As we begin 2013, its hard not to look back on 2012 and think what will be different in 2013. VDC Research recently discussed their AutoID predictions for 2013. According to VDC Research, we can expect:

Increased Market Aggregation
We can expect consolidation of barcode hardware to achieve growth across different verticals and regions.

Accessories
More barcode hardware accessories will be marketd, such as sleds and/or sleeves to make consumer-grade devices friendly for the enterprise.

Mobile Labels
There will be more support for printing barcode labels on-the-go, ideal for field service and direct store deliver (DSD) applications.

Barcodes for Consumers
Barcode scanning by consumers on their mobile devices will continue to increase, as will overall QR code usage.

Mobile POS (mPOS)
More and more B2C businesses will use mobile POS systems, particularly in retail applications.

NFC
NFC-enabled phones will become more prominent, but it still won’t become the norm in 2013.

RFID & RTLS
The use of RFID and RTLS in healthcare is on the rise—this will most likely continue in 2013.

Item-level Tagging
Item-level tagging in the apparel industry will increase as a result of already successful implementations from retailers such as Wal-Mart and American Apparel.

Do you agree with these predictions? Share your thoughts by commenting below, or on our Facebook or twitter pages.

See more AIDC predictions for 2013.

Today, Intermec announced the launch of their latest barcode printer, the PC23d. This 2” direct thermal desktop printer is ideal for the healthcare industry and designed for the ultimate in user friendliness, featuring:

• 10-language LCD or iconic user interface
• One-handed media loading
• Quick configuration via USB flash drive
• User-installable connectivity upgrades and accessories for scalability
• Modular IT-friendly design speeds
• Remote status update
• Easily programmable

Learn more about the PC23d, or more about Intermec.

While adding color to your barcode labels is always a nice touch, many are concerned with the cost of color. However, in a recent study from Brother, it was found that the cost of color printing is declining. In fact, the two price points of color and mono printing are predicted to meet as early as 2011.

While most companies own black and white label printers, the total cost of ownership of for color printers will eventually meet that of black and white printers, allowing companies to spruce up their labels. Judging by current trends, the price points should meet at approximately mid-2011. However, it is arguable that the two costs may not meet due to added technical complexities in the color printer and supply manufacturing processes.

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The Intermec PF8 Desktop Printer is compact and easy-to-use, making it ideal for light duty barcode printing and labeling applications in transportation, healthcare, retail and office environments.

The PF8 is available in thermal transfer (PF8t) and direct thermal (PF8d), but both models are designed to simplify deployment and reduce the need for IT support. Specifically, all PF8 models include Intermec PrintSet, a tool that provides easy configuration for printer and network settings, downloading fonts and graphics and upgrading firmware, thus saving set-up and maintenance time. Because of its simplicity, the PF8 is a great solution for those who are relatively new to printing their own barcode labels, or for those who are switching from laser/inkjet printers.

The Intermec PF8 features:

• Internal Ethernet connectivity option
• Offers easy migration path for Intermec PC4 and other EPL desktop printers
• Clamshell design for easy media loading
• Double-wall case for durability
• One-inch ribbon core option (PF8t)

Learn more about the Intermec PF8 here.

RH Foster, a supplier of convenience stores, needed to find a more efficient way of labeling sandwiches for their client, Exxon-Mobile. Previously, the sandwich mogul underwent a tedious process just to get the sandwiches labeled correctly. Store clerks would have to:

• 1. Apply a label (by hand) that identified the sandwich and its ingredients.
• 2. Use a labeling gun to set and make the pricing label.
• 3. Get another labeling gun to set and date the freshness label.

As you can imagine, these three manual processes were very time consuming and tedious for the clerk to perform everyday. Even after completing these three steps, the sandwiches weren’t even barcoded, adding an additional step to the POS.

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