By eZTracker (www.eztracker.io)

In today’s complex supply chains, ensuring traceability and compliance is paramount yet challenging. Data silos hinder visibility, causing inefficient resource allocation, counterfeit or parallel import issues, and costly responses to new regulations or disruptions. Explore five strategies for effective end-to-end traceability and compliance and how businesses gain a competitive edge using solutions like eZTracker.

1) Leveraging the Digital Code: 2D Data Matrix

To combat data fragmentation and reduce confusion with multiple data codes, GS1 has chosen the 2D Data Matrix code as the preferred code for Healthcare[1]. This unified code streamlines tracking, enhances scalability and is highly resilient to wear and tear – which is particularly valuable in sectors with strict regulations and quality standards.

eZTracker, a live end-to-end supply chain traceability solution in Asia, helps clients generate unique 2D Data Matrix codes for each product pack and tags important supply chain data to create a chain of custody. This traceability data and increased visibility ensure compliance with regulations and solve critical business challenges.

Image: eZTracker tracks vital supply chain data, including provenance, movement, storage and more

2) Securing with Physical Codes: Multi-Layered Packaging

Combating counterfeits and tampering requires multi-layered innovative packaging. Multiple elements like the hologram effect, high-quality design and tamper-proof features help fortify a physical serialisation sticker or print. eZTracker pairs the 2D Data Matrix with state-of-art physical codes to offer tangible proof of product authenticity and a strong defence against unauthorised manipulation. Businesses can also leverage eZTracker’s redressing services to add these physical codes and meet local regulations.

3) Leveraging an Integrated Blockchain Solution

Blockchain technology establishes trust and security, and its decentralised, immutable ledger ensures transparency – making it an ideal technology to power traceability[2]. Many businesses prefer not to build a blockchain in-house due to the resources required to develop, maintain, and scale it. Hence, with eZTracker, companies can easily connect via a node and join a reliable ecosystem – the fast track to end-to-end traceability powered by blockchain. With eZTracker’s suite of modular features, businesses can choose the ones best fitted to solve their business challenges and modify their solution as they scale.

eZTracker guarantees product authenticity and regulatory compliance, benefiting manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and consumers – while remaining cost-effective.

4) Empowering Decision-Making with a Robust Dashboard

Data collection is only half the battle; a robust dashboard transforms data into actionable insights. Real-time supply chain insights enable businesses to resolve issues proactively. For example, eZTracker helped clients in Hong Kong collect scan and geolocation data of products from end-consumers. It informs clients of possible illicit trade and problematic areas – empowering them with meaningful data to conduct their investigations. It also offers reporting capabilities aligned with regulatory requirements, streamlining compliance assessments.

In another instance, a leading nutrition company in Thailand leveraged eZTracker to serialise and track sample packs to measure the effectiveness of their marketing campaign. Users could scan the unique code, complete a survey and redeem the samples. With this added step of engagement, clients can better understand consumer preferences, brand switching behaviour, closest competitors and even territories to grow or focus on.

5) Building a Digital Trust Ecosystem through Traceability

The culmination of traceability efforts involves constructing a digital trust ecosystem fostered by active collaboration with value chain stakeholders. eZTracker seeks to connect and involve every stakeholder to enable transparency at every stage, offering enhanced visibility down to the last mile. This granularity and collaboration generate user insights that can influence and better marketing and sales strategies and resource allocation – all to build more trusted and intelligent businesses.

In conclusion, the complexities of today’s supply chains demand innovative solutions like eZTracker to ensure seamless end-to-end traceability and compliance. Create a comprehensive approach to tackling the challenges of modern supply chains to gain a competitive advantage in today’s dynamic market landscape