|
Expert-led session to unlock actionable strategies for healthcare providers and manufacturers to boost patient safety and operational efficiency through UDI compliance. April 28, 2026 – Pittsburgh, PA – AIM North America (AIM NA), the trade association for the automated data capture technologies industry (commonly referred to as “AIDC”), including barcode, RFID, IoT, NFC, and RTLS, today announced an upcoming e-seminar, "UDI Adoption: Safer Patients, Smarter Supply Chains," aimed at guiding healthcare manufacturers and providers through the critical next steps of Unique Device Identification (UDI) implementation; Wednesday, May 27 at 11am EDT.
Beyond merely meeting compliance mandates, this session provides a strategic roadmap—covering labeling fundamentals, barcode quality, and ROI—to transform regulatory requirements into a foundation for a more secure and efficient healthcare supply chain. Featured industry experts include Indira Konduri, US FDA; Jay Crowley, USDM Life Sciences; Dennis Black, BD; and Dr. James Tcheng, Duke Medical Center; and many more who will discuss how proper UDI management reduces medical errors, accelerates product recalls, and improves inventory accuracy. Key Topics Covered:
"Using UDI is more than just following rules; it's a vital step for patient safety and better operations," said Mary Lou Bosco, CEO at AIM North America. " With this seminar, we want to show the healthcare team how to turn safety rules into an advantage, all while making their daily work and supply chain smoother." Webinar Details:
For more information or photos, contact AIM NA's headquarters by email or call +1.724.742.4473. AIM North America’s position is brought forth by the members of the UDI Work Group. The Group's letters are in direct support of comments submitted by the GS1 US to the FDA and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services as it relates to UDI for Medical Devices. The UDI Work Group brings together a dedicated coalition of manufacturers, distributors, hospitals, and industry stakeholders to advance compliance and best practices. Jay Crowley, UDI Work Group Chair emphasized that “We stand ready to support the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and FDA in navigating technical AIDC requirements, ensuring robust standards and seamless implementation.” “Supporting open standards, AIM North America empowers organizations to leverage asset intelligence. Our focus on traceability provides vital safety checks and accurate device visibility at the point of care,” explained Mary Lou Bosco, President, AIM North America.
Today is International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste. Take action to reduce food loss and waste utilizing these solutions gathered in recognition of National Food Safety Education Month.
AIM North America’s Food Supply Chain Work Group (subject matter experts of the design and application of automatic identification and data collection technologies), wrote to the FDA to express their collective concerns regarding the proposal to allow the calculation of Traceability Lot Codes (TLC) from business system data to comply with the FDA's FSMA 204 Food Traceability Rule.
While AIM NA understands the industry's challenges in achieving compliance, AIM NA believes this proposal undermines the rule's core objective: ensuring reliable and accurate traceability of food products throughout the supply chain. AIM NA strongly urges the FDA to reject this proposal and instead support initiatives that enhance the reliability and efficiency of data capturing processes. The attached document provides the rationale for our objections, and AIM NA request a meeting to elaborate on how data capture techniques, fostering global interoperability based on consensus-based standards, and promoting full chain transparency, can ensure that the food traceability system remains robust, transparent, and capable of protecting public health. This article was published on the RAIN Alliance website on September 10, 2024 September is National Food Safety Education Month, focusing on the importance of food safety and the innovative technologies that support it. A key technology in this field is RAIN RFID, which AIM North America's Food Supply Chain Working Group leverages to emphasis improvements in traceability, efficiency, and sustainability within the food industry. The Role of RAIN RFID in Food Safety RAIN RFID technology is vital to modernizing food safety by providing accurate, real-time data, improving traceability, and supporting sustainability. Here's how RAIN RFID is making a difference: 1. Enhanced Supply Chain Visibility RAIN RFID offers real-time data capture for inventory management and supply chain visibility, helping businesses comply with regulations like the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) 204 and the Digital Product Passport (DPP). By tracking products from farm to table, RAIN RFID reduces foodborne illness risks by identifying contaminated products and facilitating rapid recalls. It automates data collection, reduces human error, and ensures compliance with minimal labor impact.
2. Proactive Food Safety Management with Cloud Technology and Predictive Analytics Combining RAIN RFID with cloud technology and predictive analytics provides enhanced insights. Cloud-based platforms aggregate data from RAIN RFID tags, temperature sensors, and shipment records, predicting when and where products might spoil. This predictive capability supports high standards like Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), enabling companies to take proactive measures to avoid contamination, reduce waste, and ensure food safety.
