end-users need reliable, trusted authorities to guide their purchasing decisions
into the future.

Does Our Industry Have an Identity Problem?

The AIDC community excels at solving problems related to identification. That has been clear since RFID
and bar codes were developed last century and will be true into the next. In 2025, identity will challenge the
industry more than identification. The challenge: How can AIDC providers position their offerings to attract
attention and sales at a time when enterprise buyers are more interested in learning about (and buying)
robotics, AI, autonomous forklifts, industrial drones, digital twins and other emerging industrial automation
technology?

The shift in enterprise interest is not only my opinion; it’s a fact supported by many data points on current
spending and future priorities. For example, manufacturers named quality management systems (QMS)
as 2025’s most important area to invest to improve quality, according to ABI Research; digitizing data
collection ranked fifth. The other options that ranked ahead of AIDC were digital threads, machine vision and
deploying industrial robots. Robotics for picking and packing ranked as the top 2025-26 investment priority
for manufacturing and logistics professionals in Incisiv’s terrific study of technology spending plans. RFID/
IoT systems for inventory tracking was ranked fifth and was the top-ranked AIDC option, behind mobile
computing, drones and AI. Companies are also investing heavily in DataOps and AI to take advantage of
unstructured data from industrial processes. You might not think of big data company Snowflake as a
competitor, but it targets manufacturers and could reach $2 billion in revenue this year; no doubt some of
that money will come from enterprise OT budgets. AIM’s 2022 research that I helped produce showed signs
these shifts in focus were coming.

What the studies don’t say is that investing in drones, robotics and AI is not mutually exclusive to investing
in AIDC. Those of us who have been in the industry for a while know that the technologies are frequently
used together because they complement each other. We need to share this knowledge with enterprise
buyers, because we also know that companies don’t consistently implement complementary systems
simultaneously. How many ERP and WMS projects initially failed because the software didn’t have quality
or up-to-date data? How many automated data collection and wireless communication systems were later
installed to fix those problems? How much value was lost in the interim?

These questions are why I fear the AIDC industry may have an identity problem. We, as an industry, need
to educate enterprises about AIDC’s value and the role it will play in the next generation of industrial
automation. Technologies, processes and buyer preferences are changing, so our marketing and messaging
must also change. For years, industry marketing professionals have been creatively pivoting our approaches
to help AIDC continue to advance as enterprise attention repeatedly shifted to the next big thing, for the
many forms the “thing” has taken. I’m excited to be working with my AIDC clients and colleagues to solve
the current challenge and keep our industry growing.

GlobeRanger stands at the forefront of a transformative era driven by advancements in data orchestration,
Internet of Things (IoT) and RFID asset tracking. In a landscape characterized by rapid technological
evolution, we foresee several key trends shaping our industry over the coming year.

1. Enhanced Accountability and Traceability
In 2025 demand for greater accountability and traceability will be paramount across sectors, particularly
in food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and defense. As organizations confront compliance and safety
challenges, monitoring assets throughout the supply chain will become increasingly important. Companies
will adopt IoT and RFID technologies as essential tools for achieving real-time tracking to ensure safety
standards and prompt issue resolution.

2. Accelerated Digital Transformation
Digital transformation is a critical necessity reflecting a broader movement toward data-driven decisionmaking.
As companies modernize operations, demand for agile, pilot-based implementations will grow. We
are already seeing businesses favor small-scale trials to demonstrate the value of new technologies – a
shift in which GlobeRanger specializes. Our emphasis on small trials and incremental rollouts will enable us
to deliver tailored solutions that support continuous digital evolution.

3. Proliferation of Asset Tracking Solutions
The integration of RFID, barcoding, and IoT sensors is pivotal in enhancing asset-tracking capabilities. As
organizations recognize the importance of knowing their assets’ precise location, the adoption of these
technologies will facilitate automation in manufacturing, streamline inventory management, and enhance
decision-making through real-time data insights.

4. Addressing Labor Shortages Through Automation
As organizations face a skilled labor shortage, we predict a shift toward automation as a key strategy for
maintaining productivity. We anticipate growing demand for solutions that save time for skilled workforces,
with metrics like “freeing up 30 minutes a day” emerging as crucial key performance indicators. This trend
will likely lead to significant labor savings across larger organizations, enhancing overall efficiency and
productivity.

5. Leveraging AI for Data-Driven Insights
As the volume of data generated by IoT and RFID systems increases, we foresee a shift toward utilizing AI
at the edge, allowing for real-time filtering and prioritization of critical data. Organizations will increasingly
focus on minimizing unnecessary data traffic, homing in on what truly matters for enhanced operational
efficiency.

6. Navigating Contested Logistics Environments in Defense
The evolving situations in Ukraine and the Middle East emphasize the vital role of logistics in delivering
supplies effectively. As drones and long-range strikes continue to shape contested logistics environments,
continuous monitoring and asset movement will be essential for security. GlobeRanger’s commitment to
both defense and commercial sectors, coupled with ongoing multinational collaborations, positions us to
tackle the unique challenges of defense logistics. Our expertise in advanced asset-tracking technologies will
enhance operational security and efficiency in these unpredictable landscapes.

