In a world driven by data, automation, and real-time decision-making, the technologies that identify, track, and connect the physical and digital worlds have never been more essential. At the heart of this transformation is AIM, the global industry alliance advancing the adoption and growth of automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) technologies.

AIM membership is not just about staying informed, it is about shaping the future of our industry. Here is how our four foundational pillars provide lasting value to our members and the broader AIDC ecosystem.

Education & Insights

Stay ahead with research, learning, and real-world know-how.

 AIM empowers members with ongoing access to educational content, real-time market intelligence, and hands-on learning. Through resources like our soon to be released Industry Direction Report and periodic surveys, we uncover key trends, emerging technologies, and pain points across industries. These insights help members make informed decisions and identify new opportunities.

Our AIDC 101 and 102 events are practical, in-person experiences designed to give knowledge on barcodes, RFID and other foundational technologies, perfect for those entering the industry or expanding into new areas. Whether it’s through detailed whitepapers, webinars, or training events, AIM turns complex technology into actionable knowledge.

Advocacy

Your voice in critical policy and regulatory conversations.

 AIM actively engages with global policymakers, regulators, and industry to ensure AIDC technologies are represented, protected, and positioned for long-term success. From tracking developments in the digital product passport, IoT cybersecurity and food labeling to providing industry feedback on international standards and frequency use proposals, our advocacy work makes sure your business has a seat at the table.

We work to remove barriers and promote policies that support innovation and responsible adoption of AIDC technologies across sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, supply chain, and retail.

Community

Collaborate, connect, and grow with a network of innovators.

 AIM’s value is rooted in its community of member organizations, from Fortune 500 companies to startups and solution providers. Through our Industry Groups like the RFID Experts Group, Technical Symbology Committee, and Visibility Technologies Industry Group, members contribute to cutting-edge discussions, create new technical resources, and drive thought leadership.

We also have just started a Women of AIDC and Young Professionals group to help further the talent pool in our industry.

These groups also act as starting points for collaboration, connecting members with potential partners, customers, and experts. Beyond the working groups, AIM fosters engagement through networking events, webinars, member spotlights.

Standards

Shape the global language of AIDC technology.

Standards are the backbone of interoperability, trust, and efficiency in AIDC. As a recognized global leader in standards development, AIM plays a central role in shaping and maintaining essential technical frameworks. We work with organizations like ISO, ANSI, and GS1 to develop and refine standards that define everything from barcode symbologies to RFID tag performance and data formats.

Our members contribute directly to these standards, ensuring that industry needs are heard and met. AIM also creates best practice documents and implementation guidelines that bridge the gap between standards and real-world deployment.

Join the Movement

Membership in AIM means being part of something bigger, a collaborative effort to make identification and data capture technologies more accessible, effective, and secure across the globe. Whether you are looking to stay ahead of the curve, influence policy, network with leaders, or shape the standards that power the digital supply chain, AIM is your platform.

If you are a member looking to get more involved in our work or someone interested in learning more about AIM membership contact me to set up a call where we can discuss the benefits you and your company can gain by being a part of this robust community.

As regulatory landscapes continue to evolve across industries, AIM and its member-led groups are actively monitoring and influencing key standards that directly impact the future of identification technologies. Today, we are highlighting three critical areas of standards activity where AIM is engaging on behalf of our members:

Alcohol Labeling Reform – Visibility Technologies Industry Group

The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) has proposed sweeping changes to alcohol beverage labeling that would bring new transparency requirements to the industry. The proposed rule would mandate an “Alcohol Facts” panel on all beverage alcohol labels governed under the Federal Alcohol Administration Act (FAA Act), including:

• Per-serving disclosures of alcohol content
• Calorie counts and nutrient information
• Standardized serving sizes

In addition, mandatory alcohol content statements would now extend to certain malt beverages, wines, and beers currently exempt from such labeling.

This initiative stems from a 2022 Treasury Department report aimed at increasing competition and consumer awareness in the alcohol sector. The proposed compliance timeline is five years following publication of a final rule, with public comments due by August 15, 2025.

AIM’s Visibility Technologies Industry Group (VTIG) is monitoring this closely, particularly as it relates to how AIDC technologies such as QR codes and digital labels can help producers and distributors meet these emerging requirements efficiently and cost-effectively.

FCC Cyber Trust Mark – Visibility Technologies Industry Group

In another area under the Visibility Group’s watch, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is progressing its U.S. Cyber Trust Mark (USCTM) program. Designed to increase consumer confidence in connected devices, the program sets baseline cybersecurity standards and labeling protocols for Internet of Things (IoT) products.

UL Solutions, selected as Lead Administrator for the program in late 2024, has been working to submit its technical recommendations to the FCC. Although the initial submission was due in early May, an extension was granted through June 13, 2025, to ensure thorough consideration of the complex cybersecurity and post-market surveillance requirements.

The FCC is also doing a review of the Cyber Trust Mark program, and its outcome could have significant implications for the future of the initiative and IoT security. 

With many AIM members involved in connected product development, from industrial sensors to consumer smart devices, the final outcome of this labeling framework will have long-term impacts. The Visibility Industry group is tracking the proceedings and ensuring the interests and concerns of our community are represented.

