Tying the Internet of Things to a strategy for mobile devices - wearables, tablets, smartphones - is not only forward-thinking, but gets to the heart of what good supply chain management is all about.

The tried and true barcode may be approaching its twilight. Because of the increasing demand for information about products, the 41-year-old technology is due for an evolutionary replacement.

Bussbygg, a truck-body maker based in Norway, says one of its customers is using two RFID-enabled refrigerated trailers in an ongoing trial, and finds that the technology shortens the delivery of goods by 30 minutes per stop, while preventing errors.

Barcodes are indispensable for the exchange of vital data. It's time we recognized the important contribution that barcode printers make to the success of a company's supply chain – and to its bottom line.