Industrial traceability has become a key pillar to ensure safety, authenticity and efficiency in the management of products throughout the supply chain. In this context, blockchain technology has emerged as a disruptive solution, capable of recording each stage of a product’s life cycle without the possibility of alterations. However, for this traceability to be reliable and functional, accurate and well-integrated industrial labeling and coding systems are essential.
In this article, we explore how blockchain enhances traceability and how it combines with solutions from United Barcode Systems, manufacturers of labeling, coding and marking equipment, to ensure efficient and compliant coding from product to pallet.
Blockchain technology, or blockchain, is a decentralized, secure and transparent digital registration system. Each block stores information that, once validated, is chronologically linked to other blocks, forming a chain that is impossible to manipulate. In the context of industry, it makes it possible to track and verify every stage of a product’s life cycle, from manufacturing to the end consumer.
What makes the blockchain unique is that the data cannot be modified once recorded. Each transaction is digitally signed and accessible by authorized parties, ensuring seamless traceability. This feature makes it a strategic tool for sectors that require total control over traceability, such as pharmaceuticals, food and logistics.
Implementing blockchain in industrial environments means a before and after in terms of production control, authenticity and operational efficiency. Thanks to this technology, it is possible to store and consult in real time key information about the path of each unit, batch or product.
For this system to work properly, accurate and reliable coding from the production line is essential. This is where solutions such as those offered by United Barcode Systems come into play. Printing unique and unalterable codes, such as Datamatrix, QR or GS1 Digital Link, on packaging and pallets makes it possible to feed the blockchain with verified data from the origin. This traceability not only improves internal control, but also enhances end-customer confidence.
Integrating blockchain into an industrial environment starts with unique product identification. Each product is given a unique code (either a QR code, GS1 Digital Link or a Datamatrix) that is recorded in blockchain. At this point, message design software is the key tool: it allows you to create customized messages with variable fields such as dates, batches and unique codes, tailored to each type of product or surface. These messages can be printed directly on packaging or automatically labeled on containers, boxes, sacks and pallets.
Once the information is printed or labeled, management software comes into play to control and monitor all coding equipment from a single point. With this middleware, you can associate each code to a specific product, record every movement on the line and transmit the data to blockchain platforms, thus being able to control the coding equipment in real time, and thus, have control of production at all times. This ensures that all traceability is digitally linked to the product from its origin.
Thanks to blockchain, every actor in the chain – from manufacturers to distributors – can consult product status in real time. This eliminates duplication and facilitates more efficient collaboration, backed by common, unalterable information. By integrating with coding equipment, transparency starts from the first printed code.
With every automated record on the blockchain, it is possible to detect critical points or incidents almost instantly. This not only reduces reaction time, but also improves traceability in internal or external audits. Durable UBS encryption allows code readability to be maintained at all times, even in harsh environments.
One of the most powerful benefits of blockchain is that it does not allow historical records to be modified. This means that, once encoded and linked to the system, each product is shielded from tampering. Thanks to the accuracy and print quality of our equipment, this traceability holds up even under demanding industrial conditions.
The pharmaceutical sector is one of the most regulated and vulnerable to counterfeiting. The use of blockchain together with advanced coding systems makes it possible to guarantee the authenticity of each medicine, from its origin to the final patient. Using standardized Datamatrix and GS1 codes, data such as batch, expiration date or serial number are recorded, which can be verified at any time by distributors, pharmacies and users. This digital traceability, when combined with durable and compliant printing, such as that offered by UBS equipment, protects product integrity against any attempt at fraud.
In the food sector, where health alerts and product recalls require rapid reactions, blockchain brings key value: decentralized recording of all critical food data, such as origin, transformation processes or transport conditions. Thanks to direct printing on secondary packaging or real-time labeling, companies in the industry can ensure that each product is correctly identified and that its information is immediately accessible through a scan. The combination of blockchain and industrial coding strengthens consumer confidence and security in the food sector.
Modern logistics demands seamless traceability. By integrating ERP, WMS systems with middleware and Blockchain technology, it is possible to accurately record every movement within automated warehouses, distribution centers or delivery points. Identification through unique codes printed on boxes, packs or pallets allows companies to optimize routes, prevent losses and improve operational planning. In Industry 4.0 environments, where connectivity is essential, this digital traceability becomes a strategic asset.
Any blockchain system applied to the supply chain starts from the same point: the unique identification of each product or logistics unit. For this, it is essential to have coding solutions that ensure accuracy, durability and compliance with international standards. With message design software, it is possible to create GS1, QR, Datamatrix or GS1 Digital Link codes that are fully customizable and adapted to each surface, while inkjet printers and print & apply systems allow coding or automatic labeling directly on packaging or pallets, even in demanding environments.
In addition to physical marking, a robust technological infrastructure is required to record and transmit the data generated by coding. As mentioned before, for these cases it is perfect to have an equipment management and control software. This system will allow real-time monitoring of what is printed, when and where, ensuring that all information is ready to be integrated into a blockchain network. By linking with the plant’s ERP or MES, the middleware becomes the digital bridge that connects the physical world of marking with the unalterable digital traceability provided by blockchain.
At United Barcode Systems, we know that traceability is not only a regulatory requirement, but a competitive advantage. That’s why we develop complete and integrable solutions that allow you to take industrial coding to the next level, now also aligned with technologies such as blockchain. If your company needs to ensure unalterable traceability, improve visibility in the supply chain and comply with the most demanding market standards, our equipment and software are an ideal solution for you.
Contact us and find out how we can help you integrate block
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