🎙️ Join us on the "What is Innovation?" podcast with the remarkable Paul V. McEnroe, the engineer behind the ubiquitous Universal Product Code (UPC) barcode. Paul’s definition centers around an open mind, technical capability, and teamwork. Hear the fascinating story of how the barcode transformed the retail category from the man who was there from the beginning. In addition to the barcode, learn about Paul and his team’s contributions to many other technologies we use today. Hear his advice on the value of patience, returning favors, and how we all can leave a lasting impact in the world of innovation. Tune in now for a dose of inspiration and invaluable advice for innovators!
Paul V. McEnroe, the engineer behind the ubiquitous Universal Product Code (UPC) barcode. Paul’s definition centers around an open mind, technical capability, and teamwork. Hear the fascinating story of how the barcode transformed the retail category from the man who was there from the beginning and his advice on the value of patience, returning favors, and how we all can leave a lasting impact in the world of innovation.Â
More about our guest:
Paul McEnroe is best known for his primary role in developing the Universal Product Code (UPC), the barcode used on every product in supermarkets and the retail industry, and the scanners that read them. In 1974 he received the IBM SCD President’s Award for the development of the Supermarket System including the Barcode “. . . from inception through shipment.” He was co-inventor of the handheld “pistol-grip” scanner that reads barcodes from a distance, developed the magnetic code for stock keeping unit (SKU) marking, and later managed the development of the Token Ring Local Area Network (LAN). In 1984 McEnroe became president of Trilogy Systems Corporation and developed other multi-chip technologies.
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Episode Guide:
0:00 - Intro
0:48 - What is Innovation?
2:07 - Importance of bridging an open mind and the elements of science and technology Â
3:20 - Modern education and innovation
4:44 - Importance of teamwork
5:39 - What we now know as "barcode": the Universal Product Code (UPC)
7:50 - IBM's role in the creation of UPC and NCRs
11:13 - Working on Magnetic Strips for transit systems
12:34 - The Store Loop and Token Ring
14:52 - IBM, funding, problem-solving, and barcode scanning
20:42 - Gene Amdahl and IBM System 360
22:26 - Winchester Technology: The floppy disk
23:44 - Patience and returning favors
25:39 - Advice for Innovators and leaving impact
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