A Future-Ready GlobeRanger

At GlobeRanger, we recognize that the landscape of IoT and asset tracking is continually evolving. Our
commitment to innovation and deep expertise positions us to address the challenges of 2025 and beyond.
As we move forward, we remain dedicated to sharing insights that empower businesses to adapt and thrive
in this evolving landscape.

Charting a Course for Growth in 2025: Opportunities for AIDC Solution Providers

As we look towards 2025, data capture solutions providers will encounter several significant opportunities
driven by advancements in technology and evolving market demands. The automatic identification and data
capture (AIDC) market is projected to grow robustly. By understanding and navigating these opportunities
effectively, providers can establish themselves as leaders in this dynamic landscape.

Key Opportunities
Continued E-commerce Boom

The continuous growth of the e-commerce sector is creating substantial demand for effective data capture
solutions. Businesses are focused on streamlining supply chain operations and enhancing inventory
management. AIDC solutions, such as RFID and barcode systems, are essential for real-time tracking and
efficient order fulfillment.

Providers should focus on developing tailored solutions that integrate seamlessly with e-commerce
platforms. This includes offering scalable technologies that allow for dynamic inventory management and
improved customer experience through more reliable and faster order processing.

Real-Time Monitoring
The need for real-time asset and inventory monitoring is intensifying across various industries, including
logistics, manufacturing, and retail. Companies are increasingly adopting AIDC technologies, such as IoT
sensors and RFID systems, to gain insights into their operations.

Investing in data capture enhancement solutions to provide real-time visibility and analytics capabilities
should be a priority. Consider developing user-friendly dashboards that allow clients to monitor their assets
and inventory effectively, enabling data-driven decision-making.

Integration of IoT Technologies
The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies into AIDC systems presents significant opportunities
for innovation. IoT devices can enhance data collection and enable organizations to respond quickly to
operational changes.

By utilizing IoT devices for data collection, organizations can enhance efficiency and responsiveness. AIDC
providers should concentrate on offering solutions that incorporate IoT features, fostering interoperability
that optimizes supply chain management and inventory control.

Strategies for Success
To effectively capitalize on these opportunities, data capture solutions providers should consider the
following strategies:

Invest in Solutions
Continuously enhance your product offerings and focus on delivering integrated solutions that allow you to
be the provider of choice for a range of customers.

Customer Engagement
Foster long-term relationships with clients by providing training sessions and resources to help them utilize
AIDC solutions effectively and ensure they are getting the most out of their investment.

Adaptability
Stay agile and responsive to changes in the market landscape. Regularly assess your solutions to ensure
they align with evolving customer demands and industry trends.

By embracing these key opportunities and strategically managing your business, data capture solutions
providers can position themselves for success in the evolving landscape of 2025 and beyond.

Life Sciences Labeling Outlook
Life science labeling organizations face substantial challenges in navigating regulatory compliance,
managing data integration, ensuring labeling accuracy, and scaling for growth in an increasingly complex
global environment. To meet these demands, comprehensive enterprise labeling systems can provide a
robust solution, helping organizations streamline workflows and maintain compliance efficiently.

Regulatory Compliance
Life science labeling is highly regulated, with global standards such as the FDA’s UDI rule, the European
MDR, IVDR, and Eudamed imposing strict requirements on data management, product traceability, and
identification. As regulations change, companies must adapt quickly, which demands flexibility in labeling
systems to integrate updates seamlessly without major disruptions. A compliance-capable system that
is both configurable and scalable allows life science organizations to keep pace with regulatory updates,
ensuring labeling practices remain aligned with current standards.

Data Integration and Accuracy
Labeling in the life sciences involves vast amounts of data, including product details, batch information,
expiration dates, and regulatory identifiers. This data must be accurate, consistent, and well-integrated
across various platforms, such as ERP, MES, or PLM systems, to avoid errors and maintain compliance. An
enterprise labeling system that includes integrated data management capabilities can consolidate data
sources into a single platform, reducing discrepancies and simplifying the process of updating labels across
production sites, ensuring consistency and data integrity throughout the labeling process.

Managing Global Requirements
Life science organizations frequently operate across multiple countries, each with unique labeling
requirements, languages, and regulations. Managing this complexity is both resource-intensive and
time-consuming, as each region may require specific updates and configurations. A labeling system with
a modular design and support for multiple languages and regional configurations allows companies to
tailor labels to specific markets without duplicating efforts. Additionally, dual functionality in regulatory
and product information management ensures that all necessary data is accessible and adaptable to each
market’s compliance needs.

Error Prevention and Labeling Accuracy
Maintaining accuracy in life science labeling is crucial, as errors can lead to regulatory penalties, costly
product recalls, and reputational damage. Ensuring label precision across various languages and regulatory
standards presents a continuous challenge. Labeling systems with built-in validation and verification
features can help prevent non-compliant information from reaching the market. Real-time access to current
data allows teams across locations to manage and update labeling details as needed, reducing the risk of
outdated or inaccurate information.

