2.4.1 SerialisationIn itself the Tr

2.4.1 Serialisation
In itself the Track and Trace label may not be immune to copying or falsification, but its
security is greatly enhanced by the inclusion of unique and apparently random
serialisation, or non-sequential numbering, ideally at individual item level. If the
serialisation was sequential, then the level of security would be very low as the
sequence is predictable, whereas “random” serialisation using a highly secure algorithm
or method of encryption overcomes this. Individual packs may still be copied, but the
database will identify duplicates or invalid serials, as well as those which have been
cancelled or expired, or which appear in the wrong market, or with invalid product
details.
Where secure serialisation is applied visibly to a pack, then it may be authenticated by
customers via a telephone or internet link to the database. One issue to be resolved is
ownership, management of and access to the database, to ensure that the information
is readily accessible and yet secure against compromise.
There are two main vehicles for the incorporation of unique pack data in order to
facilitate automatic data capture: