Why GS1 Sunrise is more than a barcode change

At first glance, GS1 Sunrise may look like a simple barcode upgrade. In reality, it represents a much broader shift toward data rich product identification and improved traceability.

The programme will transition businesses from traditional one-dimensional barcodes to two-dimensional (2D) barcodes, such as QR codes and DataMatrix codes. By 2027, retailers worldwide are expected to support scanning these next-generation codes at the point of sale.

2D barcodes allow significantly more information to be stored within a single code or linked directly to structured product data. This opens the door to improved traceability, digital product passports, stronger supply chain visibility, and new forms of consumer engagement.

For organisations already exploring product traceability, GS1 standards, or digital product passport programmes, GS1 Sunrise 2027 signals an important step toward more connected supply chains.

Why GS1 Sunrise 2027 is happening

The traditional barcode has served the retail industry well for more than 50 years. It allows retailers to identify products quickly at checkout by scanning a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN).

However, the standard barcode contains very limited information. In most cases, it simply identifies the product type.

Modern supply chains increasingly require much richer information to be accessible at the product level.

For example:

• batch or lot numbers
• expiry dates
• production details
• sustainability data
• product origin information
• links to digital product content

This type of information is becoming essential for regulatory compliance, product transparency, and operational efficiency.

2D barcodes make this possible because they can store significantly more information within the code itself, or link directly to structured product data using GS1 Digital Link standards.

What GS1 Sunrise means for supply chains

The goal of Sunrise 2027 is not to immediately replace existing barcodes.

Instead, the initiative focuses on enabling retail scanners and systems to read 2D barcodes alongside traditional barcodes by 2027. This creates a transition period where both formats can coexist.

Once retailers can reliably scan 2D codes at checkout, manufacturers will be able to embed richer product information into the code itself.

This creates opportunities across multiple areas of the supply chain.

Improved traceability

With batch and production data embedded in the product code, organisations can track product movement and history more precisely.

This supports faster recalls, improved product safety, and more detailed supply chain monitoring.

Support for digital product passports

Emerging regulations, particularly in Europe, are introducing Digital Product Passports (DPPs) that provide structured information about a product’s origin, materials, and lifecycle.

2D barcodes can act as the access point for this information, linking a physical product to its digital record.

Greater supply chain visibility

When product identifiers are connected to structured data systems, organisations gain deeper insight into how products move through manufacturing, logistics, and retail environments.

Consumer transparency

Consumers increasingly expect to access information about sustainability, sourcing, and product authenticity.

Scanning a 2D barcode can connect consumers directly to verified product information.

The role of GS1 standards

GS1 standards sit at the heart of Sunrise 2027.

These standards ensure that product identifiers, barcode formats, and data structures are consistent across global supply chains.

Key components include:

• GTIN identifiers for product identification
• 2D barcode formats such as QR codes and DataMatrix
• GS1 Digital Link, which connects product codes to online information
• EPCIS data standards, which enable event-based tracking across supply chains

Together, these standards create a framework for interoperable, data-driven product identification.

Preparing for GS1 Sunrise in modern supply chains

Sunrise 2027 highlights a broader transformation underway across global supply chains.

Products are becoming data carriers, connecting physical items with digital information.

To unlock the full value of this shift, organisations need more than a new barcode format. They need the infrastructure to capture, manage, and use product data effectively.

This includes technologies such as:

• RFID and IoT identification systems
• automated scanning and data capture
• event-based data sharing using GS1 EPCIS standards
• platforms that manage product identity and traceability

When these systems work together, organisations gain the ability to track products throughout their lifecycle and access reliable information at every stage of the supply chain.

Sunrise 2027 as part of a wider supply chain transformation

The move toward 2D barcodes is one step in a much larger shift toward connected and transparent supply chains.

At Coriel Solutions, we work with organisations to design and implement traceability systems that bring together identification technologies, data capture infrastructure, and GS1 standards.

