Track & Trace solutions

Track and Trace System in Inkjet Printer Applications:

A Track and Trace (T&T) system in the context of inkjet printing is used primarily in industries like pharmaceuticals, food & beverage, electronics, automotive, and logistics to ensure product identification, traceability, and authentication. It involves the use of inkjet printers to apply codes, barcodes, serial numbers, QR codes, or other unique identifiers to products or packaging. These codes are then tracked through the supply chain.

Key Components of a Track and Trace System in Inkjet Printing:

• Types Used:

o Continuous Inkjet (CIJ): For high-speed applications, often used in food and beverage packaging.

o Thermal Inkjet (TIJ): Used for high-resolution printing, common in pharmaceuticals.

• Printing on Various Substrates: Plastic, glass, paper, metal, and flexible packaging.

• Ink Types: Solvent-based, water-based, UV-curable, pigmented, etc.

b. Data Management Software

• Controls printing operations, assigns unique codes, and stores tracking data.

• Examples: MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems), ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), WMS (Warehouse Management Systems).

• Can generate serial numbers, batch codes, expiry dates, and regulatory compliance marks (e.g., GS1 barcodes, UID codes).

c. Code Scanning & Verification

• Vision Systems & Barcode Scanners: Verify print quality, readability, and correct data encoding.

• OCR (Optical Character Recognition): Ensures printed text and numbers match database records.

d. Database & Cloud Connectivity

• Integration with cloud-based storage to enable real-time tracking of products.

• Blockchain-based traceability is becoming popular in regulated industries like pharmaceuticals.

e. Supply Chain Integration

• Connectivity with manufacturing plants, warehouses, distributors, retailers, and regulatory authorities.

• Used for product recalls, counterfeit prevention, and compliance reporting.

Workflow of Track and Trace in Inkjet Printing:

1. Data Input & Printing:

o A unique serial number (or code) is assigned by the T&T software.

o The inkjet printer prints this unique identifier on the product or packaging.

2. Code Verification:

o A vision system or scanner checks if the code is readable and correctly placed.

3. Data Storage & Transmission:

o The scanned code is logged into the central database or cloud system.

o This allows real-time tracking of the product at every stage of distribution.

4. Supply Chain Tracking:

o As the product moves through warehouses, retailers, and customers, its unique identifier is scanned at different checkpoints.

5. Authentication & Consumer Engagement:

o End customers can verify product authenticity using QR codes or web portals.

o Helps prevent counterfeiting and improves brand trust.

3. Applications of Track and Trace with Inkjet Printers

a. Pharmaceuticals

• Compliance with serialization laws (e.g., US DSCSA, EU FMD, India’s Track & Trace).

• Prevents counterfeit drugs by verifying unique serial numbers.

b. Food & Beverage

• Prints batch codes, expiry dates, QR codes on packaging.

• Ensures traceability in case of food recalls.

c. Electronics & Automotive

• Part-level identification using 2D codes, Data Matrix, and barcodes.

• Helps in warranty tracking and counterfeit prevention.

d. Logistics & Warehousing

• Used to print shipping barcodes, tracking numbers, and RFID-compatible codes on cartons and pallets.

• Enhances supply chain visibility.

4. Benefits of Track and Trace in Inkjet Printing

✅ Regulatory Compliance – Meets legal serialization and traceability requirements.

✅ Counterfeit Prevention – Ensures product authenticity.

✅ Product Recall Management – Allows rapid identification and removal of defective items.

✅ Supply Chain Efficiency – Reduces losses and improves transparency.

✅ Consumer Trust & Engagement – Provides customers with verification tools.

5. Future Trends in Track and Trace with Inkjet Printers

• AI-based vision inspection for automated print quality control.

• Blockchain-enabled tracking for tamper-proof authentication.

• Integration with IoT sensors for real-time supply chain monitoring.

• Smart packaging with interactive QR/NFC codes for direct customer engagement.