Imagine taking the Sunday edition of the New York Times, cutting out every single word, one by one, and stacking them in a completely random order to form a pile about three and a half feet high. Now add to these other words in a language only you know and then create one single sentence from the entire stack by selecting words that only make sense to you.
That is the natural and artificial encryption methodology behind re-sequencing botanical DNA with your own special recipe using additional ingredients. Unless you know the language and the sentence structure and where those additional words in the DNA sequence appear, you cannot hope to clone this hybrid DNA marker.
This is the scientific technique with which Applied DNA Sciences is marking all kinds of valuable goods to protect them against counterfeiters. The process creates a completely traceable path for things like cash-in-transit, materials used in designer clothing, electronic parts, and any other goods that OEMs deem valuable enough to secure against counterfeiting while authenticating the integrity of the original product and source.
I asked the team at Applied DNA Sciences a number of questions in an extended interview. First on my priority list was to find out how foolproof and robust the botanical DNA marker was. Just like many EBN readers, I watch CSI and know that after a period of time, DNA degrades on its own. However, among the patents filed by Applied DNA Sciences is an encapsulation and stacking technique that effectively renders the DNA extremely robust against ultra violet rays and other environmental degradation agents. The stacking structure assures that the DNA can't be tampered with while avoiding detection. There are an infinite number of sequences that can be generated, so the markers are unique per application.
My next question concerned the cost of applying the marker to the materials and the cost of authentication. The cost for applying the DNA impregnated ink, adhesive, or spray is less than a penny per application. A hand-held scanner can quickly detect the presence of the DNA, but if an OEM wishes to authenticate the sequence, the part has to go back to Applied DNA Sciences' Labs for a full lab workup. "Aha," I said. Here is where things get costly.
In my own research, I discovered the cost for sequencing to be about $1,000. However, because Applied DNA has its own labs and labor force and are interested in high volume deployment, they are able to control costs to make it very affordable. They also indicated that within three to four years, the detection and authentication software and equipment will be managed by a laptop such that it will be very practical for a shipping/receiving department to have the authentication on site as part of their incoming inspection process.
This was all sounding very good to me, so I asked about IP and how they are protecting their patents and processes. Currently, all the authentication work is being performed by Applied DNA Sciences because only they know what to look for to authenticate. I asked if a company using this technology had to send the sample marked part back to them for verification. They said that for now, this was the case.
It occurred to me that there was a hidden business potential, so I asked, "Are you going to set up labs around the world?" Bingo! That is just what they are planning to do to increase their market reach and make it more viable for companies around the world to use their services. But the laptop-size equipment is on the way and it will be linked to the cloud for rapid marker authentication. So, the IP remains the IP of Applied DNA Sciences. The servers that will link to the cloud will be under Applied DNA's control.
I am beginning to think that this is the anti-counterfeiting strategy of the future. If the cost and access of authentication continues to drop, and the botanical DNA can truly not be cloned, along with the fact that there are little to no restrictions on the kind of surfaces associated with various application media -- including metal -- to which the marker can be affixed, and we have virtual environmental ruggedness, then who is to say that this won't be the straw that breaks the counterfeiter's back.
I indicated in an earlier article that I would give the bad guys something to worry about in a subsequent article. I think I have kept that promise: Applied DNA Sciences is already proven by the military, selected manufacturers like Altera and Micron, and tier-one distributors, which have tested and endorsed botanical DNA marking as an effective countermeasure. So far, the testing has been 100 percent reliable, and now it is only a matter of time before we see widespread deployment of this technology. I like it when the good guys win.
"Under Section 818 (of the 2012 NDAA), the DoD has until June 28, 2012 to implement a risk-based policy to minimize the impact of counterfeit electronic parts. This policy will include ensuring the traceability of parts, inspecting and testing of parts, and taking corrective action to recover costs for replacing counterfeit electronic parts from contractors. At that time, the DoD plans to issue guidance on remedial actions - including suspension and debarment - against contractors who fail to detect or avoid counterfeit electronic parts or who fail "to exercise due diligence in the detection and avoidance" of counterfeit electronic parts".
Tomorrow's the day, has anyone seen the "risk-based policy" ?
