Reinventing Barcodes - How True I/O and CODEUS Are Building a New Era of Product Data Security
Barcodes are broken. True I/O and CODEUS are fixing it with blockchain-secured, manufacturer-controlled product information.
The way we interact with product data is broken. The rise of agentic AI has exposed massive volumes of incomplete and inaccurate product information, making it difficult for businesses and consumers alike to trust what they see. This problem isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a fundamental challenge in a world where AI-driven systems need reliable data to function effectively. At True I/O, we are addressing this issue head-on through our groundbreaking partnership with CODEUS, one of the global leaders in barcode technology. Together, we are redefining how manufacturers manage and secure the official product information associated with their barcodes.
The Need for Trustworthy Product Data
With AI rapidly integrating into commerce, logistics, and everyday life, the demand for accurate, verifiable product information has never been greater. AI systems learn from massive datasets, but without structured controls, they absorb erroneous data, leading to flawed decision-making. Inconsistent product details can create chaos—especially in industries where accuracy is critical, such as pharmaceuticals, food, and consumer electronics.
Our solution? A permissioned system that enables manufacturers to define and control the official metadata associated with their products and barcodes. This approach creates a trusted chain of custody, ensuring that AI models and other automated systems are learning from accurate, authenticated sources rather than the fragmented, unreliable data currently scattered across the internet.
Addressing Security Gaps in Global Supply Chains
Product verification remains a monumental challenge for manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. The current barcode system, developed in the 1960s, is static and provides no real-time verification of product authenticity. This has led to a proliferation of counterfeit goods, fraudulent stock movements, and inefficiencies that cost industries billions annually.
By integrating CODEUS’s blockchain-powered smart barcodes with True I/O’s Universal Communications Identifier (UCID), we are enabling real-time authentication of product identity, chain-of-custody tracking, and compliance verification. This means that manufacturers can instantly validate ownership and licensing information, while retailers and marketplaces can verify the authenticity of products before they ever reach shelves.
Enhancing the Consumer Experience
The impact of unreliable product data extends beyond manufacturers and retailers—it affects consumers directly. Have you ever used a nutrition app and found ten different entries for the same product, all with different nutritional values? Have you ever stood in a store wanting to collect product details to compare later, only to find conflicting or missing information? Our partnership with CODEUS solves these frustrations by giving end-users access to accurate, tamper-proof product data at the point of scan.
Through the CODEUS scanner app or any partner-integrated mobile application, consumers will be able to scan a product barcode and receive official manufacturer-verified information, eliminating the guesswork from purchasing decisions. This innovation not only improves consumer confidence but also enhances engagement, allowing brands to deliver real-time promotions and personalized experiences at the point of sale.
How We’re Making This a Reality
The solution we are building with CODEUS introduces a new paradigm for barcode security and product data management:
Manufacturers gain control – When purchasing barcodes, manufacturers can embed official, immutable metadata to ensure the accuracy and integrity of product information.
Retail chains and marketplaces ensure authenticity – When taking stock intake from sellers, businesses can scan and verify company and product details instantly, preventing counterfeit and mislabeled goods from entering the supply chain.
Consumers access trusted data – Using the CODEUS scanner app or partner applications, end-users can retrieve verified product information at any time, creating a seamless shopping experience.
Governments establish compliance standards – Countries and regulatory bodies can use this system to improve tracking and authentication of imported and exported goods, reducing fraud and ensuring compliance.
The Future of Product Identification
Our collaboration with CODEUS represents a major step forward in making barcodes smarter, more secure, and truly functional in the digital economy. By combining blockchain security with the ubiquity of barcode scanning, we are empowering manufacturers, retailers, and consumers to operate in a world where product data is trustworthy and actionable.
This is just the beginning. As AI, supply chain automation, and global commerce continue to evolve, the need for secure, standardized, and transparent product data will only grow. Through our partnership, we are ensuring that barcodes—one of the most fundamental elements of modern commerce—are ready for the future.
If you’re a manufacturer, retailer, or technology partner looking to join us in shaping the next generation of barcode security, get in touch. The future of trusted product data starts now.