By combining technologies such as RFID, automated portals, and GS1-compliant data platforms, businesses can move beyond simple product identification and build systems that support real-time visibility, regulatory compliance, and digital product passports.

Sunrise 2027 represents an important milestone on that journey.

For organisations preparing for the next generation of product transparency and supply chain intelligence, the focus is not only on new barcode formats, but on the data ecosystems that support them.

A Practical Roadmap to Implementing Digital Product Passports

As Digital Product Passports move closer to mandatory adoption across multiple sectors, many organisations are shifting from understanding the regulation to implementing it in practice.

Under the EU’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), Digital Product Passports will become a core requirement for selected product categories, starting with batteries in 2027 and expanding to others over time. This poses a significant operational and data challenge for manufacturers, retailers, and supply chain operators.

In our 2026 Guide to Digital Product Passports, we explored what digital product passports are, which sectors are affected, and the standards shaping compliance. In this follow-on article, we focus on how organisations can approach implementation in a structured, practical way.

Why a Roadmap Matters

Digital Product Passports are not a single technology deployment.

They require coordination across product data, identification, IT systems, labelling, operations, and external partners. Without a clear roadmap, initiatives can become fragmented, overly complex, or difficult to scale.

A phased implementation roadmap helps organisations:

• Manage complexity and reduce delivery risk
• Align internal teams around a shared approach
• Pilot solutions before committing to full rollout
• Build a future-proof foundation for ESPR compliance

Phase 1: Scope, Regulation, and Prioritisation

The first step is understanding where Digital Product Passports apply today and where they are likely to apply next.

This includes:

• Identifying which product categories fall under ESPR timelines
• Understanding market exposure, particularly EU requirements
• Prioritising products based on volume, complexity, or regulatory risk

At this stage, organisations should focus on defining a manageable starting point. The goal is to define a manageable starting point.

Phase 2: Defining Product Data and Ownership

Digital Product Passports are only as good as the data behind them.

Before selecting technology, organisations need to clarify:

• What product data is required for compliance and transparency
• Where that data currently resides
• Who owns, maintains, and validates each data element

This phase often reveals gaps or inconsistencies that must be addressed early to avoid issues later in the programme.

Phase 3: Standards-Based Data Modelling

To support scale and interoperability, Digital Product Passport data should be built on open standards.

This typically involves:

• Using GS1 identifiers to uniquely identify products
• Structuring lifecycle events using EPCIS 2.0
• Defining how data is captured, stored, and shared across systems

A standards-based data model ensures compatibility across partners and avoids reliance on proprietary or siloed solutions.

Phase 4: Product Identification and Data Capture

Once the data model is defined, organisations can focus on linking physical products to digital records.

This may include:

• Printing and applying 2D codes
• Encoding RFID tags where automation or non-line-of-sight reading is required
• Deploying readers or portals to capture product events reliably

The emphasis should be on repeatability, accuracy, and operational fit.

Phase 5: Pilot and Validation

Pilots are a critical step in any Digital Product Passport Programme.

They allow organisations to:

• Test data capture in real operational conditions
• Validate EPCIS events and data flows
• Identify process or system issues early
• Refine workflows before scaling

A successful pilot creates a proven reference model for wider rollout.

Phase 6: Scale, Integrate, and Optimise

Following a successful pilot, Digital Product Passport capabilities can be extended across:

• Additional product ranges
• Multiple sites or regions
• Suppliers and logistics partners

At this stage, integration with enterprise systems becomes increasingly important to ensure efficiency, data consistency, and long-term sustainability.

How Coriel Solutions Supports Digital Product Passport Programmes

Coriel Solutions designs and delivers end-to-end traceability solutions that help organisations move from roadmap to reality.

