Pips

What Pips does

PIPS (Product Identification & Processing Systems, Inc.) is a privately held automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) specialist founded in 1978 by George Wright and headquartered in Port Chester, New York, with a Mid-Atlantic regional office in Richmond. The company designs, sells, and supports bar code printing, verification, scanning, and data capture solutions for pharmaceutical, healthcare, publishing, retail, and industrial customers, with named enterprise references including Pfizer, the Wall Street Journal, and the Boston Globe. PIPS operates as both a product vendor and a consulting/implementation resource, and its principals have been involved in UPC and EAN standards development since 1972 and 1977 respectively, with active committee roles across GS1, HIBCC, AIM, NISO, and ANSI-ISO JTC1/SC31.

PIPS's portfolio combines proprietary and channel-resale offerings. Core proprietary technology is the SoftMaster EPS bar code image file line—vector graphics produced by creation algorithms refined over decades across the broadest range of output devices—alongside DataVerter and CheckMaster software utilities priced at $99 each. The company resells thermal transfer printers as the largest Monarch Brand (Avery Dennison) VAR in North America, distributes Axicon, Honeywell, and Webscan verification equipment, and is a TEKLYNX Premier Solutions Provider for LABEL MATRIX, LABELVIEW, CODESOFT, and related label design software. PIPS also operates an in-house multi-million dollar label and tag service bureau producing hundreds of thousands of labels weekly, and serves as the official custodian of the GS1 US 2D Judge instrument that manufactures NIST-traceable Data Matrix conformance test cards.

The business model mixes one-time software license fees, hardware resale, custom label production at order quantities from 1 to 1,000,000 units, and professional consulting/education services. Distribution is primarily direct via toll-free phone, fax, and specialized email addresses ([email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]), supplemented by channel partnerships. Four U.S. patents have issued (all now lapsed, most recently in 2010), and the company remains founder/family-controlled with no institutional investors, parent company, or M&A activity identified in the source material.

Name

Pips

Legal name

Product Identification & Processing Systems, Inc.

Website

https://pips.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1978

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

PIPS is a 1978-founded automatic identification specialist that designs, sells, and supports bar code printing, verification, scanning, and data capture products and services for pharmaceutical, publishing, and retail enterprises, primarily in North America.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Port Chester

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Bar Code Master Files (SoftMaster EPS): Sale of precisely crafted electronic bar code image files in EPS format for optimal quality and conformance across output devices. Orders fulfilled within one business day for existing customers.
2. Pressure Sensitive and Specialty Labels: Production and sale of pressure sensitive bar code labels, promotional labels, and specialty labels. Quantities from 1 to 1,000,000. Also includes hang tags for apparel and other applications.
3. Teklynx Label Printing Software: Resale of TEKLYNX label design and printing software products including LABEL MATRIX, LABELVIEW, CODESOFT, LABEL ARCHIVE, TEKLYNX CENTRAL, and SENTINEL. PIPS operates as a Premier Solutions Provider VAR.
4. Software Utilities: Sale of software utilities including DataVerter ($99) for Excel data conversion and CheckMaster ($99) for bar code check digit calculation.
5. Bar Code Verification Equipment: Distribution of bar code print quality verifiers including Axicon, Honeywell Quick Check, and Webscan TruCheck product lines. Authorized distributor for these brands.
6. On-Demand Printers: Sale and support of Monarch (Avery Denison) thermal transfer printers. PIPS is the largest Monarch Brand VAR in North America.
7. Bar Code Industry Publications: Sale of The Bar Code Book (5th Edition) by Roger C. Palmer at $39.95 including UPS Ground shipping. Comprehensive textbook covering 1-D and 2-D bar code technology.
8. Consulting and Education Services: Professional consulting, education, and in-plant implementation services for bar code applications in publishing, medical, pharmaceutical, consumer goods, and other industries.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

PIPS designs, sells and supports bar code printing, verification, scanning and data capture solutions built on on-demand tag and label printers, quality-assurance verifiers, scanners and terminals. The core proprietary offering is SoftMaster EPS bar code image files — precisely crafted vector graphics generated by algorithms refined over decades for optimal quality and conformance at any output resolution. PIPS also operates a multi-million-dollar label and tag service bureau producing hundreds of thousands of labels weekly on Monarch equipment and offers software utilities (DataVerter, CheckMaster), verifier distribution, and TEKLYNX software VAR services to pharmaceutical, healthcare, publishing and retail customers.

