FAQs About Authentication Solutions
What does an authentication solution involve?
The first step in designing an authentication solution is to understand the strategic commercial issue that the client seeks to solve, together with any practical constraints that may affect its implementation. Having done so, a program will be designed that may incorporate the overt and or covert, marking or serialization of a product, together with an inspection process to check for authenticity and provenance in the supply chain. This is married to a secure information management tool for effective chain of evidence custody, thereby providing the means of remediation and risk avoidance for clients, whether through the courts or via commercial sanctions.
What is a "marker" or "tag"?
A marker or tag is a unique, non-intrusive molecule that creates a unique chemical signature. Authentix has an extensive suite of covert markers, forensic markers and taggants that can be used to indisputably identify and track virtually any product.
Do the markers noticeably change a product?
No. There is no effect on the appearance, consistency, taste or performance of the product.
How are Authentix markers detected?
Authentix markers can only be detected with proprietary detection devices in the field and in the laboratory. They cannot be detected by conventional chemical analysis.
What is the life span of Authentix markers?
Our markers are designed to be stable for the life of the product. Many of our markers can even be detected after the products life has been terminated in extreme circumstances, such as following explosion or fire.
What makes our markers special?
Authentix markers can be quantified, therefore, in addition to authentication, we can determine whether a product has been diluted or adulterated. Moreover, Authentix uses covert markers in ingestible products such as pharmaceuticals, foods and drinks. Our markers are colorless, odorless and tasteless and are approved by the world's major regulatory bodies.
Do Authentix markers have regulatory approval?
Yes. Our ingestible markers for use in pharmaceuticals, foods and drinks are GRAS approved and are in commercial application approved by the FDA. In the Oil and Gas sector, our molecular markers are EPA registered.
What level of quantification can be achieved with markers?
As little as 5% dilution with unbranded product can be detected, offering an unprecedented level of product protection.
What is product serialization?
This involves the unique coding of individual products and their packaging, shipping cases and pallets with individual alphanumeric codes. Codes can be applied overtly and covertly. Once applied, the unique license plate of each product is stored in a secure database, together with shipment and distribution details. In doing so, inspection of the product in the field can identify whether it is authentic and in the correct place. In the case of diverted product, the source of diversion can be identified.
Can Authentix inspect for covert markers and codes in the field?
Yes, Authentix manages extensive field inspection programs for clients. The key benefits of an Authentix inspection program are as follows:
- The seamless integration of technical and inspection platforms.
- Secure chain of evidence custody for legal case management
- Independent professional management for multi-party initiatives such collaborative industry and government programs.
What are the strategic benefits in implementing an Authentix Solution?
Clients can use Authentix marker systems to enhance brand security against such compromises as counterfeiting, diversion and adulteration, bringing integrity to their supply chain, recovering lost revenues and taxes, while limiting commercial and legal liability.