Digital Product Passport (DPP) – New AIM Ad Hoc Working Group

As part of the EU’s ongoing push for sustainability and circular economy initiatives, the Digital Product Passport (DPP) standard is poised to dramatically alter how products are labeled, tracked, and traced across global supply chains. AIM has launched a dedicated ad hoc working group to review the forthcoming draft and prepare a formal response.

The DPP standard will influence:

• Product identification and traceability
• Lifecycle and sustainability data collection
• Interoperability with AIDC and enterprise systems
• Compliance and reporting requirements across multiple jurisdictions

This initiative is of particular importance to members involved in manufacturing, packaging, and data exchange. AIM’s expertise in automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) positions us to play a meaningful role in shaping practical, interoperable, and scalable standards.

Michael Allen is coordinating this effort and will begin scheduling member review sessions shortly after the draft’s release. Comments will be finalized in early August in time for AIM Board review and submission.

If your organization wants a seat at the table during this pivotal development, we invite you to contact Michael Allen directly to participate in the working group.

Why This Matters

From regulatory compliance to sustainability and consumer trust, these developments represent major shifts in how data is captured, conveyed, and validated across industries. AIM’s role is to keep our members informed, involved, and ahead of the curve.

If you’re part of an AIM member company and want to join the Visibility Technologies Industry Group or participate in the DPP review team, now is the time to get engaged.

For questions or to get involved, contact:

Michael Allen

AIM’s regional chapters across the globe continue to lead the way in advancing automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) technologies. From regulatory advocacy and standards development to industry-specific solutions and educational outreach, each chapter is contributing uniquely to the collective success of the global AIDC community.

AIM Europe has sustained strong membership growth into the summer and is actively preparing for a strong presence at LogiMat 2025. The chapter is a key player in standards development efforts with CEN and ETSI.

AIM-D e.V. (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) remains one of the most technically active chapters. Its advocacy work focuses on RFID frequency harmonization, ETSI’s Radio Equipment Directive (RED), and the Cyber Resilience Act. The chapter continues its involvement in key initiatives such as the GPos project, RFID & IO-Link, and SPOQ (AutoID & Security). It hosts expert groups focused on topics such as sensors, systems integration, recycling, and cybersecurity. Members are preparing for upcoming events, including the AIM Autumn Meeting (Nov. 5–7, 2025) and Spring Meeting (May 6–8, 2026), as well as participation in transport logistic 2025, RFID & Wireless IoT tomorrow, and LogiMAT 2026.

AIM Russia continues to contribute significantly to standards work in both national and international arenas. With 19 member companies, the chapter serves as the Secretariat for Russian and CIS standards committees (TC 355 and TC 517), and represents the country in ISO/IEC SC31. Its advocacy work supports the development of a national traceability system using RFID and DataMatrix, and it actively conducts user training and outreach. Notably, two new standards were approved in 2025: one on 2D barcode verification (GOST ISO/IEC 15426-2–2025) and another on RFID product tagging (GOST 35260–2025).

AIM India has had a dynamic year of engagement, including a highly attended RTLS in Healthcare webinar with over 80% participation. The chapter also took part in the National Conference on Food Tech, a national conclave at the Constitution Club of India, and the BRICS Medical Webinar. While the chapter is successfully expanding its footprint, there is a renewed emphasis on boosting visibility through LinkedIn and social sharing to better promote its ongoing work.

AIM China has played an integral role in the Prepackaged Food Digital Label Platform, supporting over 70 food companies in transitioning to digital labeling. This transformation has enhanced both consumer transparency and industry efficiency. AIM China also continues to prioritize knowledge-sharing and sector-wide digital capacity-building to accelerate adoption of RFID and IoT technologies.

AIM Denmark recently hosted the RFID & IoT in the Nordics 2025 Conference on June 12 at the IT University in Copenhagen. Themed “Data as the Digital Heartbeat,” the event focused on transparency and value creation in modern supply chains. Keynotes from industry leaders—including Zebra Technologies, St. James Hospitals, and Dansk Industri—explored how digital identification technologies transform healthcare, logistics, and public sector services. Panel discussions covered sovereign data markets, municipal IoT applications, and real-time visibility. The event featured a strong partner and exhibitor presence, solidifying AIM Denmark’s leadership in showcasing AIDC innovation in the region.

AIM Japan is actively monitoring RFID applications across various regulatory environments and is collaborating with libraries on encoding standards that align with ISO 28560-4. The chapter is also engaged in discussions with ISO TC46 to address data management challenges. On the sustainability front, AIM Japan is participating in ISO TC154 JP, which is contributing to the development of the Digital Product Passport—with an emphasis on transparency and interoperability in textiles, batteries, and other strategic sectors. The chapter also shared recent educational outreach efforts with junior high school students on POS systems and barcodes, with the goal of promoting broader understanding of AIDC terminology.