Scalability and Futureproofing
As life science companies grow and regulatory requirements evolve, scalability becomes essential. A
traditional labeling system may struggle to handle increased demands or new regulatory needs, making it
challenging to adapt quickly. Scalable and configurable labeling systems are designed to expand alongside
organizational growth, supporting new product lines, markets, and compliance standards with minimal
disruption. This adaptability ensures that life science organizations can meet future labeling challenges
efficiently, positioning them for sustainable compliance in a dynamic regulatory landscape.

Conclusion
Life science labeling organizations face significant challenges in maintaining regulatory compliance,
managing data, addressing global requirements, preventing errors, and scaling for growth. An advanced
enterprise labeling system can address these needs by centralizing data, streamlining processes, and
enabling organizations to remain compliant and efficient. With a flexible, integrated platform, life science
companies can confidently manage today’s regulatory demands and adapt to the complexities of
tomorrow’s compliance needs.

As supply chains have become more global and complex, along with heightened expectations from both
businesses and consumers, it’s clear there is a greater need for connectedness. This is why today’s supply
chain is embracing digital transformation. And as we reflect on the past year and look ahead to the future,
it’s clear that labeling will continue to be at the forefront of this. We’ve identified four pillars – authenticity,
compliance, traceability, and sustainability – that will define the trajectory of labeling and packaging in
the coming years. Together, these pillars guide our innovations and solutions to help customers meet the
demands of a rapidly changing world.

Authenticity: Building Consumer Trust
Consumers today demand transparency in the products they buy. Brands that can ensure their products
are genuine and trustworthy will continue to win consumer loyalty. Cloud-based labeling solutions enable
customers to maintain the integrity of their labeling and packaging, ensuring that products are represented
accurately across global markets, and empowering centralized and standardized labeling processes. This
also creates a transparent end-to-end view of the supply chain. Businesses and consumers alike can
be confident that the information they receive—from product ingredients to sourcing—is accurate and
verifiable.

Compliance: Navigating Complex Regulatory Landscapes
Evolving customer demands, industry standards, and regulations define how products are developed,
shipped, and disposed of across the global supply chain. These compliance demands, both from a
regulatory and customer perspective, are increasing rapidly as the supply chain grows in complexity.
To navigate this challenging landscape, companies are turning to cloud technologies. These systems provide
real-time updates and centralized management of labeling, making it easier to adapt to new regulations and
standards with accuracy and speed. Businesses can avoid costly fines and delays associated with noncompliance,
while also enhancing transparency and accuracy throughout the supply chain. Our solutions
are designed with compliance at their core and help companies save over $200 million in annual fines.
In an environment where regulations are continuously evolving, compliance will remain a top priority for
companies across all industries.

Traceability: Strengthening Supply Chain Resilience
The increasing complexity of global supply chains has made traceability more important than ever. Supply
chain disruptions, counterfeiting, and recalls underscore the need for a platform that provides complete
visibility at every step. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies, cloud-based labeling allows customers to
gain real-time insights into the movement of products. This level of traceability not only reduces risk but
also enables swift corrective actions in the event of a disruption. As we look toward the future, traceability
will play an even more significant role in ensuring supply chain resilience and agility.

Sustainability: Innovating for a Greener Future
Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword; it is a necessity. Consumers are demanding more eco-friendly
products, and governments are tightening regulations around waste and emissions. For companies, this
means that sustainability must be woven into every aspect of their operations—including labeling and
packaging. The Cloud will play a key role here. This technology not only improves supply chain visibility
but also reduces waste from traditional labeling processes, lowers inventory levels, and cuts transportation
costs, thereby driving significant savings. We believe that sustainability is not just a trend but a long-term
imperative, and we’re proud to help our customers meet their sustainability goals.

The Road Ahead
As we move forward, these four pillars—authenticity, traceability, sustainability, and compliance—will
continue to shape the way we innovate and support our customers. They are the foundation of Loftware’s
vision for the future and represent our unwavering commitment to helping businesses thrive in an
increasingly complex world.

The Darkstore’s operations opens the possibility of transparency on expiration date in real time to
Ecommerce and Marketplaces.

The benefits of reducing prices and announce products as they are closer to expire, contributes to reduce
waste, while combatting hunger, should be the great tendency to 2025.

Solution providers should find plenty of opportunities, mainly for better equipping Darkstore’s operators with
the best devices available on the market.

The threats are for those that do not prioritize transparency on expiration dates for perishables traded
online.

The challenges should be on the adoption pace of Darkstore’s operations on retailers all around the world.

AIDC in 2025: Navigating the Crossroads of Innovation and Disruption
Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) technologies, encompassing RFID, barcoding, and
smart devices, are no longer futuristic concepts but integral components of modern supply chains. As we
approach 2025, these technologies are poised for significant evolution, driven by the convergence of trends
like IoT, Blockchain and Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS). This presents both exciting opportunities and
formidable challenges for data capture solution providers.

