Product Traceability and Authentication Systems: A Technology Review

Track and trace, trace and track, supply chain transparency, traceability… a confusion of terms to describe the use of an encoded unique identifier to determine the source and the pathway of an individual product.

This coded unique identifier is at the heart of a system of code generators, printing, recording, data storage, reading and communication, all of which need to be secure and protected against criminal attacks and errors.

With an increasing requirement on manufacturers to add unique codes to their product packs, whether for their own purposes or to meet government regulations, and as more governments aim to secure government revenue through the use of serialised tax stamps, this new technology review from Reconnaissance International will provide much-needed clarity and coherence about the methods available and the rationale for using them.

Most importantly, it will also show the respective functions of ‘traceability’ and ‘authentication’ and explain the difference between secure and simply functional traceability systems.

Under the banner of ‘traceability’ for simplicity – using this one word to cover all the variations that are being used – this technology review, due for publication in autumn 2021, will cover:

• Definitions and explanations of authentication and secure traceability 

• Why both are important

• The history and evolution of regulatory requirements

• Traceability’s role on tax stamps

• How secure traceability works – technologies and systems overview

• Types of fraud attempts and how to defeat them

• Differentiating types of supplier

• Directory of suppliers.

Reconnaissance will launch ‘Product Traceability & Authentication Systems: A Technology Review’ with a complementary online event to highlight the review’s key elements.

A questionnaire for the directory section of the review will be distributed in early June, at the same time as sponsorship and advertising options will open.

The review will be published in hard and soft versions, aimed at all users or potential users of traceability: brand owners, distributors and retail chains, legislators and regulators – as well as suppliers.

So, if your company is involved in the development or supply of traceability systems, this is your chance to stand out, to be highly visible to users as well as possible partners for growth.

To learn more about the sponsorship and advertising possibilities contact Sam Burns at [email protected].