The barcode turned 50 this year, and the revolutionary technology is still in use today. Not only is the Universal Product Code still essential for global commerce, but the technology has evolved into other forms like the QR code. 

Over 10 billion barcodes are scanned every day, but the first barcode was scanned on a 10-pack of gum on June 26, 1974. The barcode was designed by IBM and it remains “one of the most digital data infrastructures ever,” according to barcode expert Jordan Frith. 

Frith delves into the history of the barcode, and describes how the technology revolutionized the retail industry and the economy.