Viewpoint: Data as a tool for fighting counterfeits

Counterfeiting is not a new crime and there continues to be an almost cat-and-mouse struggle between counterfeiters and the legitimate businesses trying to stop them. As technologies develop and become more complex, so too do the fraudster’s methods for evading detection.

Most recently we have seen major advances in technology that allow for the rapid, accurate and portable authentication of goods in the field which in turn allows for real-time detection of counterfeits anywhere within the supply chain.

However, the value of this type of technology that sets it apart is the data it produces to potentially enable multiple stakeholders to investigate remotely and spot trends.

Data Is powerful

Detection is just one element of anti-counterfeiting operations. Once potentially fraudulent goods have been discovered, agents have to track, investigate, and analyse evidence in order to issue warnings to consumers and ultimately catch the people responsible. This requires data.

Detection technology that can provide quantitative data is therefore invaluable in anti-counterfeiting operations, not least because it enables accurate reporting. As an example, enforcement officers equipped with portable authentication technology are not only able to quickly detect counterfeit or adulterated products in the field, but also glean data from each test that can then be uploaded and shared instantly with other stakeholders around the world.

The date, time, and geo-location of each detection is included – allowing for a global, view of where specific counterfeit products are showing up, how many of them have been detected and the rising or falling frequencies of detection as just a few examples of the information available.

This contributes to the development of a live database that can be linked to other sources of data accessible to multiple organisations and allowing enforcement professionals from Manchester to Hanoi to work together more easily in tracking counterfeit products, keeping consumers safe, and ultimately helping to catch those responsible.

Global, strategic advantages through data

Harnessing data in this way allows for a strategic, rapid, and global response to counterfeiting wherever it happens and represents an invaluable tool for anti-counterfeiting professionals.

Counterfeiting is an international crime and thus the response from enforcement agent needs to be international as well. The rapid, accurate and portable detection technology now available to us in combination with powerful and shareable data will be key to maximising the effectiveness of cross-border enforcement action.

Matthew Harte is group CEO of Eluceda