Supply Chain Management and Security Through New Blockchain-Based CryptoSeal Prototype
San Francisco-based blockchain and IoT technology company, Chronicled, Inc. has announced the release of its CryptoSeal prototype, a development towards creating an immutable supply chain which shows provenance and facilitates the secure movement of physical assets.
The tamper-evident CryptoSeals is an adhesive trip which is attached to an object. Each contains a ‘Near Field Communication’ chip embedded with unique identity information, which is immutably registered and verified on a blockchain. The tamper-evident form factor for the CryptoSeal was developed in partnership with Cellotape Smart Products, a 70 year old manufacturing company based in Newark, CA. In addition to an object’s identity, the Seal also records the identity of its registrant and packaging or asset metadata to the blockchain.
Software engineer Maksym Petkus explained: “We can now put a tiny computer chip with cryptographic identity into a slim adhesive seal strip form factor to secure a package, enabling mathematically- and cryptographically-closed loop integration with the blockchain, and securing high-value assets with this tamper-evident technology.” With their customizable size, allowing application to a variety of packages from envelopes to shipping containers, CryptoSeals have the ability to securely verify sender identity and timestamp shipment deliveries, and provide a secure chain of custody in the supply chain.
Tim Daly, President of Cellotape Smart Products, said: “We are excited to be working with the team at Chronicled. We see potential to combine our expertise in materials, adhesives, engineering, and printed electronics with Chronicled’s expertise in blockchain and IoT to create solutions for the packaging, shipping, logistics, and product authentication markets,”
Some potential use cases for the CryptoSeal have been proposed, including pharmaceutical tracking, where a secure chain of custody and immutable provenance are needed but often lacking. Chronicled’s CryptoSeals can be customized to fit and seal shipments of pharmaceuticals, including individuals cartons and containers. If the antenna in the adhesive seal is broken at any time, it will be impossible to verify the chip inside the CryptoSeal, ensuring patients confidence when they receive legitimate, untampered pharmaceuticals.
Chronicled CEO, Ryan Orr remarked: “You can think of the CryptoSeal like the old system of the King’s Signet Ring stamping a wax seal on a letter. The signet holder is analogous to the registrant of the CryptoSeal, the wax to the chip inside of the seal, and the stamping of the signet is like the signing of the CryptoSeal to the Blockchain. On its own each component, from the cryptographic chips to the tamper evident seals and blockchain registration, is necessary but insufficient to solve the problem. Together the three technologies create a strong solution.”
Additional business cases for high-value asset verification and supply chain provenance include medical equipment, fine art, electronics, cold chain, and forensic evidence tracking. Chronicled CryptoSeals also have a potential to benefit individuals, from those marking artistic creations, to securing luggage, to shipping high valuable items internationally. Chronicled CryptoSeals with customizable sizing and adhesives are slated to begin entering the market this year.
