Bar code technology tracks temperature changes.

As products travel through the supply chain, temperatures can affect the composition or quality of merchandise. However, a new smart-label process that marries bar codes with temperature-sensitive inks can help suppliers guarantee that fresh products arrive at retail partners' stores. This innovation is available from Pop! Technology, a product-labeling provider that helps companies maximize their existing bar code investments and data collection processes.

Suppliers seeking to protect merchandise from harmful temperature changes across the supply chain can add Pop!'s Safety Product Code (sPC) to outbound products. The sPC is a temperature-sensitive ink overlay that is applied on top of existing bar codes. The label can be preset with a specific temperature range.

If a product's bar code is exposed to an undesirable temperature, the sPC permanently alters the product's code with a colored line. As existing bar code scanners read the altered code, the pallet's temperature is recorded along all points of the supply chain. By adding the sPC to pallets, companies can ensure that perishable or degradable items are being properly handled from the plant to the truck and finally, to the store shelf.

Once products arrive at retail stores, consumer packaged goods companies want to be sure they are being sold at the right temperature. To ensure this practice, suppliers can add Pop!'s Advanced Product Code. Unlike the sPC, this overlay can be set to reflect specific temperatures. As the temperature-sensitive bar code is scanned at a retailer's point of sale, the register records the item's temperature at the time of the sale. This alerts manufacturers and retailers to whether an item has been sold at its ideal temperature. This data also helps suppliers and retailers evaluate item movement and consumer demand. As a result, retailers and suppliers can keep shelves and cold cases stocked with the right amount of products, at the right temperature.

Currently, Pop! is working with packaging manufacturer Caraustar to establish a market for the technology. Pop! is also completing discussions with two publicly listed beverage manufacturers and hopes to begin product testing with the companies, according to a Pop! spokeswoman.