Product Serialization
Serialization makes it possible to find any package at any point and any time in the supply chain. Thus, it helps to prevent the sale of counterfeits within industries like food, pharmaceuticals, medical technology, cosmetics, and FMCG. It also supports recalls when necessary. Using serialization, blisters, boxes, sachets and other units are marked with a unique printed code so that they can always be traced back to the original producer.
The individual components of traceability
- Product serialization is becoming a necessity in today’s supply chains, as buyers look for improved traceability and transparency in the products they purchase. Tracking product batches has been standard in many industries for some time, but product serialization takes this one step further, allowing brands to accurately follow each individual product item. Serialization makes it possible to find any product, at any point in the supply chain, through scanning a unique code – usually in the form of a QR code, NFC or RFID – helping to improve traceability and address issues such as the sale of counterfeits within industries like food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and lubricants.
Identification at the item level
- The ability to track individual products offers many advantages for manufacturers. Serialization gives better visibility of the stock supplied to each distribution channel, and shows how much has been sold, improving forecasting of product demand, and resulting in more accurate procurement of raw materials and less waste. Serialization can also help support quick product recalls as manufacturers know the exact status of each item, having followed it through the supply chain. This information helps to withdraw the affected products quickly and accurately, minimizing brand damage. Tracking individual products reduces waste, helps to control fraud, and improves inventory management overall.
It’s all in the code
- Serialization can also support consumer engagement and loyalty, when integrated into a company’s digital marketing plan. Consumers are used to digital interaction, with smartphones and tablets part of everyday life. Enabling them to engage with serialization information, such as QR codes, provides an opportunity for manufacturers to prove authenticity and provide transparency on raw ingredients and social impacts of its products, boosting brand integrity. In addition, customers can participate in loyalty programs independent of sales channels, providing information directly to the company, and increasing consumer engagement and retention.
Efficient solutions for serialization
- Laetus has the software, hardware and expertise to help manufacturers implement a complete solution for efficient tracking. A choice of systems of different sizes is available, offering the flexibility to integrate serialization into existing packaging lines, for full visibility of the whole supply chain, improved product traceability and better consumer engagement.
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