Awards acknowledge outstanding achievements in AIDC technology
AIM Global, the leading industry association and global authority in innovation, standards, and solutions in barcode, biometrics, IoT, NFC, RFID, RTLS, and RAIN, is delighted to announce the winners of the 2024 AIM industry awards. These awards celebrate the industry's brightest minds, innovative technologies, and dedicated individuals and organizations who have made significant strides in advancing the automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) industry.
Richard R. Dilling Award
Since 1984, the Dilling Award is the highest award given in the Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) industry. Named for Richard R. Dilling, an industry pioneer and former Vice President of AIM, it is presented to executives, scientists, and engineers in recognition of outstanding contributions that have furthered the growth of the industry through important applications and new technological developments.
We are thrilled to announce that Don Ferguson from Lyngsoe Systems is the winner of the Richard R. Dilling Award 2024! Don is the mind behind the revolutionary "Toggle" (or "T") bit on a RFID tag memory. This innovation allows us to easily identify whether a tag contains GS1 or ISO/IEC data. Congratulations, Don!
Alan Gilligan Award
This award was established in 2012 to honor a revolutionary developer of supply chain standards across multiple industries. The award is given to a member of the industry who has made outstanding contributions to the development of AIDC applications in materials handling and logistics supply chain.
In a groundbreaking move, Dutch company Tagologic has been awarded for their revolutionary innovation in supply chain technology. By integrating blockchain with their TTAG application, Tagologic has transformed product authentication and transparency, setting a new standard for efficiency and safety in the distribution chain.
Dr. Clive Hohberger Technology Award
Created in 2018 to honor the lifetime contribution of Dr. Clive Hohberger, prolific inventor, and recognize the scientists, engineers, software developers, or systems integrators for outstanding contributions that have furthered the growth of the industry through important applications and new technological developments.
Benjamin Bekritsky from Zebra Technologies is presented this award for his groundbreaking work in advancing RFID technology through the development of a pioneering software feature for Zebra’s ATR overhead wide-area array UHF RTLS reader. His exceptional contributions have significantly enhanced item-level movement detection in retail supply chains and improved loss prevention strategies, setting a new standard in the industry.
Paul Bergé International Business Development Award
The Paul Bergé Award, established in 2020, recognizes the extensive international AIDC business development efforts spearheaded by Paul Bergé throughout his career. Presented each year, the Paul Bergé Award distinguishes an individual or an organization that demonstrates an international impact on expanding AIDC technology awareness and implementation.
Frank Yiannas is awarded for his influential advocacy in food supply chain traceability. As the former Deputy Commissioner for Food Policy & Response at the US FDA, his compelling calls for enhanced automation and data collection have made a profound international impact, advancing the industry's ability to swiftly manage recalls and safeguard public health.
Ted Williams Award
Named in honor of Ted Williams, an industry innovator, collaborator, and long-time member of the AIM Global Technical Symbology Committee, this award, created in 2007, is presented annually to a professor or student in recognition of innovative and exceptional contributions to the development of the Automatic Identification and Mobility industry that can further the growth of the industry through their work as a teacher, researcher or entrepreneur.
Justin Patton, RFID Lab Director at the Auburn University, has been awarded for his pivotal role in advancing the RFID industry through the development of the Auburn RFID Labs. His leadership and expertise have provided invaluable, unbiased insights and verifiable testing, driving successful global RFID implementations and shaping the future of the technology.
Lifetime Achievement Award
The AIM Global Lifetime Achievement Awards are given to an elite group of past and present industry members whose careers have contributed in a major way to the advancement of the AIDC industry.
Sprague Ackley is a true champion of the AIDC industry, dedicating his time and expertise to the technical symbology committees of ISO, AIM, and GS1. He's a driving force in the development of application standards for a range of sectors, including automotive, retail, healthcare, electronics, and materials handling. Mr. Ackley is the named inventor on over 130 patents.
