Date When Barcodes Started

The idea for barcodes dates back to 1948 when Norman "Joe" Woodland invented the first barcode. Incredibly, the first version used a variation of Morse code. The idea was reworked for many years trying to find a cost effective solution. By 1969, a committee was formed by the major grocery food chains and some of their suppliers to work on a universal barcode system that was cost effective. They got proposals from the leading technology companies of the time and accepted one from IBM in 1973. On June 26th, 1974, a ten pack of barcoded Wrigley's chewing gum was the first item scanned by a modern UPC scanner. As the 70s wore on, barcode equipment became more affordable and the barcode became widespread. By 1980 they were used in the majority of sales establishments.