The number of facilities utilizing the advanced data storage capabilities of 2D bar codes continues to increase at a steady pace. Perhaps more notable is the steady increase in the number of medications that are labeled with these bar codes; 5 years ago, most facilities using 2D bar codes did so for fewer than 50% of their medications. This year, 59% of facilities using 2D bar codes apply them to more than half of all their medications. Nevertheless, it remains difficult to use 2D bar codes exclusively; just 13% of facilities with this technology are able to apply it to all of their medications.