In the early 1980s, the automotive industry lacked a single standard for bar codes. With more than 50 different symbologies and 20 different shipping label variations in use, each OEM often employed multiple symbologies within its own divisions and plants. Due to the lack of standardization, multiple readers and multiple bar codes were required for single parts, creating mass inefficiencies.

AIAG formed a bar coding project team to investigate the various symbologies and determine the industry’s new standard. In 1984, a single alphanumeric symbology (called Code 39) for the entire industry was established. AIAG also pioneered the concept of data identifiers, alphanumeric strings that indicate part number, purchase order number, quantity, etc. This concept was benchmarked by the aerospace and other industries, as well as the U.S. Department of Defense.

AIAG revolutionized the industry with its introduction of a single bar code symbology and the first bar code standard. AIAG’s bar coding standards have saved the industry millions of dollars in productivity, efficiency and accuracy.