This includes integrating:

• RFID and 2D identification technologies

• Fixed and mobile readers

• Automated portals

• Cloud platforms built on GS1 standards and EPCIS 2.0

To support digital product passport programmes in practice, Coriel Solutions also offers corielTHINGS – a cloud-based platform designed to manage product identity and traceability data in a structured, standards-led way.

corielTHINGS supports GS1 identifiers and EPCIS 2.0 event data, helping organisations test data models, validate event flows, and maintain continuity as digital product passport capabilities scale.

By connecting physical products with trusted digital data, Coriel Solutions supports phased implementation and long-term ESPR compliance. Solutions are designed for real operational environments and can evolve as regulatory requirements and business needs change.

Seeing the Full Picture

This roadmap outlines the practical steps to implement Digital Product Passports.

For a broader overview, including what digital product passports are, which sectors are affected, and how ESPR is shaping requirements, read our companion article:

The 2026 Guide to Digital Product Passports

Moving Forward

Digital Product Passports represent a significant shift in how product data is managed and shared. Organisations that take a structured, phased approach will be best placed to respond as requirements come into force.

Whether you are in the early scoping stages or planning a pilot, Coriel Solutions can help you shape a roadmap that aligns with your products, systems, and regulatory obligations.

The 2026 Guide to Digital Product Passports

The requirement for Digital Product Passports is moving quickly from future policy to practical reality.

Driven by new EU sustainability legislation, Digital Product Passports will soon be mandatory for certain product categories, with many more expected to follow. From 2026 onward, businesses will need to provide structured, reliable product data to support traceability, sustainability reporting, and regulatory compliance across the supply chain.

For many organisations, this raises important questions. What exactly is a Digital Product Passport? Which sectors are affected first? What data is required, and how should it be captured, managed, and shared?

In this guide, we explain what Digital Product Passports are, how they work in practice, and how businesses can begin preparing now. Drawing on real-world traceability projects, we also outline how standards-based technologies such as GS1*, EPCIS 2.0**, RFID, and 2D codes come together to create scalable, compliant digital product passport solutions.

What Is a Digital Product Passport?

A Digital Product Passport (DPP) is a structured digital record linked to a physical product.

It stores and shares information such as:

• Product identity and origin
• Materials and components
• Environmental and sustainability data
• Repair, reuse, and recycling information
• Compliance and regulatory status

The data is accessed via a machine-readable identifier, such as a 2D barcode or RFID label. That identifier links the physical item to its digital record in the cloud.

Importantly, the Passport is not a single document. It is a live dataset, updated as the product moves through manufacturing, distribution, use, and end of life.

Which Sectors Are First and What Data Is Required?

The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) framework applies across many product categories, meaning that products, systems, and data should meet the requirements set out in the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation. Implementation will be phased:

Early focus sectors include:

• Batteries (mandatory from February 2027)
• Electronics and electrical equipment
• Textiles
• Construction products
• Packaging and consumer goods

The exact data requirements will vary by sector. However, most Digital Product Passports will need to support:

• Unique product identification
• Traceability across the supply chain
• Sustainability and environmental metrics
• Repairability and lifecycle information

This means organisations must move beyond static databases. They need event-driven, interoperable data models.

Linking Products to Data

A Digital Product Passport is only useful if it can be accessed.

Most implementations will use:

• 2D barcodes (such as Data Matrix or QR codes)
• RFID tags, where automation and non-line-of-sight reading are required

The identifier printed or encoded on the product links directly to its digital record.

The key challenge is not printing the code. It is ensuring:

• Each identifier is unique
• The data behind it is accurate
• The link remains valid throughout the product lifecycle

This is where poor system design can quickly undermine compliance efforts.

Why Digital Product Passports Should Be Implemented in Phases

Digital Product Passports are not a single system change.

In practice, they span multiple functions across an organisation; from product design and manufacturing to labelling, IT, data governance, and compliance. For brands with complex product ranges or multiple suppliers, digital product passport programmes can quickly become large and interconnected.

