Overview

This trial run is the first proof-of-concept of Noonien Chain in its function of securing supply chain integrity and security. The objective is to reduce cost in securing supply chain, simplifying and verifying product provenance by the end customer. Noonien Chain is a technology combining serialization and holographic technology to produce a unique serialized hologram.

We are  evaluating the security and robustness of Noonien chain in specific disturbance scenarios specific to supply chains for food, beverage and medicines.

Description

Item can be visually authenticated based on first, second and third identifier wherein the identifiers are incorporated into various parts of product packaging.

The combination of first, second, and third identifiers are printed on polymer. First identifier is QR code, second identifier is serial number sequence and third identifier is manufacturer’s logos.  Fourth identifier is the embedded RFID tag. The QR identifier can be scanned to retrieve information about the product. The serial number sequence can be inputted manually by a user to retrieve information. When the four identifiers are authenticated, the product is deemed to be authentic, whereas when the four identifiers are not authenticated, the product is deemed to be a counterfeit. User can authenticate items using a smartphone, website, app, tablet and tablet app.

Background

India is the perfect first trial run for Noonien Chain, it has one of the biggest pharmaceutical industry in the world with a multitude of challenges that are not often faced in developed countries.

India is the largest exporter of generic drugs (by volume) in the world, accounting for 20% of global export values.  With the volume produced each year, there are a host of challenges such as quality control and counterfeit products in the supply chain.

Technology challenges include intermittent electricity and internet in parts of rural India which makes track and trace a difficult obstacle  that we have to overcome for this trial.

Cost is a huge challenge for most supply chains when margins are so slim, especially when it comes to generic drugs. Reducing cost to fight counterfeit and enhancing public health by securing supply chain is something we hope to overcome in this trial.

SAFETY INITIATIVES

Effectiveness

Through real-time RFID monitoring, we can monitor and transmit data to blockchain to track whether a product is stored under the recommendation conditions (light, temperature, humidity) during the transportation process, including storage.

Anti-counterfeit

Visual hologram with pharmaceutical’s company logos on background overlaying on top letters or number sequences to demonstrate legitimacy and authenticity.

Hologram

–  cannot be scanned by computer
–  cannot be reproduced with photocopier
–  cannot be removed and reapplied without complete destruction of hologram
–  quick visual authentication

Secured graphic QR code on polymer paper

For verification, QR code serves as an access key to the permission data stored in blockchain. Authentication can be verified using mobile application and web page. To secure communication session between the verification application and the system, TLS is applied on the server so that all communication session is encrypted. QR code is printed on polymer paper, making it harder to forge but still easy to verify.

QR code:

– printed on polymer paper
– cannot be scanned by computer
– cannot be reproduced by photocopier
– code cannot be reproduced
– safe communication during the process of verification
– applied over or into product to protect from false authenticity through simple repackaging

Secured information stored in QR code

QR code will store traceable product information, pharmacists and consumers can easily obtain quality information by scanning QR code with mobile phone before receiving or purchasing products.

Blockchain

Leveraging the unmodifiable property of blockchain, pertinent data on products are stored for verification of product’s integrity before receiving, purchasing and consuming.

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Social impact

Counterfeit drugs often fund organized crime and terrorism in regions where labour standards are lax and regularly employ child labour.

Public health

10% of all pharmaceutical sold worldwide are counterfeits or of substandard quality, reaching 30% in developing countries. Counterfeit products can endanger the safety and well-being of the consumers.

Corporate reputation

Counterfeit products affect legitimate companies by violating their trademarks, devaluing corporate reputation and can result in substantial losses in revenue.