QR Code Seafood Tracking System for Supply Chain Traceability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for tracking seafood are prone to errors due to manual handling of tags, leading to disorganization and inefficiencies in tracing the chain of custody, and lack of consumer information about the seafood's origin and quality.
Innovation Solution
A method using QR codes connected to a database for tracking seafood products, allowing for automated data entry and sharing of regulatory and non-regulatory information across the supply chain, enabling efficient tracking and consumer education through networked devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual transcription of Key Data Elements is used from handwritten tags through distributors to end seller, then flexibility in handling is maintained, but errors increase and traceability efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses QR codes as digital copies of seafood tracking information, replacing handwritten tags. Each QR code contains encoded data that can be scanned and transferred electronically through the supply chain, eliminating manual transcription errors while maintaining the flexibility of portable tracking labels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of manual writing and transcription with optical scanning technology. QR codes are scanned using cameras or scanners, automatically capturing and transferring data electronically, thus substituting manual mechanical operations with automated optical-electronic systems.
2Loss of information
If multiple handwritten tags and shipping logs are used to track chain of custody, then comprehensive tracking information is captured, but organization difficulty increases and traceback time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate tracking documents (handwritten tags, shipping logs, receiving records) into a single integrated digital system. All chain of custody information is consolidated into one centralized database accessible through QR code scans, eliminating the need to search through multiple physical documents and significantly reducing traceback time.
Solution Approach 2:
The QR code serves as a universal tracking mechanism that can be scanned at any point in the supply chain by any authorized party. A single QR code contains or links to all necessary tracking information, making the system universally accessible and eliminating the need for different documentation formats at different stages.
3Adaptability or versatility
If handwritten tags are used for tracking, then simplicity of implementation is maintained, but consumer information sharing capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces QR codes as an intermediary between the physical seafood product and digital information systems. The QR code acts as a bridge that connects consumers to comprehensive digital databases containing origin, quality, and sustainability information, while keeping the physical tag itself simple and unobtrusive.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for tracking harvested seafood products including generating regulatory tags that include visual regulatory data as well as a QR Code that is used as an access point to both retrieve and upload additional information including both regulatory and non-regulatory data from a remote database. The tracking method and system include the ability to update in real-time the food consumption recommendations for any given seafood product.