Global e-pedigree standard ratified

EPCglobal has ratified a standard for using RFID and other technologies to establish chain-of-custody pedigrees for pharmaceuticals moving through the supply chain. The new standard is based on intellectual property developed by SupplyScape.

"The standard enables companies in the pharmaceutical industry to comply with all state and federal pedigree regulations," says Lucy Deus, SupplyScape VP of product development, who worked with EPCglobal and was the technical editor for development of the standard. "It allows expressing information in a common electronic format that enables interoperability and information exchange between partners."

The standard does not necessitate the use of RFID or an EPC number, but is applicable for both item- and case/pallet-level serialization. It does specify format, fields, and certification process for use by RFID, bar coding and other technologies—as well as paper-based records—for creating, storing, and sharing data.