For the past 30 years, Cognex has offered Automatic Identifi cation (Auto ID) technology to a variety of industries. Auto ID systems and barcode technology are used to track components and products through manufacturing lines, and the same technology is used to automate sorting and shipping. Based on Cognex Auto ID experience, this paper will explore how improving barcode read rates with new image-based technology can shorten return on investment (ROI) of capital equipment.