Across the market, organisations working on early Digital Product Passport initiatives are finding that projects often involve:

• Product data that sits across multiple systems
• Different teams own different parts of the data
• Variations in materials, components, and country-of-origin requirements
• Legacy systems are not designed for item-level traceability
• The need to align internal teams and external partners

Supporting Digital Product Passport Readiness

To support organisations moving from understanding digital product passport requirements to practical planning, Coriel Solutions has developed corielTHINGS.

corielTHINGS is a cloud-based platform designed to manage product identity and traceability data in a structured, standards-led way. It supports GS1 identifiers and EPCIS 2.0 event data, providing a foundation for linking physical products to digital records.

For organisations at an early stage, platforms like corielTHINGS can help translate emerging digital product passport requirements into something practical, scalable, and aligned with existing operations.

Planning for Digital Product Passport Implementation

Digital Product Passports are not a one-step change.

For most organisations, they represent a multi-year programme that spans product data, identification, systems integration, and supply-chain collaboration. Because of this, Digital Product Passport initiatives should be approached with a clear implementation roadmap rather than treated as a single compliance task.

While the detail will vary by sector and organisation, most digital product passport programmes follow a similar high-level pattern:

• Scoping and prioritisation
  Understanding which products, markets, and regulations apply first.
• Data definition
  Identifying what data is required, where it lives, and who owns it.
• Standards alignment
  Structuring data around recognised standards such as GS1 identifiers and EPCIS 2.0 
• Identification and capture
  Linking physical products to digital records using 2D codes, RFID, or a combination of both.
• Pilot and scale
  Testing with a limited product set before extending across products, sites, and partners.

Taking a phased approach helps organisations manage complexity, reduce operational risk, and build scalable, future-proof digital product passport capabilities.

To support organisations moving from regulation to delivery, we have set out a practical Digital Product Passport implementation roadmap that covers pilots, data models, and system integration in more detail.

Read the full Digital Product Passport Implementation Roadmap

Notes:

*GS1 – GS1 is a global, not-for-profit standards organisation that develops and maintains standards used to identify, capture, and share information about products, locations, and assets across supply chains; such as Barcodes (EAN/GTIN).

**EPCIS 2.0 – EPCIS 2.0 stands for Electronic Product Code Information Services (version 2.0). It’s a GS1 data standard used to capture and share traceability events about products as they move through the supply chain. EPCIS 2.0 turns product movements and status changes into trusted, shareable data, which is exactly what digital product passports need to work at scale.

What do we mean by RFID integration in manufacturing?

RFID integration is the end-to-end connection of tags, readers, antennas and sensors with your plant systems, so data flows in real time to people and platforms that need it. In practice, that means attaching durable RFID tags to components, bins, tools, racks, or vehicles, installing fixed portals and line-side readers at control points, and pushing validated events into MES, ERP, and quality systems.

Coriel’s manufacturing offer focuses on harsh environments where metals, liquids, abrasion and chemicals make identification difficult. The goal is consistent, high-confidence reads that translate into accurate location, status and history for every item on the line.

Where RFID delivers value on the shop floor

1. Work in progress visibility

Knowing what is at each work centre, right now, is the foundation of flow. RFID shows which assemblies are queued, which operation they completed and what is blocking the next step. Coriel’s Work in Progress Visibility solution supports immediate location lookups, automated move events, and bottleneck detection, so supervisors can balance stations, accelerate changeovers, and reduce traveller paperwork.

2. Vendor Managed Inventory and virtual stock locations

For fasteners, consumables, and kitted parts, RFID enables virtual stock locations that automatically transact when items move. That improves stock accuracy without cycle counts and supports vendor-managed replenishment. Coriel’s Stock Management and Vendor Managed Inventory solutions help you cut transport costs, reduce cash tied up in inventory and remove emergency buffer stock.

