Track and trace technology is a vital tool in ensuring the safety and authenticity of highly regulated products, such as pharmaceuticals, tobacco, and alcohol. These technologies help manufacturers and regulators identify and locate products throughout the supply chain, from production to consumption. However, current track and trace technologies have several limitations and issues that need to be addressed to ensure effective implementation and regulatory compliance.
Types of Track and Trace Systems
There are three types of track and trace systems: barcode-based, serialization, and radio frequency identification (RFID) based. Barcode-based systems use a unique code to identify and track a product. The code is scanned at various points in the supply chain to monitor the product's movement. RFID-based systems use a tag that emits a radio signal to identify and track the product. The tag can be read remotely, making it more efficient than barcode-based systems. While Serialization (typically found in the pharmaceutical industry), which uses a unique identifier that is then assigned to each product. This information typically tells you the batch number, product origin, as well as the expiration date (Adli, 2021).
Limitations of Barcode-Based Systems
Barcode-based systems have several limitations that affect their effectiveness in tracking and tracing highly regulated products. Barcode-based systems rely on manual scanning, which can be time-consuming when trying to locate the barcode, or could result in error if there are multiple barcodes on the product. This can result in inaccurate data and a lack of visibility into the product's location, making it difficult to detect counterfeit or diverted products.
Outside of having internal issues with scanning, barcode-based systems are vulnerable to tampering and counterfeiting. Individuals with malicious intent can easily replicate or alter barcodes to evade detection, making it difficult to detect fake products. Additionally, barcode-based systems do not have a mechanism to verify the authenticity of a product, making it easy for counterfeiters to enter the supply chain undetected.
A continuous issue that is left in debate is real-time updates using this barcode based system. That worry is becoming less of an issue as the supply chain as there are tracking programs, and more companies focusing on the traceability of products (Razak, 2021). This is becoming more relevant as more and more consumers are wanting the accountability, and transparency of the items they are purchasing. You can read more on the importance of tracking and tracing of products here.
Limitations of RFID-Based Systems
RFID-based systems have several advantages over barcode-based systems, but they also have limitations that need to be addressed. When compared to other track and trace systems, RFID-based systems are 10x more expensive than other systems, which can make them prohibitive for some manufacturers (Devin,2021). Resulting in a lack of standardization across the supply chain, making it difficult to track and trace products across multiple suppliers and distributors.
Due to the cost of the RFID and the price of being able to implement and train a team on using this system can make it unattainable for smaller manufacturers to transition to a RFISD-based system. Causing it to be more difficult for smaller manufacturers to use this system, limiting their ability to comply with regulatory requirements using this system (Rf wireless, 2012).
RFID-based systems are vulnerable to signal interference, which can disrupt the tracking and tracing process. Making it a target for the signals to be intercepted or tapped into. This can result in data inaccuracies and a lack of visibility into the product's location, making it difficult to detect and respond to safety concerns.
Limitations of Serialization Systems
Serialization systems are another type of track and trace technology that is becoming increasingly popular in the pharmaceutical industry. Serialization involves assigning a unique serial number to each unit of a product, making it possible to track and trace the product throughout the supply chain.
However, serialization systems have several limitations that need to be addressed. Similar to RFID, serialization systems require a significant investment in technology and infrastructure. This can make it difficult for small manufacturers to comply with regulatory requirements, limiting their ability to compete in the market.
Serialization systems are vulnerable to counterfeiting and diversion. Individuals with malicious intent can easily replicate or alter serial numbers, making it difficult to detect and respond to fake or diverted products. Additionally, serialization systems do not have a mechanism to verify the authenticity of a product, making it easy for counterfeiters to enter the supply chain undetected. Lastly serialization systems do not provide real-time tracking and tracing capabilities. This makes it difficult for manufacturers and regulators to respond quickly to potential safety concerns, such as product recalls or quality defects.
While track and trace technology is an essential tool in ensuring the safety and authenticity of highly regulated products, such as pharmaceuticals, tobacco, and alcohol, there are limitations and gaps in different types of track and trace systems. Barcode-based systems are prone to errors, vulnerable to tampering and counterfeiting, and do not provide real-time tracking capabilities. RFID-based systems are more expensive, require a significant investment in infrastructure and training, and are vulnerable to signal interference. Serialization systems require a significant investment in technology and infrastructure, are vulnerable to counterfeiting and diversion, and do not provide real-time tracking capabilities. Track and trace systems are still very helpful in allowing manufacturers to pinpoint where an error could have occurred at any point in the process. Regardless, companies are making efforts to reduce these limitations that have been mentioned.
Chem ID is making the process of tracking and tracing chemical data easier so that companies can see the timeline and progress of their product in real-time and pin point when and where any contamination occurred to cause a product recall. While the Veriseal associated with the product is not quite a barcode, the QR code scanned essentially functions in the same way. For more information, you can get in contact and request a demo by emailing info@chemid.com or by calling (737) 231-0772.
Resources
RF Wireless World. Advantages of RFID | Disadvantages of RFID. (2012). from https://www.rfwireless-world.com/Terminology/Advantages-and-Disadvantages-of-RFID.html
Devin. (2021, October 14). RFID vs Barcode comparison advantages disadvantages. Peak Technologies. From https://www.peaktech.com/blog/rfid-vs-barcode-comparison-advantages-disadvantages/
Authors, A., Razak, G. M., & Additional information Notes on contributors Ghadafi M. Razak is a PhD Candidate in the Department of Management Science at Lancaster University Management School. (n.d.). Supply Chain Traceability: A review of the benefits and its relationship with Supply Chain Resilience. Taylor & Francis.from https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09537287.2021.1983661
Adil. (2021, October 1). Understanding the difference between serialization and Track & Trace. Cosmotrace. Retrieved March 14, 2023, from https://www.cosmotrace.com/blog/serialization/understanding-the-difference-between-serialization-and-track-and-trace/
Comments