Method and System for Tracking Containers

摘要

A method for tracking containers. The method includes manufacturing containers, including forming the containers and serializing them with machine-readable codes. The method further includes using the machine-readable codes to store data associated with the containers, and supplying the containers to a customer. The method still further comprises receiving from the customer, data obtained from customer-readings of the machine-readable codes; and receiving from one or more the locations in a distribution chain in which the containers travel, data obtained from readings of the machine-readable codes at those locations. The method still further comprises comparing the data from the customer-readings and other readings or the to machine-readable codes 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, for example, a per-refill compensation.

主权项

1. A method comprising the steps or:
manufacturing containers, including forming the containers and serializing the containers with machine-readable codes that are integral to and irremovable from the containers; using the machine-readable codes to store data associated with the containers, including at least one of a date of container manufacture, a time of container manufacture, production facility data, or container quality data; supplying the containers to a customer; receiving from the customer, data obtained from customer-readings of the machine-readable codes and including data relating to the filling of the containers; receiving from a seller of products including the containers, data obtained from seller-readings of the machine-readable codes and including at least one of a date of container sale, a time of container sale, or seller-specific data; and analyzing the data received from the customer-readings and seller-readings to determine certain information relating to the containers.