At Kezzler, we believe that connected supply chains should do more than meet regulations. They should unlock visibility, efficiency, and consumer trust. That’s why in our recent Supply Chain Deep Dive, we explored how transformation events and EPCIS (Electronic Product Code Information Services) are reshaping traceability. We were joined by GS1 US experts Ned Mears and Matt Andrews, who offered insights into building event-based supply chains that go far beyond transactional systems.
Why transformation events matter: A fundamental shift
Traditionally, supply chain data focused on transaction data. Think of electronic documents like purchase orders (EDI) and advanced shipment notices (ASN). These documents signal intentions for moving goods. However, transaction data often fails to reflect what truly happens on the ground. This is where visibility event data comes in. EPCIS standardizes this data. It records actual physical actions and occurrences in the supply chain. This includes details down to the serial item level.
Consider the difference:
- Transaction data: An EDI signal might state that 100 units of Product A will ship.
- EPCIS event data: It provides a detailed record underlying the transaction. For example, individual cases of Product A are picked. They are aggregated onto a specific pallet with a unique identifier. They move to the loading dock. They load onto a truck. All records include timestamps and locations.
This distinction proves crucial. It helps when dealing with substitutions, like produce affected by weather. It also covers internal inventory movements not tied to external transactions. Transaction events represent business events. In contrast, transformation events define a product’s true lifecycle. These include repackaging, recombination, or value-added processing. EPCIS offers a “trusted source of data”. It reflects reality and can even be reconciled with transactional data.
How EPCIS enables the next level of traceability
EPCIS offers a robust framework for industries with strict traceability mandates. This includes food (FSMA 204) and pharmaceuticals (DSCSA). EDI manages some aspects, especially shipping Critical Tracking Events (CTEs). However, EPCIS is uniquely suited for the broader spectrum of traceability demands.
EPCIS’s event types—including object events, aggregation events, and transformation events —directly map to the critical tracking events required by FSMA 204, such as harvesting, cooling, initial packing, transformation, first land-based receiver, and shipping/receiving.
- Transformation events in EPCIS precisely model “what you’re starting with, what you’re producing, where, and when” for food products undergoing changes.
- Initial packing events can also be represented as a form of transformation, converting raw commodities into packed trade items.
- Internal processes like harvesting and cooling can be effectively captured, with the added benefit of including valuable sensor data like temperature.
This granular, process-level data capture is essential. It helps meet regulatory requirements and delivers deeper insights. Consequently, it enables proactive risk mitigation and smarter inventory flows.
Embracing the future: From 1D to Digital Link
The conversation also looked ahead to Sunrise 2027, GS1’s initiative to replace traditional 1D barcodes with 2D QR codes powered by GS1 Digital Link.
Why this matters:
- More data in less space: QR codes carry batch numbers, expiration dates, and more.
- Web-native identifiers: Digital Link turns a barcode into a gateway for real-time data.
- Smarter consumer engagement: A single scan at checkout could provide ESG data, supply chain transparency, or even recall alerts.
Kezzler deeply aligns with GS1’s Sunrise 2027 initiative. This initiative aims to drive 2D barcode adoption at retail point-of-sale. This step change will unlock richer data for brands. Ultimately, it enables unprecedented transparency across the entire supply chain.
Elevate your traceability strategy with Kezzler
At Kezzler, our ambition is to help you build truly connected supply chains, leveraging the power of event-centric data to not only meet regulatory demands but also unlock new levels of efficiency, trust, and consumer engagement. Kezzler isn’t just enabling traceability—it’s advancing it. With built-in EPCIS support for transformation events, our platform:
- Captures every event—transactional and transformational.
- Offers universal interoperability, ensuring your data speaks the global EPCIS standard.
- Provides scalable integration, supporting varied industries from pharmaceuticals and food to consumer goods.
Whether you’re ensuring food safety, enabling circularity, or complying with upcoming regulations, Kezzler delivers real-time, end-to-end visibility across your entire supply chain.
Supply Chain Deep Dive featuring GS1 US – watch the full video:
You might also find this interesting
- Our blog post “GS1 2D barcodes: the future of data sharing”
- A deeper dive into EPCIS with our solution brief “The power of GS1’s EPCIS 2.0 standard”