AIM Food Supply Chain Working Group Activities
The AIM North America Food Supply Chain Working Group is dedicated to promoting food safety and RAIN RFID adoption through various initiatives: 1. Opposition to IFPA Percentage-Based Lot Traceability Proposal AIM opposes the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA)'s proposal for percentage-based lot traceability. AIM argues that this approach could introduce inconsistencies, reduce precision, and potentially compromise consumer safety. Instead, AIM supports RAIN RFID and intelligent labeling technologies for real-time, item-level tracking to ensure compliance with FDA requirements and maintain high food safety standards. Read our comments here. 2. Response to HR Bill on FSMA 204 The AIM Working Group actively engages with stakeholders regarding United States Congressional Bill HR 7563, the Food Traceability Enhancement Act, which seeks to relax recordkeeping and traceability requirements. AIM opposes this bill, believing it undermines the FDA's Food Traceability Final Rule and the goals of FSMA 204. The group continues to advocate for stringent traceability standards leveraging technologies like RAIN RFID that support consumer safety. 3. Speaking Opportunities: RFID Journal LIVE, GS1 Connect, Food Safety Summit, Food Safety Consortium, Labelexpo, PACK EXPO, and more AIM's Working Group participates in several industry events, highlighting how RAIN RFID technologies help food companies comply with regulations, enhance traceability, and improve safety. These events provided a platform to discuss the latest developments in RAIN RFID technology and its applications in the food industry. 4. Educational Materials on FSMA 204 AIM has developed a range of educational materials and webinars to support the industry’s understanding of FSMA 204 and other food safety regulations. These resources offer insights into the requirements of FSMA 204 and best practices for implementation including leveraging RAIN RFID. In addition, the upcoming issue of AIM’s Solutions Showcase, a bimonthly e-publication distributed to more than 19,000 individuals, spotlights member products and solutions. The 26 September is a special edition focusing on available resources in recognition of Food Safety Education Month – safe food now for a healthy tomorrow. Conclusion As we celebrate National Food Safety Education Month, RFID technologies are crucial for enhancing food safety across the supply chain. From providing real-time data to supporting predictive analytics, RAIN RFID is indispensable for meeting today's food safety standards. AIM North America's Food Supply Chain Working Group remains committed to advancing these technologies through advocacy, education, and engagement. By promoting RAIN RFID adoption, we aim to ensure a safer, more transparent, and sustainable food supply chain. For more information on AIM North America's Food Safety initiatives, visit our website. Pittsburgh, PA – AIM North America (AIM NA), the trade association for the automated data capture technologies industry including barcode, RFID, IoT, NFC, and RTLS has announced the recipient of its annual ‘Automatic Identification Technology (AIT) in Government’ award, presented annually in recognition of significant contributions in the AIDC industry. |
 | US House of Representative (OH-01) Greg Landsman has championed legislative initiatives promoting the integration of AIDC technologies to enhance government efficiency, improve public safety, and modernize healthcare services. His bipartisan efforts, including the establishment of the What Works Caucus, have underscored the critical role of data and evidence in policymaking, ensuring taxpayer dollars are invested wisely in innovative solutions. This award highlights Representative Landsman's dedication to leveraging technology for the betterment of government services and underscores his ongoing impact on advancing AIDC technologies nationwide. |
"We commend Representative Landsman for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to innovation." said Mary Lou Bosco, CEO of AIM North America.
For more information, biography, or photos, contact AIM NA's headquarters by email or call +1.724.742.4473.
Today is a very special day to AIM North America and anyone involved in the automated data capture community. We created this special presentation to commemorate a pivotal moment in history—the 50th anniversary of the first barcode scan in Troy, Ohio USA. It was here, at just after 8am on June 26, 1974, that the first item marked with the Universal Product Code (UPC) was scanned at the checkout of Troy’s Marsh Supermarket; a pack of Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit chewing gum.
Hear AIM NA Board members Jeanne Duckett, Avery Dennison and Sheila Gill, Honeywell along with Renee Perry, Culimer USA and Steven Keddie, GS1 GO share how these innovations enhance supply chain visibility, traceability, and regulatory compliance. Our experts examine the transformative potential of RFID technology and 2D barcodes and successful case studies that highlight the real-world impact of advanced barcode scanning solutions. Thank you to our sponsors: Avery Dennison, Honeywell, Culimer USA, and GS1 Global Office.
