AIM Trend Barometer for the second half of 2025: Light at the end of the tunnel for the auto-ID industry
The industry association AIM-D e.V. presents the results of the AIM Trend Barometer for the second half of 2025.
The survey of member companies shows that despite continuing difficult conditions—from geopolitical tensions and high costs to a shortage of skilled workers—the Auto-ID/AIDC industry remains stable and is once again cautiously optimistic about the future.
The majority of companies report stable or improved markets compared to the previous year, while the proportion of pessimistic assessments is declining significantly. For 2026, a clear majority expects at least a stable, and in many cases even better, business situation. This underlines the confidence in the performance of the technologies used – from barcodes and 2D codes to RFID and NFC to RTLS, sensor technology, and vision systems.
In terms of content, the focus is shifting further toward holistic, data-driven solutions: Artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, the Digital Product Passport (DPP), energy harvesting, and the combination of auto-ID with sensor technology and image processing are cited by companies as important drivers for the future.
At the same time, regulatory requirements, standardization, and security specifications are becoming increasingly important – although they increase pressure, they also open up numerous new project and growth opportunities for the industry.
AIM-D sees the results of the trend barometer as confirmation: Auto-ID and wireless IoT technologies remain key enablers for Industry 4.0, smart factories, transparent supply chains, and sustainable value creation. The association is supporting this development with standardization work, expert committees, and continuous exchange between technology providers, integrators, researchers, and users.
About AIM-D
AIM-D e.V. is the leading industry association for automatic data capture, identification (AutoID), and mobile IT systems in German-speaking countries. The association brings together the interests of over 120 members – from technology providers and system integrators to research institutions – and is involved in standardization, normalization, and the further development of technologies such as RFID, NFC, barcodes, 2D codes, RTLS, and industrial sensor technology.
About Think WIoT
Think WIoT is the trade magazine and content portal of the Think WIoT Group for wireless IoT technologies. It focuses on practical reports, market analyses, interviews, and success stories from areas such as AutoID, RFID, NFC, RTLS, LPWAN, sensor technology, edge computing, and software platforms. Think WIoT connects technology providers, integrators, researchers, and user industries—from manufacturing and logistics to retail and automotive to smart cities and healthcare.