Glossary

A stage in the use of a tax stamp, when applicable taxes become due. Also refers to a unique identifier used for track and trace, which is activated at the point where the identifier is applied to an item and scanned, and then linked to that item in a central database.

Artificial intelligence systems that operate with a certain level of autonomy and intentionality. Unlike generative AI systems, which only respond to specific prompts or tasks given by users, agentic AI systems are designed to take independent actions, pursue goals, or make decisions based on a set of objectives or desired outcomes. This type of AI can proactively seek information, adapt to changing environments, and perform tasks without direct human oversight.

Allows the identification of individual items within an outer package to be recorded and associated with a unique identifier applied to that package. The identifier can then be used to record the movement of the outer package (together with the movement of its contents) throughout the distribution chain. In the case of cigarettes, this parent-child relationship can record the hierarchy between packs and cartons, cartons and master cases, and master cases and pallets.

A mathematical procedure or formula for solving a recurrent problem, based on conducting a sequence of specified actions. For example, an encryption algorithm transforms data according to specified actions to protect that data. Provides the basis for many proprietary coding systems.

A human-readable character set containing both letters (A-Z) and numbers (0-9). The increased number of permutations resulting from using letters and numbers allows data to be encoded with fewer characters than if only numbers are used.

Using a wristwatch as an example, an analogue watch uses the movement of hands over a dial to represent passing time. It’s not the same thing as time itself, but an analogy of time. Sometimes contrasted with ‘digital’, a numeric representation of information.

A security feature that does not accurately reproduce when copied or scanned using a mechanical or digital device. Includes printed security features integrated in the background of security printing which are invisible to the naked eye under normal inspection conditions but become visible or cause flaws to appear after copying or reproducing with a scanner.

Technical measures designed to prevent or detect counterfeiting and other forms of illicit trade. Not synonymous with non-secure track and trace technologies used for purely logistic purposes (codes on mail items for example).

Software on a mobile device used to link the holder to a specific web page/service.

A connection between computers or computer programmes. It is a type of software interface, offering a service to other pieces of software. A document or standard that describes how to build such a connection or interface is called an API specification. The term API may refer either to the specification or to the implementation.

The theory and development of computer systems able to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and translation between languages.

A process that uses a pair of related keys – one public and one private – to encrypt and decrypt a message and protect it from unauthorised use.

Something that is real, genuine, valid, of undisputed origin. Authentication is the process of confirming that a product, document or even person is authentic.

The process of determining that a product, document or even person is authentic.

Digital technologies used to automatically capture data, including barcodes, smart cards, biometrics, RFID and NFC.

A method of storing limited amounts of data in a linear array of lines and spaces (1D barcode) or larger amounts in a rectangular array (2D barcode).

A series of vertical printed black bars of controlled thickness and separation representing variable data information in a linear, one-dimensional format (eg. UPC, EAN).

A 2D barcode (eg. datamatrix, QR code, dotcode), typically square-shaped, capable of representing more data per unit area than a linear barcode.

A timestamped series of immutable records of data that are managed by a cluster of computers as a distributed ledger that is not owned by any single entity. The blocks of data are secured and bound to each other using cryptographic principles. A permissioned blockchain, defined in this glossary, can be owned by a single entity. For example, JPMcoin is owned by JPMorgan. There are now a wide range of examples of this type of blockchain.

Rules that dictate how computers in a network verify new transactions and add them to the blockchain database.

A short-range wireless technology standard used for exchanging data between fixed and mobile devices over short distances and building personal area networks.

A term used to describe a pharmaceutical tracking approach with (usually) only two main points of control at the beginning and end of the supply chain (like bookends holding up books on a shelf). Developed as a pragmatic solution to implementing tracking in a complex multi-stakeholder distribution environment.

A project delivery method where a private entity receives a concession from the public sector to finance, design, construct, own, and operate a facility stated in the concession contract. This enables the project proponent to recover its investment, operating and maintenance expenses in the project. BOT is usually used in public–private partnerships.

Refers to how energy moves between conductive elements separated by insulators. Capacitive touchscreens, found on smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices, are made up of multiple layers of glass and plastic, coated with a conductor material like indium tin oxide or conductive polymers. This conductive material responds when in contact with another electrical conductor, like a bare human finger.

A packaging unit of tobacco products. One carton usually contains 10 packs (or 200 individual cigarettes).

Also known as a checksum character or control digit, this is usually the last digit of a number or barcode used to verify that the number is correct. A decoder calculates the checksum by performing a series of mathematical operations on the digits that precede the check digit, and comparing the result of the calculation to the value of the check digit.

On-demand access, via the internet, to computing resources – applications, physical servers, virtual servers, data storage, development tools, networking capabilities, and more – hosted at a remote data centre managed by a cloud services provider.

A system of words, letters, figures, or symbols used to represent certain information.

A government agency designated to implement a system, such as a tax stamp and track and trace solution.

The semiconductor technology used in most of today’s integrated circuits.

The representation of several element strings in one barcode.

A digital printing technique in which a continuous fine stream of electricity charged ink is formed and diverted onto the substrate as needed to form the printed image. Unused ink is collected and reused.

The illegal production and sale of goods (including packaging) bearing a trademark that is identical to a validly registered trademark or that cannot be distinguished from such a trademark. Also refers to the reproduction of a banknote or security document that looks authentic but has been manufactured fraudulently with the intent to deceive the public.

A method of protecting information and communications through the use of codes.

The use of a non-standard system of bars and spaces to encode data.

Crime committed to steal or defraud people of electronic money, or crypto-assets, online.

Protecting data and communications against attacks from (amongst other things) malware, denial of service and phishing attacks.

In the context of track and trace, usually refers to a barcode (primarily 2D), or a microchip carrying track and trace data in a machine-readable format.

A 2D code consisting of black and white cells or dots arranged in a square or rectangular pattern, also known as a matrix. The information to be encoded can be text or numeric data. Usual data size is from a few bytes up to 1556 bytes.

A database used to store track and trace data, for example.

A ledger system, recording transactions and holdings, which is held in multiple places and simultaneously updated. See Distributed ledger technology for a description of the technical infrastructure on which distributed ledger systems can be based.

The translation of a code into a format that is more generally understood.

The process of converting encrypted data back to its original form, often with the use of a covert key or password.

The reproduction (as in counterfeiting) of documents and packaging using digital reprographic technology.

The storage, transmission, manipulation and reproduction of data, images, sounds, etc., by a process that uses groups of electronic bits represented as 1 or 0.

Anything that exists in binary data which is self-contained, uniquely identifiable, and has a value or right to use. Data that do not possess that right are not considered assets.

Any printing technology capable of producing printed materials directly from a computer file. Digital printing does not require an intermediary medium such as film, nor an intermediary machine such as a platemaker. Non-impact printing such as laser, inkjet and dye sublimation all fall into this category.

The European Commission defines a ‘product passport’ as a product-specific dataset that can be electronically accessed via a data carrier to facilitate the electronic registration, processing, and sharing of product-related information among supply chain entities, authorities, and consumers.

A type of electronic signature that protects a document or authenticates a device by encryption with digital codes that are difficult to duplicate or decrypt.

Commonly refers to a tax stamp which carries a digitally generated and printed unique identifier.