Few could have guessed that chewing gum would usher in an era of streamlined production, reduced costs, and unparalleled traceability. In June 1974, a 10-pack of Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit did just that as it became the first product scanned with a universal product code (UPC). Although not the catalyst for sweeping adoption of barcode technology across the manufacturing sector, the event is the most memorable with the pack on display at Smithsonian’s Natural Museum of American History in Washington D.C.