A counterfeit network analyzer based on RFID and EPC

Abstract

Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to focus on the design of a counterfeit network analyzer (CNA) for aggregating all the problematic product flows in order to discover any counterfeit distribution source, and to control the spread of counterfeit goods. The analyzer leverages radio frequency identification (RFID) information stored within the electronic product code (EPC) network. Design/methodology/approach -The system architecture of the proposed CNA is first discussed. A case study of the system application in a Hong Kong pharmaceutical manufacturing company then presents the adoption process and the challenges encountered in such technologies. Findings -Compared with traditional approaches, the results show that the proposed RFID solution is reliable and is capable of discovering counterfeit distributions, as well as reducing the detection costs by means of higher product movement visibility within the supply chain. Practical implications -A prototype system has been constructed and trial implemented in a pharmaceutical manufacturing company. It proved to be of benefit to the manufacturer who is able to deter product counterfeiting effectively and visualize real-time supply chain data automatically. Originality/value -The proposed CNA is designed to overcome issues of information invisibility, which is considered a huge cost lost in the identification of counterfeit products, loss of sales and reputation associated with the counterfeiting, and ineffective product authentication in the manufacturing industry. This paper contributes to the RFID research in the counterfeiting area by studying the feasibility and practicality of shifting the focus of product identification from the traditional package redesign solutions to the visualization of the movement of the product (i.e. product supply chain) via the use of RFID and EPC. Furthermore, a pharmaceutical manufacturing site provided a case study for discussing the advantages, critical issues for implementation of the RFID system, and lessons learned.

Using social network analysis to combat counterfeiting

“…Moreover, some of these solutions are likely to be neutralized soon, as many of the formerly "advanced" technologies have quickly found widespread applications today. Kwok et al (2010) propose a more proactive solution that involves the use of a counterfeit network analyzer (CNA) based on RFID technology and EPC networks. It is an automatic information sharing network that can visualize distribution of fraudulent products by analyzing information captured in EPC networks.…”

“…This information can be collected through trackand-trace technology like RFID or barcode (Kwok et al, 2010). Data collected are recorded in the information flow matrix as elaborated by Brinkerhoff (2004) and Marsden (1990).…”

“…It is argued that studying and analyzing the network structure that represents a supply chain can help to detect suspected counterfeiting parties in the network (Kwok et al, 2010). This can be accomplished by using centrality coefficients to analyze the network structure.…”

“…Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) based anti-counterfeiting solutions have been widely reported in literature (Ting et al, 2011;Kwok et al, 2010;Lehtonen et al, 2008;Wong et al, 2006). Generally, RFID technology combats counterfeiting in two ways: (i) item identification and (ii) traceability of an item's trail of transactions in its supply chain.…”

A two-factor authentication system using Radio Frequency Identification and watermarking technology

“…In general, RFID brings the following benefits in the process of combating counterfeits:  Provides accurate and detailed information that enhances item level traceability throughout supply chains and store networks  Improves stock accuracy to avoid costly discrepancies  Improves product restocking efficiencies and visibility  Provides instant notification about incidents  Strengthens brand protection  Provides real time information of product movement However, in the above mentioned RFID-based product authentication approaches [12,24,[26][27][28], RFID tag is generally attached to the product packages or stuck onto the product itself to serve as a security measure for product genuineness determination. In these approaches, the authentication measure is moved from the product itself to the information carried and stored in the RFID tag.…”