The Barcode

Update: 2023-10-16

Description

Paul V. McEnroe is an award-winning engineer and former IBM executive who played a pivotal role in the development of the universal product code (UPC), also known as the barcode. With over two decades of experience at IBM, McEnroe led a team that created one of the most influential technologies of our generation. He is the author of the business memoir titled "The Barcode," which tells the story of his journey and the development of the barcode.

McEnroe shares his background, from being adopted as a child to his education and career at IBM. He discusses how he became involved in the development of the barcode and the challenges he faced along the way. McEnroe also reflects on the unexpected uses and impact of the barcode, such as its role in Amazon's operations. He emphasizes the importance of teamwork and mentorship in achieving success and offers advice for structuring effective teams.

TIMESTAMPS:
0:01:27 : Introduction to Paul V. McEnroe and his role in developing the barcode
0:02:20 : Paul's background and journey to IBM
0:04:09 : Paul's role in starting a new business at IBM
0:06:21 : Choosing the point of sale industry for barcode implementation
0:08:43 : The selection of IBM's barcode as the industry standard
0:10:15 : The complexity of developing the barcode system
0:12:05 : The technological challenges and innovations in barcode implementation
0:14:32 : The unexpected impact and innovative uses of the barcode
0:14:51 : Conclusion and final thoughts on the barcode's legacy
0:15:23 : Jeff Bezos made money on barcodes through Amazon automation
0:16:39 : Barcode technology wiped out traditional stores like Macy's.
0:17:49 : 18 states passed laws against barcodes, causing legal issues
0:19:19 : Paul had to become a lobbyist to explain barcode benefits
0:20:59 : Canadian woman found barcode system helpful for price comparison
0:22:14 : IBM lawyers worried about eye safety and laser suicide
0:25:04 : Paul became president of Trilogy after leaving IBM
0:27:49 : QR codes were a natural evolution of barcode technology
0:29:10 : QR codes offer more data but may not compete with barcodes
0:30:06 : Reading barcodes at high speeds was a challenge in development
0:30:33 : Paul recalls the CEO's skepticism about the barcode project
0:31:11 : The CEO tests the barcode's functionality and is amazed
0:32:18 : Barcodes are still relevant and have magnetic encoding for retail
0:34:18 : Paul shares his motivation for writing a memoir about the barcode
0:37:18 : Paul emphasizes the importance of teamwork in achieving goals
0:39:14 : Paul discusses the composition of his barcode development team
0:41:11 : Paul adds more engineers to his team to cover various expertise
0:43:31 : Communication and leadership are crucial for a successful team
0:45:16 : Problem with the code: it needed to be small
0:46:03 : X scan for the barcode
0:48:10 : Importance of teamwork in creating the barcode
0:49:06 : Mentorship played a pivotal role in Paul's success

SYMLINKS
ENTREPRENEUR.COM
The Barcode: How a Team Created One of the World's Most Ubiquitous Technologies

DRINK INSTRUCTION
The U.P.C.
1 oz Unaged Rum
1 oz Peach Liquor
1 oz Cranberry Juice
Combine all ingredients in a glass with ice.