Barcoding (AIDC)

Overview

AIDC Equals Accurate, Actionable and Timely Data

Nothing is more central to the effectiveness of a supply chain than the ability to collect and transmit accurate, actionable and timely data. Automating workflows with Automatic Identification Data Capture (AIDC) technology provides this level of real-time efficiency, accuracy and connectivity. 

Specifically, AIDC refers to the methods of automatically identifying objects, collecting data about them, and entering that data directly into computer systems (without human involvement). Technologies typically considered as part of AIDC include barcodes, radio frequency identification (RFID), biometrics, magnetic stripes, optical character recognition, smart cards and voice recognition. 

“AIDC is necessary to achieve the next level of business system automation in our industry — particularly in seed. As product life cycles become shorter, it’s required to reduce errors and improve efficiency, meeting the needs for track, trace and reporting requirements.”

Ron FarrellAgGateway Member, Farrell Growth Group

To Meet AgGateway’s Mission – Real-time Information is Required

AgGateway’s mission is to promote and enable the transition to digital agriculture, and fundamental to this mission is the ability to meet farmers’ expectations by supplying the right products, in the right quantity, at the right price, and at the right time and place. 

To achieve this level of efficiency, agribusinesses must have accurate and real-time information about production, distribution, inventory and consumption. The implementation of AIDC technologies (barcoding and RFID, electronic messaging, and data synchronisation) creates this highly responsive supply chain.

Track and Trace Systems with AIDC Technology Benefits Agribusiness

Implementation of “track and trace” systems based on AIDC technology across the supply chain enables agribusiness to: 

  • Capture product information down to the field level
  • Manage the global supply in real-time by creating a “chain of custody” 
  • Prevent counterfeit, inferior products from flooding the market 
  • Deliver accurate data to government agencies 
  • React swiftly, when required, to identify sources of contamination within the food supply chain 
  • Secure our Freedom to Operate (FTO) 

AgGateway has a number or resources to help companies implement AIDC in their operations. See the resources below or contact Member Services at Member.Services@AgGateway.org if you want to learn more.

AIDC for Agribusiness

While there are considerable benefits to using AIDC, the agriculture industry has lagged behind other industries in implementation. Even knowing the considerable benefits of the technology (better inventory control, less shrinkage, fewer errors, easier work flow for receiving and shipping, more accurate pricing for retailers, more accurate lot tracking, and more efficient retrieval of products), companies still hesitate to adopt. 

Some of the hurdles AgGateway members note in AIDC implementation include training warehouse employees, scanner procurement and maintenance, installation of a new system throughout a company’s network, and cost. 

Given the significant benefits of implementing AIDC, AgGateway has sought to promote AIDC expansion across the agribusiness supply chain by addressing the concerns above and by providing: 

  • The latest thought leadership and education on track and trace systems 
  • Documentation of use cases specific to agribusiness 
  • An ROI calculator and ancillary support for implementations
  • Creation of global standards in conjunction with CRISTAL, and 
  • Networking opportunities for AgGateway members and outside communities in support of AIDC adoption. 

Resources and Thought Leadership

AIDC Resources