Product overview

PIPS is a full-service bar code organization (founded 1978) offering a comprehensive portfolio of products and services centered on automatic data capture technology. The core offering includes SoftMaster EPS bar code image files (precision-crafted vector graphics for optimal print quality), complemented by software utilities (DataVerter for Excel data conversion, CheckMaster for check digit calculation), and a full range of hardware products including pressure sensitive labels, thermal transfer printers (Monarch Brand), scanners, data collection terminals, and bar code verification equipment (Axicon, Honeywell Quick Check, Webscan TruCheck). PIPS also resells TEKLYNX label printing software and provides specialized publication identification services for the book, magazine, and newspaper industries. As a TEKLYNX Premier Solutions Provider and authorized distributor of major verifier brands, the company serves as both a product vendor and consulting/implementation resource for pharmaceutical, healthcare, publishing, and retail sectors.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• SoftMaster EPS Bar Code Image Files Proprietary EPS (Encapsulated PostScript) bar code image files engineered for optimal quality and conformance at any output device resolution. Used by printers, pre-press houses and label printers needing film-master-quality symbols.
• DataVerter Excel Data Conversion Utility Windows utility that evaluates each cell of an Excel spreadsheet and transforms it into plain text to solve ODBC/OLE connectivity problems when linking Excel data to label printing software. Sold at $99 perpetual license.
• CheckMaster Bar Code Check Digit Calculator Software utility that calculates the proper check character for multiple symbologies including UPC-A, EAN, ISBN, ISSN, SICI, GTIN, SCC-14, SSCC-18, HIBC LIC Primary and US Postal Code. Sold at $99 perpetual license.
• Pressure Sensitive and Specialty Labels Wide variety of pressure-sensitive bar code labels, hang tags for apparel, multi-color promotional labels, two-part patterned gum labels, pre-strung string tags, long-range retroreflective synthetic labels and embossed/punched metal bar code labels for harsh environments. Produced by the in-house service bureau in quantities from 1 to 1,000,000.
• On-Demand Label and Tag Thermal Transfer Printers Thermal transfer printers including Monarch Brand (Avery Dennison division) and purpose-built label/tag printers for specialized applications such as multi-color card printers and ultra high-density printers. Sold and supported with ~200 factory service technicians across North America.
• Scanners and Data Collection Terminals Broad selection of bar code scanners including wand (light pen), linear CCD, laser, and video (CCD array) scanners, along with data collection terminals and decoder solutions for industrial and enterprise data capture.
• Bar Code Verification Equipment (Axicon, Honeywell Quick Check, Webscan TruCheck) Authorized-distribution line of Axicon CodeMaster, Honeywell Quick Check, and Webscan TruCheck ANSI/ISO-compliant bar code print quality verifiers including specialized film master verification equipment.
• GS1-US 2D Judge Certified Data Matrix Calibrated Conformance Standard Test Cards NIST-traceable Data Matrix test cards certified by the GS1-US 2D Judge for conformance testing of 2D verifiers against ISO/IEC 16022, 15415 and 15426-2 standards.
• TEKLYNX Label Design and Printing Software (LABEL MATRIX, LABELVIEW, CODESOFT, LABEL ARCHIVE, TEKLYNX CENTRAL, SENTINEL) Resale and support of the TEKLYNX label design and printing software product line (LABEL MATRIX, LABELVIEW, CODESOFT, LABEL ARCHIVE, SENTINEL, TEKLYNX CENTRAL) by PIPS as a TEKLYNX Premier Solutions Provider VAR.
• Publication Identification Services Specialized bar coding consulting for the publishing industry including BIPAD magazine title coding, Bookland/EAN implementation, and serial industry systems advisory for journals, libraries and distributors.
• The Bar Code Book (5th Edition) by Roger C. Palmer Comprehensive textbook covering 1-D and 2-D bar code technology by Roger C. Palmer, sold by PIPS at $39.95 including UPS Ground shipping within the Continental U.S. (Perfect Bound Softcover, 470 pages, ISBN 9781425133740).
• Bar Code Consulting, Education and In-Plant Implementation Services Professional consulting, cGMP education, and in-plant implementation services for bar code applications in publishing, medical, pharmaceutical, consumer goods, and other industries; delivered by principals including George Wright IV who chaired HDMA's Automatic Identification Work Group.

