AIDC solutions for logistics and retail: 2025 trends
From the warehouse aisle to the checkout lane, 2025 is the year when AIDC (Automatic Identification & Data Capture) stops being “just barcodes” and becomes an ecosystem of 2D codes, RFID/RAIN, RTLS, computer vision, and data compliance. For those managing supply chains, stores, and e‑commerce, this means faster processes, more accurate inventories, and richer data — but also technology choices that need to be carefully planned.
1). From barcodes to 2D barcodes (QR/DM) on the path to “Sunrise 2027”
The retail industry has set the transition to 2D barcode scanning at POS by 2027. In 2025, the transition phase accelerates: scanners and software must be able to read both EAN/UPC and QR/DataMatrix (often with GS1 Digital Link) to enable additional information (lots, expiration dates, recalls, dynamic promotions). If you haven’t already, now is the time to run pilot tests on key categories and update your scanners.
Why it matters: more data in a single scan, fewer shelf errors, end‑to‑end traceability, and an enriched customer experience both in‑store and online.
2). RFID/RAIN: from the back room to the shelf (and to the cart)
In 2024, 52.8 billion RAIN UHF chips were shipped; growth continues in 2025 driven by retail and logistics. The result? More frequent inventories (even daily), reduced out‑of‑stocks, “de facto” IoT on items, and solid foundations for services such as one‑hour pick‑up or ultra‑fast returns.
What to do now: evaluate item‑level tagging in high‑rotation categories (e.g., apparel), equip mobile/fixed readers in receiving and shipping areas, integrate RFID events into WMS/OMS for real‑time visibility.
3). Digital Product Passport (DPP) and compliance: data as a competitive advantage
In April 2025, the European Commission’s ESPR published the first Working Plan: among the first sectors impacted by Digital Product Passports are textiles/apparel, furniture, and others. For retail and brands, this means preparing data on material origin, repairability, and environmental footprint—often made accessible via QR/2D or RFID. Starting in 2025 avoids last‑minute rushes and creates value for returns, recommerce, and customer service.
4). Computer vision + AI: scanners become… intelligent cameras
Fixed cameras and industrial smartphones use AI to read multiple codes at once, combine barcode + text (OCR), detect anomalies (damage, wrong labels), and track flows without stopping packages. At loading bays, vision reduces errors; in aisles, it enables “mass scans” for shelf‑check and pricing.
Practical impact: less dedicated hardware, more layout flexibility, and fast software updates that improve decoding accuracy, even on damaged labels.
5). DWS (Dimensioning Weighing Scanning): parcel first, accurate tariffing
With e‑commerce growing, DWS systems automate parcel measurement, weighing, and scanning for accurate tariffs and fast sorting. The market is expanding, and in 2025 many operations are shifting from manual stations to dynamic tunnels integrated with WMS/TMS.
6). RTLS 2.0 (UWB/BLE/Hybrid): precise localization in warehouse and in store
UWB is reaching mass adoption across multiple sectors: in logistics it enables centimeter‑level localization of pallets, roll cages, and equipment, helping reduce search times and orchestrate human‑machine flows. 2025 projects are looking at hybrid solutions (UWB + BLE + RFID) to balance cost and performance.
7). Connectivity and edge: real time AIDC
Modern AIDC means edge computing close to the lines, native integration with WMS/ERP/OMS, open APIs and reliable networks (Wi‑Fi 6/7 or private 5G) to handle scanning peaks and video analytics. Translated: cleaner events, lower latency, operational dashboards now. (A systemic trend that enables points 2‑6.).
Technology checklist 2025:
Summary
In 2025, AIDC solutions become the backbone of the data‑driven supply chain: 2D codes prepare the POS of the future, RAIN RFID brings item‑level visibility, computer vision automates checks and counts, RTLS makes every asset “traceable,” while compliance (DPP) turns data into both requirement and opportunity. Those who start now with well‑measured pilots will reach 2027 not only compliant, but faster, more accurate, and more profitable.
Rossella Lucangelo