3. Component and assembly identification

Error-proofing at the line side prevents wrong-part fits and costly rework. By serialising parts and sub-assemblies, RFID confirms that the right component meets the correct bill of materials at the right time. Coriel’s Component Identification solution also builds a digital birth record for every assembly, simplifying maintenance, warranty claims and targeted recalls years later.

4. Returnable packaging and asset utilisation

Totes, pallets, kegs and stillages circulate between suppliers, plants and customers. RFID tags show where each asset is, how often it turns, and who has custody of it. That reduces losses, balances pools and ensures the right packaging returns to the right lane. Coriel’s experience with large, pooled fleets translates directly to manufacturing returnables.

5. JIT and line-feed optimisation

RFID portals at goods-in, supermarkets and dock doors automate receipt, staging and dispatch. Combined with RTLS where needed, planners get live counts for kitting and sequencing. That shortens pick paths, reduces expediting and supports accurate just-in-time manufacture.

6. Quality, compliance and warranty

Environmental sensors and RFID checkpoints tie process parameters, operator IDs and component histories to each product’s digital record. That makes audits faster and turns investigations into data-driven root-cause analysis. Coriel’s Safety and Compliance plus Warranty Management solutions bring the evidence together in one place.

Coriel products that underpin integration

• corielEDGE acts as modular middleware. It normalises device data, applies business rules and publishes clean events into MES or ERP without custom spaghetti code.
• corielPORTAL provides industrial RFID portals and forklift truck portals to quickly and reliably identify hundreds of palletised or caged items at control points.
• corielLINE is an industrial, line-side reader platform engineered for harsh manufacturing and warehousing environments where reliability and speed matter.
• corielCONTROL manages connected devices, updates configurations and ensures uptime through central health monitoring.

These products support industry-specific solutions listed under Manufacturing, including Work in Progress Visibility, Component Identification, Item-level Identification, Brand Protection Technology, Stock Management, Vendor Managed Inventory, Safety and Compliance and Warranty Management.

Data and standards that make integration scalable

Scalable RFID programmes rely on consistent identifiers and interoperable data. Using EPC-based tagging and GS1 standards allows suppliers, plants and partners to share serialised identities with low friction. Aligning with UHF Class 1 Gen 2 and the ISO 18000-63 air interface ensures hardware choice and performance across sites. Building privacy, security and data governance into design keeps deployments compliant from day one.

A practical implementation roadmap:

1. Value discovery
Identify two to three pain points with measurable impact, such as missed line feeds, rework or asset loss.

2. Tag-ability and read-ability study
Validate tags on metals, liquids and high-temperature parts. Test in real stations, not only in a lab.

3. Pilot a golden path
Instrument one flow end to end: receiving to line feed to finish. Prove accuracy, throughput and operator experience.

4. Integrate with MES and ERP
Use corielEDGE to publish clean, event-driven data to existing transactions so planners and supervisors see value immediately.

5. Harden and scale
Industrialise mounts, power and network, introduce device management via corielCONTROL, then roll out to adjacent lines and plants.

6. Operationalise
Define SLAs, monitoring and support with corielSUPPORT+ so the system performs through shifts and seasonal peaks.

Measuring ROI and building the case

Typical drivers include reduced line stoppages, lower inventory, faster picks, fewer wrong-part fits, shorter investigation time and less lost packaging. Combine time studies, baseline accuracy and carry-cost assumptions to build a conservative model. Track three simple leading metrics weekly after go-live: read accuracy at each control point, exceptions per thousand moves and mean-time-to-resolve. Use these to quantify and sustain savings.

Risks, security and compliance

Treat RFID like any operational technology that touches personal or commercially sensitive data. Conduct a Data Protection Impact Assessment where staff identifiers are processed, provide clear signage where appropriate and adopt secure device configuration, segmented networks and role-based access. Keep tag data minimal and push detailed information to secure back-end systems.

Why choose Coriel for manufacturing RFID?

