Connecting the Physical and Digital: Chuck Evanhoe on AIM’s Legacy and Future

Chuck Evanhoe: Above all, working with so many outstanding people in the industry. Names like Sprague Ackley or Clive Hohberger represent many brilliant minds who have shaped the Auto-ID world. It has been a pleasure to work together on the development of the industry and to continuously ensure its relevance. This combination of collegial exchange and strategic influence has been particularly fulfilling for me.

Evanhoe: In the beginning – like many other organizations – we faced financial hurdles. But it was exactly this situation that forced us to realign and strengthen our relevance to the market. We addressed new stakeholders, rethought our structures, and emerged from it as a stronger organization. 

Evanhoe: A good example is the increasing adoption of passive UHF RFID solutions – not only within the industry but also among users who previously had little exposure. New legal requirements, such as the Digital Product Passport or the Food Safety Modernization Act, are bringing additional groups into play: manufacturers, suppliers, retailers.

Evanhoe: We are experiencing an exciting time. The need for reliable identification is growing. Our technologies form the bridge between the physical and the digital world. Without them, no IoT system, no digital twin, and no traceability can function. The industry is developing rapidly, and AIM is right at the center as a driving force. 

Evanhoe: Our focus remains on relevance – for the industry, for users, and for stakeholders. We continue to emphasize the standards with which it all began, education around AIDC technologies, and networking. Conferences like Wireless IoT tomorrow provide a strong platform for this: breakfasts, sessions, meetings – all serve the purpose of exchange. It’s not about short-lived trends, but about sustainable relevance. 

Evanhoe: We connect all three areas. Our regional sections closely observe new regulatory developments – such as the Digital Product Passport or traceability in the supply chain. We are involved in standardization, support research, and convey practical knowledge through formats such as seminars, webinars, and conferences. 

Evanhoe: Definitely. For years now, our development has been moving in one direction: relevance. This is due in no small part to our dedicated staff. Mary Lou and her team are the backbone of the organization. They keep operations running, ensure continuity, and bring fresh impulses.

Evanhoe: That attitude falls short. Knowledge does not arise through Google alone, but through exchange with others – in workshops, webinars, and personal conversations. Those who want to think ahead and develop new ideas need a network. That is exactly what organizations like AIM provide. 

Evanhoe: We launched two initiatives – one for young people and one for women in the Auto-ID industry. The goal is to address and involve these groups specifically. Many young people see barcodes or QR codes as a matter of course, without knowing the technology or significance behind them. Through educational programs and personal engagement, we aim to convey this knowledge. 

Evanhoe: Openness and collegiality are core values at AIM. Of course, every company has its own goals – but we believe in the added value of working together. When the industry as a whole grows, everyone benefits. AIM provides the space to present new ideas, develop standards together, and share knowledge. Those who have a good idea will find the right partners for implementation at AIM. 

Evanhoe: AIM has been a founding force in standardization within the Auto-ID sector. Numerous internationally established barcode standards originate from our organization. We are also active in the RFID space.

Evanhoe: Interest in IoT and digital twins is growing rapidly. Technologies such as Wi-Fi HaLow or sub-gigahertz frequencies play an important role. Our contribution is clear: we ensure the reliable identification of physical objects. The complementary technologies help transmit the captured data into systems where they can be used meaningfully. AIM thus ensures that the connection between the real and digital world functions – for example, via 2D codes or other identification solutions. 

Evanhoe: Our technologies provide the necessary data for systems using artificial intelligence, machine learning, and IoT applications. They are also indispensable for sustainability – for example, in monitoring supply chains or tracking energy use through energy harvesting. Auto-ID is the foundation of any data-driven innovation. 

Evanhoe: Overall, we see growing global acceptance. In the U.S., the retail sector is the driving force – led by companies like Walmart or Macy’s. In Europe, regulatory requirements are the focus, for example, the Digital Product Passport. Asia, in turn, stands out with manufacturing depth and innovation. Each region has its own focus – but all are moving toward broader adoption.