Markem-Imaje will combine its Consulting and Integration Services division with Systech to create a scaled-up version of its brand protection and compliance technology.
Traceability
Systech, headquartered in New Jersey, US, offers an integrated Brand Protection Suite for compliance and brand protection applications, including serialization, traceability, and non-additive anti-counterfeiting and anti-diversion applications.
“Integration with Markem-Imaje will boost Systech’s R&D capabilities and support our ambitious technological agenda,” said Ara Ohanian, CEO, Systech.
“The acquisition will also enhance implementation scale, accelerate innovation and help to better serve both our global client base and our partners.
“Our products are complementary, and the combined offerings will strengthen our brand promise of delivering authentic, safe and connected products across the supply chain, from manufacturing to the consumer’s hands.”
Digital packaging
According to Dr. Avi Chaudhuri, chief scientist, Systech, traditional approaches to brand protection involved analog offerings where overt visual features such holograms watermarks and color shifting inks represented the mainstay of what was available.
However, the revolution in connected packaging is being driven by digital technologies and brand owners should consider engaging with their customers to provide information or a reward on packaging that cannot be cloned or reverse-engineered by counterfeiters.
They could use the reward-information gateway as a means for brand protection and do all this (if possible) without changing or adding anything to the package.
"These requirements represent a very tall order. As it happens, your packaging is already connected and ready to do all the above. This functionality resides in your barcode," he said.
"But how? Each printed barcode contains a unique noise pattern that is not discernible to the human eye but can be detected by a smartphone camera.
"Known generically as fingerprinting, it is this unseen noise that is authenticated using a mobile app. And it is impossible to replicate, even if the package is perfectly copied. No two package barcodes will have the same noise pattern and can distinguish each individual package. A simple smartphone scan confirms authenticity and opens the engagement portal."