A detailed retrospective published by Quartr chronicles the creation and rise of the barcode, highlighting its role as a universal language of commerce. The piece traces the invention back to the 1950s, when graduate student Bernard Silver and his mentor Norman Woodland conceptualized a pattern of lines to automatically read product information. Their early work, which drew inspiration from Morse code, eventually led to the first barcode patent in 1952, though it took decades for the technology to gain widespread adoption.
The article recounts key milestones in barcode deployment, including the first commercial use on a pack of Wrigley's gum in 1974 and the establishment of the Universal Product Code (UPC) as a global standard. By the 1980s, barcodes had transformed retail operations, enabling faster checkout, accurate inventory tracking, and supply chain efficiency. The piece also notes the shift from 1D linear barcodes to 2D formats like QR codes, which carry more data and have expanded into applications beyond retail, such as digital payments and product authentication.
Quartr's feature underscores the barcode's enduring relevance even after nearly 70 years. Today, billions of barcodes are scanned daily, underpinning global commerce and logistics. The story also touches on emerging standards like GS1 Digital Link, which bridges physical products with online information, ensuring the barcode remains a critical tool in an increasingly digital economy. As supply chains evolve, the humble barcode continues to adapt, cementing its status as one of the most impactful inventions of the 20th century.