reCONNECT 2025 | The Key to Your Technology Stack: Collaboration

RFID. GS1-128 labels. Barcode scanning. Each of these is an essential component of an effective traceability program, and none of them works in isolation. Every food company depends on technology to manage data, meet partner expectations, and support food safety. But having the right tools in place is only part of the equation.

To get real value from your tech stack, whether it’s for traceability, labeling, or supplier engagement, you need strong collaboration among your teams, vendors, and partners. Traceability, quality, and data accuracy are more important than ever as the food industry modernizes. Innovation is crucial. But collaboration is the real engine that powers a high-performing technology stack.

That's the focus of this Day One session of Virtual reCONNECT 2025, where Patti Blessing — Senior Sales Manager for RFID, Retail & Hospitality at Zebra Technologies — will join Trustwell's VP of Supply Chain Strategy & Insights, Julie McGill, for a fireside talk about how food businesses can move beyond disconnected pilots to lasting, scalable traceability solutions.

Patti has years of experience helping companies apply RFID, barcoding, and data analytics across industries. Patti also serves as vice chair of AIM and contributes to GS1 US work groups, bringing a unique perspective that connects technology, standards, and execution.

She’ll share what works (and what doesn’t!) when building and rolling out integrated traceability programs.

This session will cover the basics of AIDC (automatic identification and data capture) fundamentals, how RFID and barcodes work together, how GS1 standards shape clean data exchange, and how KPIs can signal when your program is ready to grow.

This is a practical conversation, grounded in real-world results. You’ll get a firsthand look at:

• What to focus on first when launching a traceability program
• How to work with suppliers who have different levels of technology readiness
• Why shared responsibilities and clear roles matter more than any one tool

Patti and Julie will also discuss the operational aspects of rollout, including what happens after the labels are printed and the systems go live. From supplier onboarding to change management and label version control, hear how companies like Zebra and Trustwell are working together to modernize traceability, strengthen supplier networks, and build technology stacks that truly support the work at hand.

Join Us for Virtual reCONNECT 2025: The Connected Future of the Food Industry