Systech launches AI authentication aimed at pharma

Systech has extended its range of authentication technology for the pharma and life sciences industries with the launch of UniSecure artAI, which creates a digital 'blueprint' of a package and its artwork that can be used for verification.

The cloud-based, Software as a Service (SaaS) offering allows manufacturers to use their existing product packaging – without modification – without any hardware installation or the use of inks, stickers, tags or other add-ons.

The blueprint for each individual pack is generated using pattern recognition variables like typography and the colour and position of text, shapes and other pack features, and can be verified at any point in the supply chain in real time by scanning the pack using a smartphone app.

The platform is backed by a dashboard that provides analytics and serves as a central data repository so users can look for patterns like counterfeiting and diversion 'hot spots', keep tabs on product returns and packaging quality, and assist in audits and investigations, according to Systech.

In a statement, Sreedhar Patnala, general manager at Systech, said: "artAI enables brands to quickly identify and resolve issues and roll out packaging quality checks and counterfeit protection at scale. It is easy to use, does not require packaging changes, can be deployed rapidly and provides immediate value."

The new technology can help to fight counterfeit medicine trafficking, which Systech says is one of the world’s fastest-growing criminal enterprises worth up to €412bn per year, according to US National Institutes of Health estimates, as well as the challenge of false counterfeits due to flaws in packaging quality inspection.