Hear AIM NA Board members Jeanne Duckett, Avery Dennison and Sheila Gill, Honeywell along with Renee Perry, Culimer USA and Steven Keddie, GS1 GO share how these innovations enhance supply chain visibility, traceability, and regulatory compliance. Our experts examine the transformative potential of RFID technology and 2D barcodes and successful case studies that highlight the real-world impact of advanced barcode scanning solutions. Thank you to our sponsors: Avery Dennison, Honeywell, Culimer USA, and GS1 Global Office.
The Work Group submitted comments in response to the United States Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Comments Notice for Data and Technology in the New Era of Smarter Food Safety Request for Comments, Docket No. FDA-2024-N-1744. The public comments provided during the FDA public meeting on April 24, 2024 (listen to members Sharmeen Khan, OpsSmart Global; Jeanne Duckett, Avery Dennison; and Katy Jones, Trustwell), made it clear that it is essential for a safer, more resilient, and sustainable interoperable digital supply chain. The group’s intention with sharing these comments is to demonstrate how globally ubiquitous, interoperable traceability technologies, based on international consensus-based standards, can enable meeting the objectives of the FDA in ensuring ways to leverage data and technology to exponentially advance food safety under the New Era of Smarter Food Safety.
Read the comments.
Read the comments.
June 18, 2024 – Pittsburgh, PA – AIM North America (AIM NA), representing AIM Global in the U.S., Canada and Mexico as the trusted industry association for the automatic identification and data capture industry, providing unbiased information, educational resources and standards, announced the recipients of the 'Professional of the Year' and 'Organization of the Year' awards.
These awards recognize significant contributions to the AIDC industry. Jeanne Duckett, AIM NA board chair, presented the awards earlier this month at the GS1 Connect event in Orlando, FL. AIM NA congratulates all nominees for their contributions and extends special recognition to the winners in each category.
"We are thrilled to honor Golden State Foods and Julie McGill from Trustwell for their outstanding contributions to the AIDC industry," said Duckett. "Their innovative efforts and commitment to excellence have significantly advanced our industry, setting a high standard for others to follow."
These awards recognize significant contributions to the AIDC industry. Jeanne Duckett, AIM NA board chair, presented the awards earlier this month at the GS1 Connect event in Orlando, FL. AIM NA congratulates all nominees for their contributions and extends special recognition to the winners in each category.
"We are thrilled to honor Golden State Foods and Julie McGill from Trustwell for their outstanding contributions to the AIDC industry," said Duckett. "Their innovative efforts and commitment to excellence have significantly advanced our industry, setting a high standard for others to follow."
Organization of the Year Award
Established in 2013, this award is presented to an organization in recognition of outstanding contributions and service that have furthered the growth of the industry. As a respected and responsible leader in the automatic identification and data capture industry, this company’s achievements in serving the industry deserve special recognition. This year’s winner is Golden State Foods.
Established in 2013, this award is presented to an organization in recognition of outstanding contributions and service that have furthered the growth of the industry. As a respected and responsible leader in the automatic identification and data capture industry, this company’s achievements in serving the industry deserve special recognition. This year’s winner is Golden State Foods.
 Brian Dick, CEO, Golden State Foods (right) receiving the award from AIM NA Chair, Jeanne Duckett (left). | Golden State Foods Golden State Foods, a prominent supplier to Quick Service Restaurants and retailers, received the prestigious Organization of the Year award. CEO Brian Dick graciously accepted this honor. The company distinguishes itself by spearheading technological innovations in the food industry, notably as a pioneering site in AIDC technologies. Through active participation in knowledge sharing, they elevate industry standards by offering insights, best practices, and success stories. Their commitment extends beyond business success to encompass community engagement, environmental stewardship, and philanthropy, exemplifying a comprehensive approach to corporate responsibility. In doing so, they bolster their brand while also setting a commendable benchmark for the AIDC sector. |
Professional of the Year Award
Since 2011, this award has been presented annually to an individual in recognition of innovative and exceptional contributions to the development of the Automatic Identification and Mobility industry through their work as a contributor, collaborator, or mentor. This year, the awardee is Julie McGill
Since 2011, this award has been presented annually to an individual in recognition of innovative and exceptional contributions to the development of the Automatic Identification and Mobility industry through their work as a contributor, collaborator, or mentor. This year, the awardee is Julie McGill
 Julie McGill (center) receiving the award from Mary Lou Bosco, CEO, AIM NA (left) and AIM NA Chair Jeanne Duckett (right). | Julie McGill With an impressive career spanning pivotal roles at FoodLogiQ / Trustwell and GS1 US, Julie has demonstrated unwavering dedication, exceptional leadership, and a profound impact on industry standards. At FoodLogiQ / Trustwell, Julie spearheaded the development of cutting-edge traceability solutions, positioning the company as a leader in transparency and efficiency within the food supply chain. Her strategic vision and thought leadership have significantly influenced the industry, fostering innovation and best practices. Prior to her tenure at FoodLogiQ / Trustwell, Julie made substantial contributions at GS1 US, playing a key role in standards development and educational initiatives in the foodservice sector. Julie's leadership style, characterized by vision, strategic acumen, and collaboration, has been instrumental in driving success at both organizations. |
“We applaud the award winners for their vision and passion that continue to drive technology innovations and AIDC awareness and implementation,” said Mary Lou Bosco, CEO of AIM North America.