Opportunities on the Horizon
There are many opportunities when it comes to data capture technologies and what can be done with the
resulting data. Visibility and traceability remain at the top of the priority list of companies to arm themselves
with the right tools to manage risk in times of non-stop disruptions and increasing regulations.

• Enhanced Supply Chain Visibility: AIDC, combined with IoT and RTLS, enables granular, real-time
visibility into the movement of goods, assets, and even people across the supply chain. This allows for
proactive risk mitigation, optimized inventory management, and improved operational efficiency.
• Enhanced Traceability: FSMA 204 mandates stricter traceability requirements for high-risk foods
to quickly identify and respond to foodborne illness outbreaks. AIDC allows for granular tracking of
products throughout the supply chain, capturing critical data like origin, batch numbers, and expiration
dates. This enables rapid identification of contaminated products and facilitates targeted recalls,
minimizing public health risks.
• Sustainability Initiatives: AIDC can contribute to sustainability goals by tracking the lifecycle of
products, optimizing resource utilization, and reducing waste.

Threats Looming on the Horizon
Although there are many opportunities and benefits of AIDC technologies, companies should be aware of the
challenges and threats in this area. When looking for solution providers, companies should check that these
concerns are being addressed by those vendors.

• Cybersecurity Concerns: As AIDC systems become more interconnected and data-driven,
cybersecurity threats become more significant. Protecting sensitive data and ensuring system integrity
is crucial.
• Data Privacy Regulations: Compliance with data privacy regulations like GDPR and CCPA is essential
for AIDC solution providers, requiring careful data handling practices and robust security measures.
• Integration Complexity: Integrating AIDC technologies with existing systems and legacy infrastructure
can be complex and costly, requiring specialized expertise and careful planning.

Predictions for the Future
Below are some predictions for the near future when it comes to data and the technologies that can help
increase the utilization of this data in the supply chain.

• AI-Powered AIDC: Artificial intelligence and machine learning will play an increasingly important role in
AIDC, enabling predictive analytics, anomaly detection, and automated decision-making.
• Edge Computing: Processing data closer to the source (edge computing) will become more prevalent
in AIDC, reducing latency, and improving real-time responsiveness.
• Sensor Fusion: Combining data from multiple sensors (e.g., RFID, GPS, temperature) will provide richer
insights and enable more sophisticated applications.

Conclusion
In the next few years, the combination of AIDC and AI will likely have the most significant impact on
end-user customers. This powerful combination will enable predictive maintenance, real-time inventory
optimization, automated quality control and personalized customer experiences. By embracing these
advancements, businesses can unlock the full potential of AIDC and transform their operations for greater
efficiency, resilience, and customer satisfaction in the years to come.

The logistics industry only continues to evolve, and this is an exciting challenge for SICK—the demand for
automation and digital transformation is growing, which puts smart sensors and technology to the test in a
new way.

In particular, the ability to seamlessly track and identify goods is a rising need for logistics customers. As
we look ahead to 2025, advanced automatic identification and AI technologies will play a pivotal role in
transforming the way goods are tracked, managed, and delivered, ensuring efficiency and accuracy at every
step.

This transformation requires several components, including sensors that help with barcodes, RFID, vision,
localization, and condition monitoring. These technologies enable real-time tracking and data capture,
ensuring that every item is accounted for and correctly routed through the supply chain. It’s important these
components work together effortlessly, and that’s what SICK is excited to continue leading in the current
and upcoming market. Our solutions are a critical component to the seamless integration of automated
systems, from warehouse management to last-mile delivery, ensuring that goods move accurately and
efficiently from origin to destination.

We’re also continuing to innovate with a renewed focus on AI, as it plays a pivotal role in enhancing our auto
ID and vision capabilities. By integrating AI with sensor technologies, we can enable customers with realtime
condition monitoring, predictive maintenance, real-time data analytics, and improved decision-making
processes. This not only optimizes the performance of our systems but also helps our customers anticipate
and address potential issues before they become critical, reducing downtime, and increasing operational
efficiency.

We are looking forward to creating smarter, more connected logistics systems and can’t wait to see how
the industry continues to evolve. Our goal is to empower our customers with the tools they need to achieve
greater efficiency and accuracy in their logistics operations all while remaining agile.

AIDC Technologies Gain Momentum from Industry Challenges

Today’s supply chains are more complex and interconnected than ever, new regulations, such as Europe’s
Digital Product Passport (DPP) initiative, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), and the Drug Supply
Chain Security Act (DSCSA) push our AIDC technologies to solve for these challenges and improve
transparency, traceability, and safety. AIDC technologies—like barcode symbologies and RFID integrated
solutions—offer essential tools for addressing both supply chain challenges and evolving industry
requirements.

Take the Food and Beverage Market where regulatory demands continue to rise, driven by new rules
such as the US FDA’s FSMA Section 204. Real-time tracking is now essential for everything from fresh
ingredients to finished food products, ensuring they meet standards for freshness, safety, and prompt
delivery. Whether the need is cold-chain logistics or compliance with regulatory frameworks, AIDC solutions
play a critical role in food safety, traceability and reducing food spoilage—where roughly 1/3 of all food
produced is lost.

