Toppan Printing, a global leader in communication, security, packaging, décor materials, and electronics solutions, has launched a cloud-based ID authentication platform in China that uses unique IDs to link real-world products to the digital world.

The ubiquity of smartphones, tablets, and other digital devices has prompted diversification of customer touchpoints and increased opportunities for businesses to be connected with consumers. To take advantage of this effectively, it is vital for companies to be able to monitor customer behavior in real-time and provide optimized services. By fusing its ID device technology with NFC-enabled ID authentication system infrastructure from Selinko SA (Selinko), Toppan has established a cloud-based ID authentication platform in China that creates customer touchpoints and facilitates supply chain management through safe and secure authentication of unique IDs assigned to individual products.

Businesses adopting the platform will not only be able to enhance customer engagement and provide a range of services directly but also visualize and manage the supply chain through traceability and detection of grey market diversion. In addition to dedicated scanning equipment at manufacturing plants and logistics warehouses, consumers’ smartphones can be used to scan QR Code, NFC tags, UHF-band RFID, and other ID devices, enabling companies to provide product information and authenticity verification, run digital promotions, and other services, and use data collected to enhance and optimize customer experiences.

The platform provides secure ID authentication infrastructure that consistently supports the latest security technologies, such as authentication methods employing cloud-based verification of encryption algorithms that differ between IC chips and computation results that change each time something is scanned. This eliminates the need for companies to create and continually update their own platforms.

The ID authentication function can be used to provide a wide range of customer services, while the dashboard function displays and enables analysis of collected data. This can be used for traceability management, detection of grey market diversion, and other elements of supply chain visualization, as well as for creating new customer value by enhancing services.

A high level of versatility and usability is provided by a built-in application programming interface (API) that makes data linkup with other software and applications possible. Toppan’s ID authentication functions can be incorporated into the client’s own service platforms to create a safe service environment. Coordination with existing information systems, such as ERP, CRM, and track & trace, is also possible.

In addition to standard ID devices such as QR Code, NFC tags, and UHF-band RFID, Toppan offers functional devices that enable tampering detection, prevention of reuse, temperature management, and use on metal materials, as well as smart packaging with integrated ID devices. Diverse client needs can be addressed by combining these devices with the ID authentication functions of the new platform.

The platform has been established on a server located in China and operated by Toppan for central management of unique ID data. Extensive assistance for services centered on ID authentication is ensured with a comprehensive support structure in China covering system management and operation, ID device manufacture, and data encoding. This means that client companies can manage the ID authentication system safely and securely in China and provide stable customer services.

“This new platform provides robust security, versatility, and multiple possibilities for consumer engagement and supply chain management,” said Takamitsu Nakabayashi, senior R&D manager at Toppan’s security business. “We will be expanding sales of ID authentication services employing the platform to a range of sectors, including wine and spirits, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and fast-moving consumer goods, where we are confident that it will be a perfect match for our client’s needs and help drive their digital transformation.”