Serialisation is not new. It’s the process of putting a unique number on a product, and while the idea has been around for a while, its use has come back into the spotlight because of the benefits it offers in an increasingly complex global supply chain. (Think baby formula to China.)

 

Here’s a quick look at just some of its benefits.

 

At the consumer level particularly, a serialised unique identification enables traceability and authentication — via systems such as chain of custody, chain of ownership, product identifier authentication or recall. Importantly, readily available technology can be used with all of these. (See here how exporting infant formula manufacturer Camperdown Dairy uses serialisation for traceability and product authentication.)

 

The pharmaceutical industry has quite well developed serialisation, but changing regulations in various countries around the world will most likely see mass serialisation become a reality across a host of industries. (You may find these 5 serialisation lessons food and beverage manufacturers can learn from the healthcare industry informative.

 

So why is it necessary?

 

There is a lack of real-time transparency with product changing ownership a number of times. Serialisation gives complete traceability and enables authentication at every level in the supply chain — especially at the consumer level.

 

Along with the complexities of an increasingly world-spanning supply chain, counterfeiting is another major reason why serialisation is becoming necessary. Counterfeiting affects not only company bottom lines, but in the case of foods and pharmaceuticals, poses a public-health risk.

 

Business benefits

 

While there’s consumer-level and supply chain reasons for serialisation, there are also

several business benefits:

 

1. Brand protection: it gives the ability to detect and manage counterfeit product threats
2. Reverse logistics and recalls: it gives greater granularity of data to aid recalls, returns, withdrawals and rebates, and shrinks loss recovery.
3. Inventory control and supply chain visibility: it improves visibility of the exact item and quantities delivered at each point in the supply chain, so provides a better insight into raw-materials ordering as well as process scheduling.
4. Consumer connection: it gives the ability to build consumer trust through product verification or authentication, and, therefore, the opportunity for the brand to connect directly with the consumer.
5. Returns: it gives the ability to detect returns that were not originally sold to the customer.

 

Implementing serialisation

 

To effectively implement serialisation and traceability, a business needs to understand the requirements from a compliance perspective, as well as their brand objectives. Typically, a traceability/serialisation system has these building blocks:

• unique identification codes
• data-capture mechanisms
• managing links across the chain
• data communication across the supply chain

 

Flexibility is key. A system that meets current regulations is great, but it should also be able to accommodate change if regulations alter in the future. (With the way regulations have changed so far, that’s really “when” regulations change.)

 

Serialisation can be implemented in three stages:

 

1. At the consumer level, with a unique number on the unit using a data carrier; g.: DataBar, 2D code, numeric code. Camperdown uses QR codes.).
2. Using the existing GTIN; a serialised GTIN can be used for a more integrated approach.
3. Across the supply chain, including cartons and pallets, for complete supply chain visibility and end-to-end track and trace.

 

Considerations

 

Here are a few things to think about before implementing serialisation:

• review data management from an enterprise level (ERP/MES), a plant level (MES), line level (SCADA) and machine level (PLCs and equipment)
• consider the impact on your existing processes and line speeds
• determine the code’s location and permanency
• choose the right data carrier (e. QR, Datamatrix, GS1 barcodes)
• think of aggregation strategies when serialising beyond the consumer-unit level
• choose a technology partner who understands serialisation and can provide serialisation-ready devices and solutions

 

From our experience with serialisation, here are a few more things to think about:

• move 2D barcodes away from other barcodes on the packaging so your scanning is efficient
• use a data reader for online verification
• make sure any rework or removing samples for QA doesn’t cause serial number linking to go out of sync
• test print on several substrates
• use barcode grading, to ensure your barcode can be scanned consistently at all stages of the supply chain; don’t guess this, check it properly
• make sure your existing network can handle the data flow
• ensure your existing systems can inter-operate with serialisation-control software
• have clear processes on how will any rework (if needed) will be handled
• use validation processes in line (vision inspection, data readers)

 

Serialisation has many business and supply chain benefits. As with every new process, make sure it really is right for your business. If you’re unsure, start with a pilot program and evaluate from there. Matthews can help you use serialisation to gain visibility of your supply chain. Talk to us today.

 

For more information on serialisation, see why you need to get things in order and the things you need to know to implement it. Check out this infographic on serialisation too; it’s a good summary of using serialisation when exporting your goods to China.

 

 

* Mark Dingley is General Manager of Matthews Australasia. With 20+ years of experience in the product identification industry and the wealth of knowledge gained from working closely with manufacturers and industry associations, Mark actively contributes to industry forums, magazines and the Matthews blog.