Unique Identification Code Assignment for Supply Chain Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional supply chain management systems face challenges such as increased complexity due to globalization, difficulty in authenticating products, product diversion, and disconnects between manufacturers, retailers, and customers, particularly in identifying and tracking genuine products and their associated accessories or replacements.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that assigns unique identification codes to items of commerce, which can be printed or written on tags or directly on products, and tracked through a network of servers and devices, allowing for authentication, tracking, and communication between stakeholders, including consumers, manufacturers, and retailers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional supply chain management systems are used, then organizations can outsource logistics functions to reduce costs, but management control of daily logistics operations is reduced and supply chain complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the supply chain into discrete, trackable units by assigning unique identification codes to individual products, packages, or pallets. This segmentation enables each element to be independently tracked and monitored, reducing overall supply chain complexity while maintaining outsourcing benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where tracking data from unique identification codes is collected, processed, and used to provide real-time visibility and control. This feedback mechanism enables manufacturers to maintain management control over outsourced logistics operations through automated monitoring and reporting.
2Adaptability or versatility
If products are manufactured in different countries to optimize supply chain, then flexibility and cost efficiency improve, but product tracking and authentication become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal unique identification codes that function across all manufacturing locations and supply chain stages. These codes serve multiple purposes including tracking, authentication, and data collection, enabling consistent product monitoring regardless of manufacturing country or facility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a dimensional layer of digital identification and tracking data to physical products. This dimensional addition enables global tracking and authentication capabilities without altering the physical manufacturing process or product itself.
3Productivity
If traditional product identification methods are used, then manufacturing and distribution proceed without interruption, but consumers cannot authenticate products and product diversion cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies unique identification codes to products during the manufacturing or packaging process, before distribution begins. This preliminary action ensures that tracking and authentication capabilities are built into the product from the start, enabling both continuous distribution and reliable authentication without interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The unique identification code serves as an intermediary between the physical product and the digital tracking system. This intermediary enables authentication and tracking functions without interfering with the physical product or distribution processes.
4Reliability
If authorized retailers sell authentic products, then brand reputation is protected, but product diversion to unauthorized channels cannot be prevented or detected
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking system provides continuous feedback on product location and movement through the supply chain. This feedback enables real-time detection of product diversion to unauthorized channels, allowing prompt intervention to protect brand reputation while maintaining authorized distribution relationships.
Data Source
AI summary
Printer systems and methods provide a plurality of unique identification codes to assignment devices in various geographical locations in order to assign a unique code to a single item of commerce through affixing tags or the like thereon or by direct printing. Information regarding which code is associated with which item of commerce may be captured and stored in database(s) along with other advertising, authenticity, distribution, manufacturing, note, quality control, and retail information. Inquires may be made regarding the codes by users with handheld devices including cellular phones, PDAs, notebook computers, barcode scanners, RFID readers, etc. through carrier networks, LANs, and WANs in order to obtain information about the item of commerce or related products. Stored information from the database may be provided to the users in response to their inquiries. Information may also be uploaded by the handheld devices for counterfeiting, diversion, and other tracking purposes.