The Pharmaceutical Market faces even greater challenges, with high-stakes requirements for product purity,
labeling, and traceability. Treatments like Inavolisib for breast cancer and anesthesia medications must
follow rigorous traceability protocols to maintain efficacy, ensure origin, and protect patient safety. Through
the DSCSA, the industry is employing a digital twin approach using AIDC technologies to deliver safe,
effective medication to the right patient at the right time. This simply cannot be done without using modern
AIDC printers and readers.

For AIDC technologies to deliver their full benefits, seamless integration across supply chains is essential.
AIDC manufacturers must provide the right mix of expertise, dedicated product support, and ongoing
advancements. Accurate labeling systems, precise data encoding and data capture, and intelligent software
solutions are now firm requirements. By continually evolving these tools, AIDC providers enable businesses
to keep pace with the dual challenges of complex supply chains and increasing industry demands.

Leveraging AIDC solutions enables businesses to directly address supply chain and operational challenges
in the Food and Pharmaceutical Sectors. Whether the need is cold-chain logistics or compliance with
regulatory frameworks, AIDC solutions play a critical role in supporting modern business requirements. With
our market leading RFID and data verification systems, TSC is proud to support these industries pushing for
a safer, healthier future.

The threats going into 2025 remain the same: the lack of UDI compliance and adherence to standards such
as GS1, errors in the printing of barcodes on product packages by manufacturers, unreliable publication of
items on the market, and manufacturers’ failure to communicate changes in product labeling and updates.
VueMed mitigates these threats by having a dedicated research team that updates and curates our own
item master database that powers all our solutions and allows our customers to accurately document any
item transaction.

The biggest opportunities lie in the development and adoption of technologies that accurately and easily
capture data. Solutions should also be able to handle data capture exceptions and errors with ease and
consistency; otherwise, it puts a strain on the labor force and the efficiency of both supply chain personnel
and clinicians. By avoiding the slowdowns caused by recognition cases, manual data entry, and errorcatching
audits, we have tremendous opportunities to improve and automate the data flow among hospital
IT systems. Both barcode scanning and RAIN RFID will continue to be extremely affordable and accurate
technologies for performing a variety of data capture tasks for many years to come. It may be tempting
to turn towards computer vision or other AI-powered solutions, but it is an illusion to think that such
technologies are ready for the hectic and complex hospital environment.

ESL-based technologies (electronic shelf labels) offer incredible opportunities to transform the management
of medical devices and supplies, including Medsurg items. ESLs provide greater accuracy in the tracking
and replenishment of these products, while enhancing their visibility and status (recalled, back-ordered,
etc.) to users. ESLs have the unique ability to update product information and status simultaneously in real
time and across multiple locations, cutting down on lead time and labor to perform such updates and giving
users current and reliable information that allows them to perform at a superior level. The ability of ESLs to
signal the need for replenishment or reordering at the push of a button improves the expediency of these
actions which are necessary for maintaining par levels and ensuring product availability – essential patient
care functions.

The biggest challenges in 2025 will be to reach higher levels of UDI compliance and ensure the accurate
and complete data capture of items throughout the supply chain and in the clinical areas. Overcoming these
challenges will collectively lead to better analytics and actionable data that will improve the management
of clinical inventory as it relates to patient care and supply chain optimization. In order to overcome these
challenges, it is important for hospitals to audit the different sources of data that they rely on and address
the weaknesses typically found at the intersection of supply chain and clinical data to devise a strategy
around data capture automation, adhesion to standards, and accuracy objectives.

An academic viewpoint: The Year of AI.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is maturing at a phenomenal rate and has become deployable on smaller and
smaller systems, making its inclusion in the act of data collection, not just data processing, inevitable. As
we continue to witness the expansion of viable AI platforms and tools, I believe that the AIDC Industry will
prosper as products and services embrace embedded AI solutions. No longer needing huge GPU farms, AI
libraries are allowing solutions to be placed on increasingly smaller hardware platforms. More and more
bar code scanners (and machine vision) solutions are incorporating AI, with companies such as Cognex,
Keyence, and Zebra leading the way in the AIDC space. By the end of 2025, I expect AI to exist in more
than just the top-end, “exclusive” systems. This is because, while AI still requires significant computational
support, the “miniaturization” of AI will allow bar code scanners to see a decrease in the need for backend
cloud support, allowing for more of the “lifting” to occur on the “scan engine” (i.e. the device doing the
scanning).

The second place I fully expect to see a jump in AI integration is with RFID. Between the newer passive
sensing tags and the continued improvements in passive real-time locating systems (pRTLS), the next
logical step for companies will be to allow RFID readers to leverage AI. RFID hardware vendors already
allow for custom apps on the readers. Placing AI solutions is just the next logical step. Whether it is to help
process the incoming data streams (e.g. reducing jitter in pRTLS information), or to provide more accurate
sensor data, AI has the potential to ease the integration and adoption of the various RAIN RFID solutions
in existence. Other RFID areas that AI has the potential to help include spotting anomalies in tags (e.g.
temporary bit-flip issues, weak tag issues, etc.), improving randomized tag serialization methods, and aiding
in tag placement characterization efforts. AI’s ability to spot patterns faster and easier than humans open
the doors for a plethora of new passive tag solutions that have the potential of turning the RFID industry on
its head.