Coriel specialises in environments where accurate identification is genuinely hard. The portfolio listed on the Manufacturing page combines rugged hardware, integration software and proven solutions that operate at speed with high confidence. From line-side error-proofing to dock-door portals and returnables visibility, the approach is practical, standards-based and designed to scale.

So, how can RFID integration enhance manufacturing processes?

RFID integration transforms identification data into continuous operational intelligence, improving flow, accuracy, and control. By instrumenting choke points with fixed portals and line-side readers, serialising components and assets, and pushing clean events into MES and ERP systems, manufacturers gain live WIP visibility, error-proofed assemblies, reliable just-in-time line feed, and faster audits. Returnable packaging stays in circulation, inventory balances tighten, and investigations shift from guesswork to evidence.

Coriel’s products and services for manufacturing bring this together with rugged hardware, corielEDGE middleware, device management, and proven solution templates for WIP, component ID, stock management, vendor-managed replenishment, safety, compliance, and warranty. The result is fewer stoppages, less rework, lower stock and a stable pattern for scaling across lines and sites, turning RFID from a pilot into durable, plant-wide performance.

Coriel is delighted to be exhibiting as one of fifty exhibitors at the upcoming Garden Centre Expo, the UK’s premier business hub for the garden centre industry. The event, which takes place on Friday 26th September 2025, will cover a range of topics designed to further the sector, and we’ll be showcasing the solutions we offer that make garden centres more efficient – especially around stock and asset visibility.

You can find out more about what we offer to the garden centre industry, or drop us your details in the form below to get in touch with the team. We look forward to seeing you there.

RFID labels play a critical role in accurate asset tracking and inventory management. However, improper application can lead to peeling, poor readability, and even system failures. By following these five essential steps, you can ensure your RFID labels adhere correctly and function as intended.

Step 1: Pick a Suitable Location

Choosing the right placement is crucial for longevity and readability.
✅ Apply the label to a flat surface without bumps or irregularities.
✅ If possible, place it in a recessed area to protect it from damage.
✅ Avoid locations where wear, friction, or exposure to moisture might degrade the label over time.

Step 2: Prepare the Surface

For optimal adhesion, the surface must be clean and dry.
❌ Dirt, dust, or moisture can prevent the adhesive from bonding properly.
✅ Use an Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) wipe to remove grease, oil, and dust before application.
✅ If IPA isn’t suitable for your material, use an alternative that leaves no residue.

💡 TIP: If your environment is prone to moisture, consult Coriel’s Technical Sales Team for specialised adhesives.

Step 3: Allow Labels to Reach Room Temperature

Temperature fluctuations can affect adhesion.
📦 If labels have been shipped or stored in extreme temperatures, let them sit at room temperature before applying.
🏭 Labels stored in warehouses may need a few hours to stabilise.
🌡️ Applying labels that are too cold or too hot can weaken the adhesive bond.

Step 4: Apply the Label Properly

This is the most important step—precision is key!
1️. Ensure the surface is clean and dry.
2️. Check that the label has reached room temperature.
3️. Carefully peel the label, avoiding contact with the adhesive.
4️. Apply the label from the centre outward to prevent air bubbles.
5️. Firmly press the label into place, applying even pressure in a circular motion.
6️. Run your finger around the label’s edges to ensure full adhesion.

🚨 Warning for RFID Labels:

❌ DO NOT use a roller or smoothing tool—this can damage the RFID chip inside the label.
✔️ For curved surfaces (e.g., bottles or kegs), apply from the centre outward rather than using a circular motion.

Step 5: Leave Labels to Cure

After application, allow 24-72 hours for full adhesion in a neutral-temperature environment.
⏳ 24 hours – If applying to an existing product.
⏳ 72 hours – If applying to freshly moulded plastic (e.g., polypropylene) as it may shrink slightly.

If you’re unsure about adhesive selection, Coriel’s Technical Team can advise on the best solution for your needs.