I guess it wouldn't make sense to counterfeit a product that wasn't in high demand. This is also a very dangerous practice because some of the counterfit chips find their way into medical devices that when failed may cause the loss of life. Would you buy a counterfeit pacemaker if you had a bad heart? How about counterfeit anti-lock brakes? Make no mistake, these counterfeiters are criminals and some of them have blood on their hands...but apparently not on their consciences. If a mosquito bites me, it really isn't a statement of how good my bood is, but rather a fact that the mosquito lives by taking blood. Counterfeiters are no different.
Hey, they say that the best form of flattery is imitation. They also say that emilation of successful things is the best way to succeed yourself. So in some way, the counterfeiters are just trying to follow in the originators' success (albeit the wrong way).
Douglas, To quote a recent article from GIGAOM "digitalDNA, creates unique plant-based DNA signatures that are encrypted onto QR codes readable by an iPhone app. When phones scan the code, data is analyzed by a cloud database to identify possible theft or counterfeiting. It's mobile meets cloud computing meets big data, with genomics as glue holding them all together together."
For anyone interested in more detail here are a couple of links I suggest you follow-up with.
Applied DNA Sciences also has introduced Digital DNA that I believe will replace the standard barcode methodologies for tracking goods in transit. UPS, FED-EX and all the logistics people will be able to transition to this technology with almost no significant adjustments to their infrastructure. I know RFID is also used for this same purpose, but RFID tags are cloneable and therefore not as secure as DNA tags. Because you are interested in this company and topic in general, I would really like to solicit your thoughts in greater depth. Can you research the Digital DNA concept and tell all of us what you think of this technology?
This seems like a very effective method to address authentification of electronics parts. Is it cost effective enough to be used across the entire spectrum of components, or do you think it will be targeted to more complictaed active devices?
@FLYINSCOT, I can't speak to your particular technical issues, but from my personal research I have learned a couple of things that might be of interest to you.
.One molecule of DNA is enough to authenticate a product.
.They are currently in collaboration with the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) as well as Binghampton University's Small Scale Systems Intergration and Packaging (S3IP) center.
My understanding is they are working on embeding their "enhanced DNA" into the silicon substrate of chips. Much more info is available at the University and/or Applied DNA Sciences websites. Hope this helps.
Do you have any more technical info about how the system works and to which products it can be applied? For instance how does it apply to silicon chips that can be less 1mm x 1mm in size?
This really does sound like it addresses most of the concerns in the electronics supply chain. I am wondering if standarization will be necessary for widespread adoption, though. That might be more of a hurdle than cost...
RFID makes it possible not only to increase the quantity and types of products streaming through the supply chain, but also to build higher-level products and services.
EBN Dialogue enables and encourages you to participate in live chats with notable leaders and luminaries. Not only editors and journalists, but the entire EBN community is able to comment and ask questions. Listed below are upcoming and archived chats.
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Thailand Stages a Comeback Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Euro-Crisis: What It Means for High-Tech Firms Join EBN Editor in Chief Bolaji Ojo and Contributing Editor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday, July 12, at 10:00 a.m. EDT for a Live Chat on high-tech and Europe's economic difficulties.
Microsoft Surface: Potential Winners & Losers What are the implications for the electronics industry supply chain of Microsoft Corp.'s decision to launch its own tablet PC? Join industry veteran and EE Times' systems and OEM expert Rick Merritt on Tuesday, July 3, at 12:00 pm EDT for a Live Chat on this subject.
Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Peter Drucker famously said "Trying to predict the future is like trying to drive down a country road at night with no lights while looking out the back window." Yet in the razor's-edge world of electronics—with a lean supply chain and just-in-time demands—the need to know the future is vital.
While no one really can accurately predict the future, we can take guidance from another Drucker saying which is the best way to predict the future is to create it.
You've heard the saying "the No. 1 supply chain risk is your people." That hasn't always been the case. But today's complex global supply chain requires a new type of multitalented employee. It's one who understands, finance, marketing, economics, is savvy with technology, graceful with relationships and can think analytically.
Where are these people? Are universities properly preparing the next generation supply chain professionals? How do train your existing workforce for these new, demanding positions?
Brian Fuller, editor-in-chief of EBN, will lead a 60-minute Avnet Velocity panel discussion that will ask and answer these and other questions swirling around today's supply-chain talent challenges.
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