UPC Barcode Feedback Hydraulic Cylinder

We tried out a new product from Parker on some of our critical hydraulic cylinders for position sensing. Its a UPC type bar code etched on the entire length of the shaft of hydraulic cylinder, and it's read with typical "proprietary" bar code reader to determine exact position. We have had really good success so far with no failures/issues. Problem is, I hear from our vendor that the technology will soon be discontinued from Parker. Has anyone else seen or heard this? any other experiences? good or bad?

thanks in advance.