The final area where I expect to see AI make significant inroads is in general inventory control and logistics.
As events during 2024 have shown us, interruptions in the supply chain can be caused by more than just
world-wide pandemics. Between the impacts of recent hurricanes and the Baltimore bridge collision, the
need to immediately find new methods and routes in which to transport goods such as medicine and
food have been pushed to the forefront of everyone’s minds. While current planning and inventory control
software is already impressive, the need to be able to know exactly where items are, and how they can be
more efficiently redeployed is something that AI and AIDC has the potential to further accelerate when brand
owners and freight carriers combine the proper AIDC technologies with the power of AI.

The Ambient Revolution Gains Clarity

This year has brought consistency, clarity, and some new twists in the evolution of ambient IoT.

The shift to smarter, low-cost tags using ubiquitous Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular radios continues. These
radios are either freely available within existing infrastructure or lower in cost than earlier RFID readers
because they are made in billions. Wiliot, for example, has been busy putting tiny “IoT Pixels” on the map
(literally), turning ordinary items into data-rich geniuses. As industry analyst Max Hammond said, we’re
heading towards “omniscient” retail, seeing “Everything, Everywhere, All at Once”— an Oscar worthy
concept.

Standards for ambient IoT are advancing, from today’s battery-free Bluetooth to tomorrow’s Wi-Fi and
cellular tags. IEEE 802.11bp (Wi-Fi 8) and 3GPP’s 5G Advanced are targeting 2026 for standards that will
bring the giants from enterprise Wi-Fi and mobile communications from the sidelines to the center of IoT.
The trend is picking up speed, with new players like Silicon Labs and Oppo joining the revolution.
With new standards there will be debates and variations. We see battery free tags, that continually
broadcast, harvesting power from low power radio signals, using the latest cloud and semiconductor
technology to transmitting stronger signals with better range and lower cost than other forms of energy
harvesting as the way to go.

Key verticals are already emerging. While location of inventory and asset location “under the roof” will
always be a staple, growth in three new areas has been notable in 2024:

• Monitoring in Transit and at the Dock: Ambient IoT is tracking cases and pallets in transit. Wiliot’s tech,
underpinning solutions from Montage Connect and Fleet Pulse, ensures every case of food and meds
are continuously kept at the right temperature but also tracks what’s loaded and unloaded. This helps
prevent mis-loads and confirms receipt at the dock doors. And as a bonus, ultra-low-cost Bluetooth
ambient IoT readers installed at the doors can add additional fidelity and coverage, transitioning from
assumed receipt at stores to confirmed receipt, which is required for food safety regulatory compliance
as well as resolving age old disputes between shippers and receivers using objective data.
• Post, Parcel & Logistics: This year Royal Mail has deployed 2.5 million Wiliot battery-free Bluetooth tags
on rolling cages to track fill levels of over 5,000 trucks, helping them save on fuel, labor, vehicle use
and carbon, while also improving on-time deliveries. This breakthrough in the post and parcel industry
is an amazing bookend to another innovation they previously delivered, the (Penny Black) postage
stamp.
• Returns: Returns may be the bane of e-commerce, but ambient IoT is helping clean up the mess—
reducing shrink, manual headaches, and delays.

Machine learning has been a critical part of distilling raw data into useful business insights. But now, with
Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs), products tagged with ambient IoT can actually “talk”!
Whether it’s guiding store associates on optimal stocking order or giving executives a nudge on improving
supply chain management, the conversation is getting interesting.

This revolution represents a huge opportunity for every auto-ID company and professional— so let’s
not stand still, let’s build on everything this industry has been doing. Not only does ambient IoT bring
intelligence to products, but it also turns out they have something to say!

Does AutoID technology still need attention and further development or is it a set
success due to its widespread use?

The spread and development of AutoID technology is a success! No question about it. In the last more
than 50 years, AutoID technologies have become firmly established. Today, not a day goes by without us
all benefiting from it. Whether for shopping, payment, any logistics processes, maintenance work or other
processes where things need to be identified securely and easily, a barcode, 2D code, HF or UHF RFID is
in use. Of course, there are other technologies such as Bluetooth or UWB and the different options are
combined depending on the application. For instance, the combination of RFID and sensor technologies
open-up totally new applications – refer also to the latest Whitepapers AIM global and AIM Germany just
published during the last few months.

But has AutoID become a sure-fire success? Is the technology still developing at all? Do we have to worry
about new standards? Will there possibly be regulations that pose new challenges for the industry?