Best Practices for Label Storage

Even before application, storing labels correctly is vital:
✅ Keep labels in their original packaging to prevent dust and contamination.
✅ Store at 22°C (72°F) with 50% humidity for optimal shelf life.
✅ Rotate stock—use older labels before new ones.
✅ Avoid stacking boxes too high—this prevents label rolls from being crushed.

⚠️ Things to Avoid:
❌ Extreme temperatures – Heat and cold degrade adhesives.
❌ Moisture – Damp conditions reduce adhesion.
❌ UV exposure – Direct light can fade or weaken labels over time.
❌ Dust & grime – Keep labels in a clean environment to avoid contamination.

If storing label rolls on their side, ensure the surface is clean and flat

Conclusion

By following these steps, businesses can ensure RFID labels adhere securely and perform reliably. Proper application enhances tracking accuracy, extends label life, and reduces costly errors.

💡 Need expert advice on RFID label selection and application? Coriel’s team is here to help. Contact us today for tailored guidance.

Managing your data effectively across the supply chain has long been the holy grail for organisations of all shapes and sizes. With millions of barcodes and RFID tags being read by thousands of data collection devices, the scale of collected data has never been higher.

As almost all our daily systems continue to become augmented with Artificial Intelligence (AI), we’re about to experience a transformative shift, redefining how logistics professionals handle data, make decisions, and gain actionable insights. Here are some of our thoughts on where that shift is likely to happen over the next 12-24 months.

Smarter Filtering of Data

The sheer volume of transactions in supply chains is staggering. AutoID technologies, such as barcode and RFID systems, capture data at every process step. However, valuable insights can quickly get buried without the right tools to filter and process this data. AI will enhance this process by using algorithms to sift through millions of data points, identifying patterns, anomalies, and actionable information in real time. This will allow data to be filtered and, where necessary, excluded before it even hits operational systems – reducing data clutter and lowering costs.

From Raw Data to Human-Readable Reports

Raw data is rarely helpful without context. AI will help bridge this gap by transforming the massive streams of AutoID data generated into clear, human-readable reports. Automated systems can already create dashboards, summaries, and visualisations highlighting critical metrics, trends, and KPIs, but they are often driven by human input. Moving forward, we will see much more AI generating these reports based on previous usage and what’s happening across the supply chain.

Conversational Data Analysis

One of the most exciting advancements in AI is the shift towards conversational data analysis. Imagine asking your supply chain system questions like, “Which suppliers consistently fail to meet delivery deadlines?” or “What are the main causes of delays in the past week?” Rather than manually querying dashboards or combing through reports, AI-powered conversational interfaces will provide direct answers in plain language. This approach will simplify decision-making, making advanced analytics accessible to everyone, regardless of technical expertise.

Real-World Applications

The synergy of AutoID and AI is already making waves in supply chain logistics:

Inventory Management: AI-driven insights are being used to optimise stock levels, reducing overstock and shortages.

Predictive Maintenance: Monitoring and analysing equipment can self-predict failures before they happen.

Demand Forecasting: AI models can process historical and real-time data to predict demand accurately.

Improved Traceability: Combining AutoID with AI ensures end-to-end visibility in the supply chain, which is critical for compliance and quality assurance.

Amazon, Maersk, Unilever, DHL, and Walmart have all publicly announced that they are working on supply chain projects where AI drives change. These include predictive analytics for inventory management, improving fuel efficiency in logistics, improving stock availability, and detecting overall inefficiencies across the supply chain.

Learn More

To dive deeper into how AI and AutoID transform supply chain logistics, check out our recent webinar, where our team explore real-world use cases and future trends. Watch the webinar here.

By leveraging the combined power of AI and AutoID, the supply chain industry is stepping into a future where data is collected, understood, and utilised. It’s time to move beyond dashboards and reports and ask more intelligent questions—because the answers are already waiting for us.