Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/550307
44 tobaccoasia take up too much space on the packaging but can still encode the unique number. That is why we see the use of two-dimensional codes, such as the DataMatrix or QR codes. Optical Character Rec- ognition (OCR) is much more challenging." However, the problem with DataMatrix and QR Codes is that they cannot be printed reliably by continuous ink jet technology. An answer to that problem is the adoption of a relatively new code format, known as DotCode, which was origi- nally developed to overcome the problems that ink jet faced, to be an alternative to DataMatrix, which had no finder pattern. A data carrier that can be used to enable PackTracking – aggregation of packs into bundles or cartons – a DotCode can also be easily read in the field by a hand held de- vice, such as a scanner or a smartphone. Although DotCode was developed by Cognex, it is a public domain 2D code format. DotCode is starting to be used by several of the large multinational manu- facturers and is proving to be a robust code format that is relatively straightforward to capture on a high line speed with a camera. ment trying to tackle contraband, counterfeit, or tax evasion issues. It could also meet the require- ments for the illicit trade protocol from the FCTC. At a production line level, Codentify requires a standard industrial PC called a code generator. This transmits the data so the coding devices at the line can also transmit back production infor- mation to a government system. To sum it up, Codentify is a fully-integrated solution for tackling illicit trade. Its Digital Tax Verification function- ality protects tax revenues by strengthening col- lection capabilities and reducing opportunities for evasion. Codentify Track & Trace enables stake- holders to monitor and secure the distribution of products across international supply chains, and Codentify Product Authentication enables any- one, anytime, anywhere to verify the authenticity of a product. Aside from coding equipment, manufactur- ers also need to decide which type of printer best serves their purpose. Today, technology choices available include continuous inkjet, scribing laser, thermal inkjet, and print & apply. According to Domino's Cutforth, the two most popular choices are continuous inkjet and scribing laser. The ad- vantages of inkjet technology are numerous – low- est capital cost, well-proven results, high-speed (1,000 ppm), extremely reliable (99%+) when used correctly, flexible and mobile between lines, small print head allowing for simple installation in all packs and cartons, the ability to print on any ma- terial, etc. However, the downside to inkjet tech- nology is the simple fact that it uses ink, meaning there are consumables costs involved, the inks are solvent-based, there is a risk of spillage, code qual- ity is not as good as laser, and good training and SOPs need to be enforced to maintain reliability. Inkjet technology also requires linear movement to print and can only print in the direction of movement. Scribing laser, on the other hand, offers the advantages of inherent reliability, well-proven re- sults, minimal operator interaction, no inks or sol- vents needed, good code quality, can print while static or moving and in any orientation, and is a solution for every package type. However, it does involve capital costs which could be three times higher than those for inkjet technology, fixed in- stallation, a critical need for samples, and a need for color-contrast on packaging artwork. Domino has built up a catalogue of application parts, or AP numbers – bespoke parts such as laser shrouds, support brackets – designed by Domino for specific cigarette packaging applications and configurations. They have been developed to en- sure that an installation is carried out efficiently and to a high standard. Further details on Domino Printing Sciences and its products can be found on www.domino-printing.com. "MRCs are the only way manufacturers can effectively capture what is being coded and printed onto cigarette packs" Domino Printing Sciences was the first to print DotCode online at a trial at Philip Morris Products S.A. (PMPSA). More recently, Domino was the first coding supplier to develop and print online the new "DotCode" 2D MRC format, again for both inkjet and laser. Since 2003, over 1,000 Domino inkjets and lasers have coded billions of cigarette packs with the unique Codentify code, which was developed a decade ago by Philip Morris International (PMI) and jointly owned by the Digital Coding & Track- ing Association (DCTA), formerly the Industrial Working Group (IWG). Having been involved in the project from the very beginning, Domino sup- plies not the Codentify coding itself, but coding equipment to enable manufacturers to print Co- dentify on their products. Codentify gives each pack a unique identify- ing number. The encryption algorithms used in Codentify are among some of the strongest any- where. When decoded, Codentify gives informa- tion on date, time, manufacturer ID, factory ID, and even machine ID. This can also be linked to brand-specific information such as pricing and tax level information, product characteristics, destina- tion or country, importer or customer, etc. There- fore, Codentify could meet the requirements of a stakeholder such as a brand owner or a govern-