As consumers go about their daily routine of purchasing everything from toasters to automobiles, a crisis is looming that may prove to be as much of a challenge to computer systems worldwide as Y2K.
Beginning on January 1, 2005, the 12-digit bar code or UPC (Universal Product Code) used by retailers in the U.S. and Canada to identify virtually every product sold, must be expanded to at least 13 digits because unique combinations of 12-digit numbers are being depleted and because most other countries already use 13 digits.
The Uniform Code Council and EAN International have advised retailers and manufacturers worldwide to increase UPCs to 14 digits in order to handle future growth. According to industry experts, a failure to become "UPC- compliant" in time to accommodate the change could cause system failures possibly resulting in a disruption of supply chains worldwide. At a minimum, it may leave consumers stranded at checkout counters.
"The real problem is the short span of time major companies have to respond to this issue," says Ed Severs, CEO of ADPAC Corporation. "The methods we used to fix the Y2K problem will not work for bar codes. And, while there may be additional time after January 1, 2005 to become UPC-compliant before we see any problems, this will be of little consolation to businesses with millions of lines of computer code that must find and fix the problem in less than 2 years. Furthermore, those who wait too long may face inflated prices, just like during Y2K."
For those who are unfamiliar with the company, it was ADPAC ‘s technology and methods that enabled other industry leaders like IBM, EDS, and Platinum Technology to tackle and successfully complete many of the most strategically important Y2K projects in the U.S. and abroad before the stroke of midnight on December 31, 1999. ADPAC ‘s technology, recognized as "best-of- breed" by the Gartner Group during Y2K, has since been enhanced to handle issues like the upcoming UPC changes and the expansion of telephone numbers that will take place in just a few years. The company now plans to offer an unparalleled and extremely competitive solution for frenzied retailers and manufacturers to become UPC-compliant.
"Since Y2K, we have done extensive development work to perfect an approach for problems exactly like this one," says Severs. "We now offer a packaged solution that is simple, fast, and inexpensive. Together with our unusual performance guarantees, our approach is unparalleled in the industry. Those affected by the UPC issue will be pleased to know that they now have an alternative to the same old worn-out sales pitch that everyone else will be giving."
The ADPAC language preceded COBOL, making it an icon in the computer industry. Today, ADPAC is a leader in mainframe products and services, and has enjoyed a history of nearly four decades and a presence in over 35 counties worldwide.
For more information contact ADPAC at 1-800-797-8439 or visit http://www.adpac.com
