Innovative QR code-based product authenticity safeguards: Case study of design considerations and technological challenges

Abstract

Purpose of the study: The purpose of this study is to explore the technological challenges and design considerations involved in developing and implementing Quick Response (QR) code technology to secure product authenticity. It aims to respond to market demand, as technological know-how considerations in realization of innovative projects may allow companies of any size to become independent of expensive external services and specialized equipment. Methodology: The employed case study approach explores the requirements of a use case involving QR code technology to secure product authenticity. Its fundamental assumptions include innovative features such as generating a pair of two unique QR codes, the ability to generate 100,000 QR codes within 10 seconds, gathering geolocation information as an additional parameter, and availability of the final solution as a website. The identified technological challenges, deemed Key Design Elements, were further analyzed using a Pareto-Lorenz diagram to indicate which elements exhibit the most significant impact on the project. Main Findings: The study identified and prioritized Key Design Elements for developing a QR code-based system with a focus on elements like unique code generation, time efficiency, and error correction. A Pareto-Lorenz analysis revealed the most significant elements that account for 80% of the project's success, leading to a fully functional service ready for real-world deployment. The proposed solution offers fast feedback, uses additional parameters to verify authenticity, provides universal access, and enhances the randomness of code generation to reduce the risk of unauthorized access. Applications of the study: The findings of this study have practical applications for various industries such as medical, tobacco, luxury goods, cosmetics, alcohol, automotive, and electrical engineering. The identified Key Design Elements are particularly useful for manufacturers looking to develop and implement innovative solutions to protect their products from counterfeiting, theft, and unauthorized reproduction. Novelty/Originality of the study: The study provides readers with novel insights into addressing both technological and non-technological challenges in designing QR code-based product authenticity safeguards. It adds value by highlighting the most critical design factors and guiding readers through innovative design considerations. The study extends the analysis of QR code technology beyond conventional uses by integrating advanced features such as geolocation data, error correction mechanisms, and enhanced randomness in code generation. The result is a novel solution that is both scalable and adaptable across various industries, particularly those at high risk of counterfeiting and theft.