Peacock Bros, a leading provider of supply chain technology, printing, and labelling solutions, has identified three major technology and supply chain trends set to shape Australian organisations in 2026.

The trends highlight rising demand for AI-ready operations, streamlined digital workflows, and enhanced traceability across both frontline and enterprise environments.

1. AI enabled optimisation will reshape hardware needs and transformation strategies

AI is rapidly becoming a core component of warehouse optimisation, mobility workflows and freight visibility. While advanced software platforms deliver intelligence, organisations will need to ensure their hardware can support real time analytics, edge processing and secure connectivity.

This trend is expected to influence device refresh cycles and mobility planning throughout 2026. Peacock Bros. anticipates customers seeking greater assurance that their mobility solutions, printers, scanners and RF devices can support the higher performance demands created by AI driven applications.

Daryl Collins, Sales Manager at Peacock Bros says the most effective approach will be measured and strategic. “The organisations that succeed are the ones that start small,”

“When you isolate one part of the workflow and improve it, you reduce risk and set the foundation for broader change,” said Collins

“AI innovation is coming from the software and hardware partners we work with, so our role is to help customers choose the right moment, and the right part of the workflow, to begin.” he said.

2. Digitalisation to accelerate across healthcare and rail

In 2026, the pace of digital adoption is expected to increase, particularly in healthcare and rail. Hospitals nationwide are expanding electronic medical record platforms such as EPIC and modernising their mobility and device ecosystems to improve clinical efficiency and patient care.

The upgrades are also influencing partners and suppliers, who are being asked to provide higher levels of accuracy and traceability through every step of the chain of custody.

In the rail sector, many operators still rely on paper-based processes, making it difficult to manage inspections, maintenance and asset tracking.

Peacock Bros. expects more operators to begin their digital transition next year, often through small, manageable steps rather than full scale system upgrades.

Peacock Bros AusRAIL starter kits designed to support the shift, giving organisations an accessible entry point into digital workflows.

George Pecchiar, Executive Director CTS at Peacock Bros says customers want progress that feels achievable. “Digital transformation can be simple.

“Many organisations want tools they can adopt quickly that fix operational pain points without disrupting their entire operation,” said Pecchiar

“Our role is to stay ahead of what partners and platforms are doing, then guide customers toward the first steps that make the most difference. When they see early improvements, they gain the confidence to build on them.” he said.

3. Traceability will become a priority through RFID and evolving global standards

In 2026, organisations will place greater emphasis on accurate, real time asset visibility. RFID will continue to gain traction across healthcare, government, logistics and rail as businesses seek faster audits, stronger compliance, greater asset visibility and dependable tracking for important assets.

Global standardisation will also influence how organisations label and track goods. GS1’s Project Sunrise is expected to drive wider adoption of advanced 2D barcodes, improving data accuracy and expanding the amount of product information captured at each scan point.

The shift will encourage many organisations to reassess their labelling, scanning and data capture systems to stay aligned with emerging requirements.

Marcel Sieira, Chief Operating Officer of GS1 Australia weighed in on this priority. “Next Gen Barcodes are already at the top of boardroom agendas across the world,” Sieira explained.

“In Australia, Woolworths has introduced Next Gen Barcodes on fresh produce to drive smarter decisions, faster adjustments and fully stocked shelves; discovering new ways to connect to consumers with the same barcode that will scan at point of sale.” said Sieira

Pecchiar explained that customers are beginning to understand why these changes matter. “GS1 standards and 2D barcodes are not just a compliance exercise.

They let businesses carry more information on every label, create cleaner audit trails and reduce the risk of errors that come from manual checks. These changes are being shaped globally, so part of our job is helping customers understand what’s coming and prepare their systems in a way that feels achievable.”

Across these three trends, Peacock Bros. sees an overarching theme emerging for 2026: Organisations want digital progress that is practical, scalable and aligned with real operational pain points.

With market forces, partners and global standards defining the outlook, Peacock Bros. is stepping into an advisory role, helping customers navigate what’s coming and to adopt the right solutions at the right time.

Established in 1888 as a printing business, Peacock Bros. is a fifth generation privately owned and operated business that has grown into one of the largest providers of supply chain solutions across the ANZ region.