Quantifiable outcome

• Hundreds of label customers served monthly
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• TeklynxcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPIPS is a TEKLYNX Premier Solutions Provider (Premier Advantage VAR), reselling and supporting LABEL MATRIX, LABELVIEW, CODESOFT, LABEL ARCHIVE, TEKLYNX CENTRAL, and SENTINEL label printing software products. PIPS operates a multi-million dollar label and tag service bureau using these tools, giving them deep product expertise.
• Monarch Marking Systems (Avery Dennison)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPIPS is the largest Monarch Brand Value Added Reseller in North America. Monarch thermal transfer printers represent the highest quality and value. PIPS ships hundreds of thousands of labels weekly, most printed on Monarch equipment. Nearly 200 factory service technicians available across North America.
• AxiconcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPIPS is an authorized distributor of Axicon CodeMaster barcode verifiers, offering the full range of Axicon verifier products including PC-6000, PC-6500, PC-7000 series and Axicon Online Verifier for integration with thermal transfer or ink jet label printers.
• Honeywell (HHP)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPIPS is an authorized distributor of Honeywell Quick Check barcode verifiers, including QCPC600 and QC800 series. Products meet ISO/IEC standards 15416 and 15426-1 for barcode verifier conformance.
• WebscancoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPIPS is an authorized distributor of Webscan TruCheck barcode verifiers including USB series, Laser USB, and legacy 101/201/401 series. TruCheck is the first and only verifier to provide automatic 10 scan ISO/ANSI grading.
• GS1 UScoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPIPS was selected by GS1 US to produce Data Matrix conformance test cards and operate the 2D Judge high-resolution metrology instrument. PIPS is the official custodian and operator of the GS1 US 2D Judge and manufacturer of certified test cards. PIPS also participates in GS1 Healthcare User Group and standards development.
• GS1coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerActive involvement in GS1 standards development including participation in GS1 Healthcare User Group, HDMA Automatic Identification Work Group, and authorship of GS1 articles for Pharmaceutical & Medical Packaging News. George Wright IV serves as revision editor for HDMA Guidelines for Bar Coding in the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Loftware: An enterprise label design and management software vendor (Loftware Spectrum, Loftware NiceLabel) that competes with the Teklynx-branded label software PIPS resells, and increasingly offers cloud-based labeling used by the same regulated customers PIPS serves.
• ID Technology: A U.S. integrator of label applicators, bar code printers, scanners, and marking/coding systems for industrial and regulated customers. Comparable to PIPS as a multi-line AIDC solutions provider serving pharmaceutical, food, and industrial markets.
• NiceLabel (Loftware): Label design and printing software vendor now part of Loftware, directly competing with Teklynx products that PIPS sells as a Premier VAR — overlapping with PIPS's software revenue stream.
• Diagraph (ITW): A division of Illinois Tool Works that supplies industrial marking and coding systems (inkjet, laser, labeling) for packaging lines — competing with PIPS in industrial product coding, marking, and label application.
• Weber Packaging Solutions: A privately held U.S. company that designs, manufactures, and integrates industrial labeling systems, including label printers-applicators, inkjet coders, and bar code verification — closely mirroring PIPS's combination of hardware distribution, label production, and bar code verification services.

Broad incumbents

• Zebra Technologies: A global leader in bar code printers, scanners, RFID, and enterprise mobile computing — competing with the Monarch, Axicon, Honeywell, and Webscan product lines PIPS distributes, often selling direct to the same enterprise customers.
• Cognex Corporation: A global leader in machine vision and industrial bar code reading. Competes with the verification and scanning product lines PIPS distributes, and increasingly bundles software and vision-based identification that may displace traditional bar code-only solutions.
• Brady Corporation: A large, public U.S. incumbent that manufactures and sells labels, label printers, and identification solutions (including bar code, RFID, and safety identification). Overlaps with PIPS across labels, printers, and software for industrial and regulated customers at much greater scale.
• Avery Dennison: Parent of Monarch Marking Systems (PIPS's largest printer brand partner) and a global label materials and RFID leader. Represents both a key partner and a structural threat if Avery Dennison continues to expand direct enterprise channels for Monarch printers.
• SATO Holdings: A Japan-based global manufacturer of bar code label printers, RFID, and labeling solutions, with a U.S. enterprise channel that overlaps with PIPS's printer distribution and label service bureau offerings.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/pips-inc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Pips