In my role as AIM Europe’s Standardization Officer, I have to answer with a resounding yes! In August 2025,
the cybersecurity extension of the RED, which is relevant for CE conformity, will take effect. The EU’s efforts
to increase cybersecurity are welcome – but in some cases require far-reaching changes to RFID readers
and the like. The expansion of RED is just the first step. The deadlines for implementing the requirements of
the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) published by the EU Commission are also defined. These requirements apply
to products with digital elements and therefore affect almost all AutoID products. The first requirements
must be met just 21 months after December 11, 2025!

Of course, cybersecurity is not an issue that is driven exclusively by the EU. Product manufacturers will
have to adapt to meet the requirements of the different regions of the world. So now is also the time to get
involved in these standardization issues and make your own expertise available to the community.

But beyond the topic of cybersecurity, there are always important activities for our industry that relate
to standardization and the use of frequency ranges. It is by no means a foregone conclusion that AutoID
technologies can be used as we know them. AIM is therefore worldwide involved in various standardization
committees and activities and regularly informs its members.

Nevertheless, AutoID technologies will of course become even more important in order to make processes
more efficient and to make regulations such as the EU’s Digital Product Passport a reality! The AutoID
industry will continue to grow in 2025. The AutoID industry is an enabler for all ongoing digitalization and
automation increase worldwide.

My outlook for the entire AutoID industry in 2025 is positive. However, this does not mean that there will not
be industries, depending on the region in the world, that will not develop positively. In addition, our industry
must of course continue to develop – also in order to meet new regulatory requirements.

In 2024 two significant milestones were reached for UHF passive or RAIN RFID. It’s been twenty years since
GS1 first introduced the EPC Gen2 protocol, and ten years since the formation of the RAIN Alliance. While
personally I’m certainly feeling that passage of time, RAIN RFID technology remains as fresh and cutting-edge
as ever. A recently ratified version of the protocol, Gen2v3, brings about numerous enhancements,
including advanced tag filtering and improved read rates for large tag populations. These improvements
meaningfully advance the technology and especially for use cases with large and/or fast-moving tag
populations.

In the retail sector, RAIN RFID is increasingly being used for inventory management. It enhances stock
accuracy, supports omnichannel strategies, streamlines POS, and reduces shrink by enabling advanced
loss detection methods. In warehouses, RAIN RFID technology drives automation, enabling better inventory
management and faster, more precise order fulfillment. In logistics, RAIN RFID is gaining traction in delivery
networks. Take a closer look at your next package delivered by a brown truck. You’ll likely find a small RFID
label that helped it efficiently arrive at your doorstep.

New categories of purpose-built RAIN RFID products, such as short-range enterprise mobile computers,
wearable devices, thin POS pad readers, dock door portals, exit detection readers, tunnels, and more, make
RAIN RFID deployment easier than ever before. Tag growth continues to accelerate. VDC’s latest RAIN RFID
report predicts over 50 billion inlays will be consumed in 2024, which will double to over 100 billion by
2028.

Perhaps most excitingly, in August Qualcomm announced the coming integration of RAIN RFID into its
mobile device platforms, initially for enterprise use and later for consumer devices. This was a crucial step
in making RAIN RFID a preferred technology for the EU’s Digital Product Passport initiative. Longer term
though, imagine a world where RAIN RFID becomes standard in consumer mobile phones. Although still
early, a wave of consumer-driven adoption of RAIN RFID is on the horizon. Perhaps then when conversation
around the Thanksgiving table turns to “What’s new at work?” — friends and family will finally understand
how cool these tiny RFID chips are.

AIM Asia strengthened connections with global AIM chapters and expanded partnerships across academia, industry,
and business. Collaborating with IEEE’s Council on RFID and chambers of commerce in Singapore, Hong Kong, and
the U.S., AIM Asia continued to drive AIDC technology adoption across diverse sectors.

Key achievements include signing multiple MOUs, such as one with the U.S. General Chamber of Commerce for
Entrepreneurs of Hong Kong, Macau, and Guangdong, fostering initiatives in economic, cultural, and technological
growth. AIM Asia also participated in the China Aviation Transportation Conference, signed an MOU with HKIOT in
Singapore, and joined the World AIoT Innovation Alliance as a founding member.

To enhance engagement with end-users and AI-focused companies, AIM Asia introduced a complimentary
membership initiative, encouraging collaboration and advancing AIDC technology adoption across the region.

AIM China promoted automatic identification technology through standard development, platform innovation, and
industry engagement. One focus was drafting a national standard, “General Technical Requirements for QR Code on
Pre-packaged Food Digital Labels,” with expert-led meetings held to shape and defend the proposal. AIM China aims
to release four group standards and initiate eight more by December, with efforts to transition group standards into
national and international benchmarks.

In August, AIM China launched the Prepackaged Food Digital Label Platform, enabling over 70 food companies
to transition from traditional to digital labels, improving customer experience and industry efficiency. To support
knowledge-building, AIM China produced an animated video on “Item Classification Coding” and hosted training
sessions for the food industry, with nearly 500 participants learning about GS1 standards and food safety
traceability.

AIM China remains dedicated to serving the industry, monitoring trends, and fostering international cooperation to
drive the growth of automatic identification technologies.

