METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TRACKING CONTAINERS

摘要

A method for tracking containers. The method includes manufacturing containers (24), including forming the containers (24) and serializing them with machine-readable codes (26). The method further includes using the machine-readable codes (26) to store data associated with the containers (24), and supplying the containers (24) to a customer. The method still further comprises receiving from the customer, data obtained from customer-readings of the machine- readable codes (26); and receiving from one or more other locations in a distribution chain in which the containers (24) travel, data obtained from readings of the machine-readable codes (26) at those locations. The method still further comprises comparing the data from the customer-readings and other readings of the machine-readable codes (26) across product brands, product distribution channels, and/or container types, and providing the data to the customer. In at least some embodiments, the method further comprises receiving from the customer a compensation for the containers (24), for example, a per-refill compensation.