For more information, biography, or photos, contact AIM NA's headquarters by email or call +1.724.742.4473.
For more information, biography, or photos, contact AIM NA's headquarters by email or call +1.724.742.4473.
New appointees will enhance the board’s focus on standards, interoperability, and innovation.
AIM North America (AIM NA), the trade association for the automated data capture technologies industry (commonly referred to as “AIDC”), including barcode, RFID, IoT, NFC, and RTLS, is pleased to announce the appointment of three additional members to its board of directors, Chris Brown, TSC Printronix; Julie McGill, Trustwell; and Andre Luecht, Zebra Technologies.
   | Chris Brown – Chris Brown will serve the AIM North America board for a three-year term. Chris is an established AIDC professional known for driving business growth and fostering innovation. As the RFID Program Director at TSC Printronix Auto ID, Inc., he has achieved remarkable sales growth for the company’s RFID portfolio and expanded his role to a global level. Earlier, as General Manager, EMEA at Seagull Scientific, Inc., he established the European office from scratch, increasing revenue thousands of percent during his 20-year tenure. Brown’s ability to revitalize struggling departments, such as at Sunmar Container Lines, Inc., where he achieved a 95% market share, underscores his strategic vision and leadership acumen. Julie McGill – Julie McGill will be serving on the AIM North America board for a two-year term. Julie is a seasoned supply chain professional renowned for her adept account management and customer engagement skills within high-profile organizations. Currently serving as Vice President of Supply Chain Strategy & Insights at Trustwell (formerly FoodLogiQ), Julie orchestrates strategy and execution for traceability engagement and marketing initiatives. With a rich background encompassing roles at GS1 US and Transora, she has excelled as a Senior Director in foodservice, driving GS1 standards adoption. Julie started her food and beverage career at Coors Brewing Company, in Golden, Colorado, working with their distributor partners to capture store level data and managed their distributor EDI program. Andre Luecht – Andre Luecht will be serving on the AIM North America board for a two-year term. Andre is the global strategy lead for Transport, Logistics and Warehouse at Zebra Technologies. He spent the last 25+ years in the supply chain, transport, and logistics field, both as a provider of technologies and services and as a customer. His international career includes multiple senior leadership roles such as Global Vice President for DHL and General Manager for TNT/FedEx which had him posted in India, Belgium, Germany, and Singapore. Most recently, he ran North American operations for one of the largest food packaging distributors. Before joining Zebra in 2019, Andre consulted for several Private Equity funds, acquiring transport, warehouse, and distribution assets in the US. |
Mary Lou Bosco, CEO at AIM North America, emphasized, "Chris, Julie, and Andre bring a wealth of experience and expertise in strategic business development and technology innovation. Their perspectives will be critical as we strive to expand our programs and deepen our impact in the industry."
For more information or photos, contact AIM NA's headquarters by email or call +1.724.742.4473.
For more information or photos, contact AIM NA's headquarters by email or call +1.724.742.4473.
Archives
April 2026
March 2026
September 2024
August 2024
June 2024
April 2024
November 2023
October 2023
March 2023
February 2023
January 2023
December 2022
April 2022
March 2022
February 2022
December 2021
November 2021
August 2021
June 2021
February 2021
November 2020
August 2020
July 2020
June 2020
May 2020
April 2020
March 2020
February 2020
January 2020
December 2019
November 2019
October 2019
September 2019
August 2019
July 2019
June 2019
April 2019
March 2019
February 2019
January 2019
November 2018
October 2018
September 2018
August 2018
June 2018
May 2018
April 2018
March 2018
February 2018
January 2018
December 2017
October 2017
September 2017
August 2017
July 2017
June 2017
May 2017
April 2017
March 2017
February 2017
January 2017
July 2016
May 2016
RSS Feed