The effort positions the Association to continue to support their mission of accelerating the growth and adoption of automatic identification technology solutions through standards development, and provides a streamlined membership process to encourage all companies with a vested interest in automatic identification to get involved.

"Now more than ever, we are continually reminded that automatic identification provides real value for enterprises as they identify business process improvements that impact the bottom line," states Dan Mullen, AIM's president.  "The AIM organization is an inclusive community of companies with a vested interest in bar code, RFID, RTLS, and enterprise mobile computing.  This campaign, and the changes it entails, expands membership opportunities to small and large organizations with an interest in these technology solutions."

For more than 35 years, AIM has represented the community of manufacturers, resellers, solution providers, independent software vendors, distributors, and consultants providing bar code, radio frequency identification (RFID), RTLS, and mobile computing products and services within a wide range of vertical markets.  AIM members receive a range of services and, through participation, can impact national and international standards development, and influence consumers and policy makers through education and advocacy. 

Historically, the AIM North America chapter and the parent AIM organization, AIM Global, have provided separate programs and services in much the same way other AIM chapters around the world have maintained their own unique identities and membership. As a result of the organizational changes, AIM Global and AIM North America will offer collaborative membership activities now simply referred to as AIM activities.  Existing AIM Global and AIM North America members will be encouraged to refer to themselves as “Members of AIM”.

"We believe many companies within the auto ID industry want to be part of the collective voice and influence provided by participation in AIM, and the restructuring will allow more companies to enter at price points designed for their budgets," explains Chuck Evanhoe, AIM North America board chairman. 

Membership dues have been tailored to provide organizations of all types and size the opportunity to receive the many AIM benefits at a lower cost.  Organizations interested in AIM membership can now choose a category based on their company type and pay dues in proportion to their gross sales revenues in AIM-related markets.  Categories include:  manufacturer, channel (resellers, systems integrators, and consultants), independent software vendors (ISV), distributors, and associates (K-12 and universities, non-profits, government, and end users). 

"Involvement in AIM is the only way for our industry to continue to grow and prosper as we have done in the past.  The organizational changes reflect our recognition of the industry's need for collaboration and attention to price points that encourage greater participation," concludes Dr. Clive Hohberger, AIM Board Chairman. 

For complete information about AIM membership and to join the Association, please visit the AIM website.  For questions, please contact membership@aimglobal.org or call the AIM office at +1 724-934-4470.