The highlight of 2024 for AIM Denmark was the annual ‘RFID & IoT in the Nordics’ Conference held at IT University
in Copenhagen, drawing 155 attendees from 13 countries for presentations, exhibitions, and networking. The event
demonstrated AIM Denmark’s commitment to showcasing advancements in RFID and IoT, with strong industry
participation.

Following a decade of service, Henrik Granau passed the secretariat role to Merete Skov Pedersen, with the board
providing strategic guidance for the association’s future. AIM Denmark is increasingly focusing on data value, particularly
its role in EU Green Act initiatives and Digital Product Passports.

Recent member activities reflect this data-centric focus, including a seminar on smart building technology, highlighting
data capture’s value for informed decision-making.

AIM-D e.V. celebrated its 30th anniversary in Reutlingen, hosted by Leuze Electronic. The event included a eulogy
by former board member Wolfgang Weber and recognition of long-standing members by board member Oliver
Pütz-Gerbig.

At LogiMAT in Stuttgart, AIM-D showcased innovations in AIDC through its “Tracking & Tracing Theater” and AIM
Experts Forum, both of which received high attendance. AIM also had a successful presence at the Wireless IoT
tomorrow 2024 event in Wiesbaden, with members serving as speakers, sponsors, and exhibitors.

AIM-D continues to advance significant projects, including developing a global positioning chapter in collaboration
with OMLOX, PNO/PI, and OPC Foundation, and finalizing a government-funded project on AIDC and security to
support anti-counterfeiting with standardized processes and technologies.

AIM Europe has sustained strong membership growth. The organization remains deeply involved in standardization
efforts with CEN and ETSI to drive advancements in AIDC technologies across Europe. Additionally, AIM Europe
benefits from a dedicated standards consultant who stays abreast on key developments in the region. This expert
has hosted global webinars to provide the AIDC community with critical updates on European standards, ensuring
members are well-informed about evolving regulations and their impact on the industry.

AIM India enhanced its digital presence by launching a website, LinkedIn page, X account, and YouTube channel
to engage a wider audience. May 2024 marked AIM India’s inaugural webinar, covering “The Future of AIDC
Technologies,” with subsequent webinars on RFID for supply chain traceability and patient safety in healthcare,
drawing strong interest from industry experts.

In August, AIM India co-hosted a seminar on AI at IIT Delhi, where members presented on the integration of AI with
AIDC in healthcare, attracting over 300 attendees. AIM India’s ongoing efforts have led to new memberships, with
several additional organizations showing interest.

AIM India remains focused on building partnerships with government and private entities to expand AIDC
awareness and membership.

AIM Korea has been operated jointly by KAIIA, the Korea Automatic Identification Industry Association since 2018.
We are working hard to develop new technologies and educate human resources, especially in the field of auto ID,
utilizing barcodes, RFID, and IoT.

This year, we attracted 60,000 visitors through the 2024 Automation World (Smart Factory and Automation Industry
Exhibition) and showcased automation technologies from various companies. In addition, we held seminars to
share various technologies and cases for member companies and held various events for member company unity.

In particular, this year, AIM Korea, together with the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and GS1 Korea, provided
consulting and various technical support for the Smart Food QR project, which means the transition to the GS1
Global 2D barcode introduced to food products. We expect to utilize various food information digitally using global
standards through the transition from 1D barcodes to 2D global links.

AIM Japan, since our establishment, continues AIDC education and training programs for academia, end-users
and system integrators. For academia, we continued joint research offering both hardware and software and
supporting for international/domestic conferences for developing next-generations for AIDC. In terms of support for
end-users and system integrators, we continued our basic support program, focusing on proprietary AIDC systems
to standard compliant one in step by step. We continued our surveys on the AIDC market in Japan and we also
communicated with AIDC related organizations and ministries like DPP and more.

AIM NA work groups continue to address the needs of users/customers in the food supply chain, cannabis, UDI
for medical devices, and pharmaceutical vertical markets. These groups published whitepapers/Quick Guides,
developed articles for publications, and responses to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s FSMA, DSCSA,
and UDI regulations, conducted several webinars. collaborated with like-minded organizations, and identified
speaking, exhibiting, and networking opportunities for members. Targeted partnerships breakfasts and Solution
Showcase special editions were also initiated.

AIM Russia maintained stable membership and continued to focus on standardization, advocacy, and education
in the AIDC field. In partnership with GS1 Russia, AIM Russia supported national and CIS technical committees on
AIDC standardization, including the approval of a new RFID data protocol standard for item management and a CIS
standard for digital product representation.

Russia hosted a virtual meeting of the CIS Technical Committee 517, followed by a meeting of the Russian
Technical Committee 355 in February 2024, engaging representatives from multiple CIS nations.

Through ongoing collaboration with GS1 Russia, AIM Russia supports a national project aimed at using AIDC for
product identification, traceability, and logistics optimization, with an expanding scope that now includes various
food and non-food categories. AIM Russia offers regular training and consulting to project participants, reinforcing
its commitment to industry development.