Meanwhile, AIM Asia, encompassing countries such as Japan, China, and Korea, continues to promote collaborative efforts through events such as AIDC Connect Asia 2025, to be held October 15–17 in Bangkok. This event is being co-organized with LogiMat Asia and the Thailand AIOT Association. Recent regional seminars have highlighted RFID-powered retail solutions and upcoming showcases from EM Microelectronic and SAG.

AIM Korea, jointly operated with the Korea Automatic Identification Industry Association (KAIIA), maintains a strong focus on technology innovation and workforce development. By emphasizing education and implementation of barcode, RFID, and IoT technologies, AIM Korea aims to position Korea as a leader in auto ID applications across multiple industries.

In AIM North America, the chapter continues to lead high-impact initiatives through its active work groups on Food Safety, Unique Device Identification (UDI), and the Cannabis industry. The chapter is also actively engaged in policy conversations, including FDA regulations and traceability frameworks, and produces a popular podcast series covering inventory, QR codes, cannabis, and smart packaging. North America is planning major engagements at trade shows like PACK EXPO, AHRMM, VARTECH;  and is collaborating with organizations such as the Reusable Packaging Association (RPA), GS1 US, and SMI on long-term strategic planning.

Globally, AIM has launched new Ad Hoc Groups to further drive engagement and recognition. The Women of AIDC initiative is amplifying the voices of women through podcasts, blogs, and features. Similarly, the Young Professionals of AIDC group has kicked off its work with a June 19 call and is creating video content and hosting roundtables to support early-career professionals.

New Supporting and Student membership categories will be introduced this year. AIM is also doubling down on promotional resources like the business directory and solutions showcase, which provide valuable exposure to the global AIDC community. Educational efforts remain a core priority, with hands-on AIDC 101 workshops held in Chicago and Las Vegas will be scheduled for the fall.

From harmonizing standards to driving digital labeling, elevating underrepresented voices, and supporting the next generation of industry leaders, AIM Chapters are a vital force in delivering on AIM’s mission to foster accurate, transparent, and efficient identification technologies worldwide.

Interested in getting involved or learning more about AIM Chapter activities? Contact AIM Chapter Liaison Michael Allen at mike@aimglobal.org.

Summer is shaping up to be an exciting season of momentum and collaboration across the AIM community. From educational initiatives to global working group efforts, there’s never been a better time to get involved and take advantage of the connections, knowledge, and leadership opportunities that AIM provides.

Next week, our Young Professionals group will meet on Thursday, June 19th to chart out the initiatives that will guide this community forward. This is a vibrant and growing group of emerging leaders in AIDC who are passionate about building their networks, elevating their voices, and helping shape the future of our industry. If you or someone on your team is interested in participating, reach out to staff liaison Michael Allen to get connected.

We’re also thrilled to announce that the Women of AIDC Town Hall will be held on Wednesday, August 20th at 11 AM ET. This open and engaging session provides an opportunity for women across the AIDC industry to share experiences, recognize key leaders in the space, and contribute to a more inclusive future. This meeting will also feature a TBA speaker who will be revealed in the next few weeks.  RSVP by contacting staff liaison Bethany Deane.

On the technical side, the RFID Experts Group (REG) continues its important work in partnership with the Retail Value Chain Federation (RVCF). The group met earlier this week to move forward on a follow-up to the widely used RFID FAQ, incorporating a new set of technical questions submitted by RVCF. A call for member comments on this new FAQ is now open and will run through June 20th. If you’re an AIM member and would like to review or contribute, contact Michael Allen for access to the documents and comment portal.

Looking ahead, the Visibility Technologies Industry Group will meet on Wednesday, June 25th at 10 AM ET. The team is working on an exciting new project: the development of an interactive landing page on the AIM website that will illustrate how a variety of technologies—including barcode, RFID, and IoT—converge to create total supply chain visibility. This page will provide an educational resource for newcomers and experienced professionals alike, showing the value of interoperability and real-time insights from production to the point of sale and beyond. To join the working session and contribute to this initiative, contact Michael Allen for an invite.

That’s just the beginning of a busy summer. We’re also preparing for our next Technical Symbology Committee (TSC) meeting. This group brings together the world’s top experts in barcode and symbology standards, focusing on technical guidance, best practices, and harmonization with global regulatory frameworks. TSC plays a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy and consistency of data that fuels automation and traceability systems worldwide.

Also on the horizon is our continued partnership with PACK EXPO Las Vegas, where AIM will host a special breakfast and educational session to highlight AIDC innovations in packaging, logistics, and manufacturing. We are also planning an expanded rollout of our AIDC 101 and a new 102 Workshop this fall, following great feedback from our recent sessions.

If you are already a member, keep an eye on your inbox for Membership Monday emails, where we share the latest opportunities, deadlines, and member-only content. Upcoming editions of our newsletter will also feature insights from our AIM Chapter Meetings held across the globe, spotlighting AIDC developments in key regions and industries.

Not yet a member? There has never been a better time to join AIM and become part of this active, global community. Whether you want to lend your voice to shaping standards, network with thought leaders, or help educate the next generation of AIDC professionals, AIM offers the platform to make an impact.

To learn more or get involved, contact us at info@aimglobal.org or visit https://www.aimglobal.org/. Let’s make this summer a season of progress, connection, and innovation.