AI Enhances Barcode Reading Amid Manufacturing Challenges
Slice of Manufacturing Team
06/06/2025
Key highlights
- 41% of manufacturers struggle with damaged or smudged barcodes
- 47% expect AI to improve read rates and accuracy
- Ease of maintenance is critical due to limited technical expertise
Notable Quote
“ Leveraging advanced technology to make our customers' jobs easier is at the core of everything we do at Cognex. This survey reinforces the value of embedding AI into our barcode reading solutions. ”
Carl Gerst, Executive Vice President, Vision and ID Products at Cognex
Why This Matters
The findings from Cognex's Industrial Barcode Reading Survey illustrate a significant shift in how manufacturing and logistics sectors are addressing traceability and operational efficiency. As barcode legibility issues persist—often caused by physical damage or placement challenges—AI emerges as the most promising solution for improving accuracy and minimizing downtime.
This trend underscores a broader movement toward smarter, more adaptive technologies in industrial environments. AI-powered tools like the Cognex DataMan 290 and 390 are not just solving existing problems; they are enabling less technically trained staff to maintain high operational standards, which is crucial in a globally competitive and increasingly automated market. This evolution represents a critical step in future-proofing supply chains through intelligent automation.
