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Frequently Asked - Find answers to common questions about Track & Trace
Technical 20
TATMEEN integration steps:
- Register your company on the portal
- Obtain API credentials
- Implement EPCIS message generation
- Configure secure connection (HTTPS)
- Test in sandbox environment
- Go live after certification
Common reasons for EPCIS file rejection:
- Schema validation errors: Check XML/JSON syntax
- Invalid identifiers: Verify check digits
- Missing required fields: Ensure all mandatory elements are present
- Unregistered products/locations: Register master data first
Use our EPCIS Analyzer to identify specific issues.
RSD integration steps:
- Register with SFDA
- Obtain RSD portal access
- Implement EPCIS capture interface
- Configure API authentication
- Complete testing phase
- Receive production approval
A duplicate serial number error occurs when the same serial is used twice. Causes:
- System generating non-unique serials
- Re-using previously commissioned serials
- Data synchronization issues
Solution: Implement proper serial number management and validation.
To print GS1 DataMatrix barcodes:
- Use a printer capable of 300+ DPI resolution
- Ensure proper quiet zones around the barcode
- Follow GS1 size recommendations (minimum X-dimension)
- Verify print quality with a barcode verifier
Consider using Continuous Ink Jet (CIJ), Thermal Inkjet (TIJ), or laser marking.
When EPCIS events fail:
- Check error response from portal
- Validate XML/JSON syntax
- Verify all identifiers (GTIN, GLN, SSCC)
- Ensure master data is registered
- Check business rules compliance
- Retry after fixing issues
A parent-child mismatch occurs when aggregation data is inconsistent:
- Child already in another parent
- Parent doesn't exist
- Unpacking before packing was reported
Solution: Ensure proper event sequencing and aggregation management.
Check digit errors occur when the last digit of a GTIN or SSCC doesn't match the calculated value:
- Use the GS1 Modulo 10 algorithm
- Recalculate the check digit
- Compare with the actual last digit
- Correct the barcode or data entry
Use our Barcode Decoder to validate check digits.
The typical EPCIS events required for pharmaceutical track and trace are:
- ObjectEvent (Commissioning): Serial number assignment
- AggregationEvent: Packing/unpacking
- ObjectEvent (Shipping): Products leaving a location
- ObjectEvent (Receiving): Products arriving at a location
- ObjectEvent (Dispensing): Products given to patients
Specific requirements vary by country.
A product not found error means the GTIN is not registered in the portal master data. Solution:
- Verify GTIN format and check digit
- Register product master data first
- Wait for approval before sending events
Master data is foundational reference data required before sending events:
- Product master: GTIN, description, NDC
- Location master: GLN, address, type
- Trading partner: Company information
Master data must be registered before transactional events.
Common reasons for barcode read failures:
- Poor print quality (low contrast, defects)
- Wrong scanner type (laser vs imager)
- Scanning angle or distance issues
- Damaged or dirty barcode
- Inadequate lighting
Use a barcode verifier to check quality.
A location not found error means the GLN is not registered. Solution:
- Verify GLN format and check digit
- Register location master data
- Ensure GLN is approved before use
A schema validation error means the EPCIS message doesn't match expected format:
- Invalid XML/JSON structure
- Missing required elements
- Incorrect data types
Use an EPCIS validator to check message format before submission.
Barcode verification is the process of grading barcode quality using ISO standards. Verification checks:
- Symbol contrast
- Modulation
- Decodability
- Defects
Grades range from A (best) to F (fail). Grade C or better is typically required.
API (Application Programming Interface) enables system-to-system communication. In track and trace:
- Submit EPCIS events to portals
- Query product status
- Retrieve master data
REST and SOAP APIs are common.
Serial number validation involves:
- Format validation: Check length and character set
- Check digit validation: Verify GTIN check digit using Modulo 10
- Uniqueness check: Ensure no duplicates exist
- Database lookup: Verify against regulatory portal
Use our Barcode Decoder tool to validate barcodes.
A sandbox environment is a testing system that mimics production without affecting real data. Use it to:
- Test EPCIS message format
- Validate integration
- Train users
- Debug issues
Always test thoroughly in sandbox before production.
Disaggregation is the reverse of aggregation - breaking parent-child relationships:
- Unpacking cases from pallets
- Unpacking units from cases
- Reported with AggregationEvent action DELETE
Required when products are repackaged or split.
GS1 DataMatrix is a 2D barcode format used for pharmaceutical serialization. It can encode the GTIN, serial number, batch/lot number, and expiry date in a small space.
DataMatrix barcodes are required on pharmaceutical packaging in most regulated markets.