Plings Identifier Usage Guide

This guide explains when and how different types of Plings identifiers are used, who uses them, and why certain features like paths and class keys matter in different contexts.

Quick Decision Matrix

Use Case Need Class Key? Need Full Path? Offline Verify? Example
Personal Storage No No No Storage boxes, tools
Retail Inventory Optional Yes No Store tracking
Product Authentication Yes Yes Yes Luxury goods
Manufacturing Yes Yes Yes Production line
Lost & Found No No No Personal items
Asset Management Optional Yes No Company equipment

When Do You Need Full Paths?

You NEED Full Paths When:

1. Manufacturing Traceability

Path: 2.1.2.2019.10847
Why: Proves IKEA made it, traces to factory, batch, and date
Use: Recalls, warranty, quality control

2. Anti-Counterfeiting

Path: 15.3.1.2020.5834  
Why: Only Rolex can generate paths starting with "15"
Use: Authenticate luxury goods, prevent fakes

3. Organizational Hierarchy

Path: 50.2.3.4.1
Why: University.Building.Room.Shelf.Item
Use: Multi-level asset tracking

4. Supply Chain Integrity

Path: 8.5.2.1000-2000
Why: Nike.Factory5.Line2.Batch
Use: Track origin, route, authenticity

You DON’T Need Full Paths When:

1. Personal Items

Simple: Generic sticker on moving box
Why: You just need to find it later
Path Used: 1.1.12345 (generic)

2. Temporary Tracking

Simple: Event badge, parking permit
Why: Short-term identification only
Path Used: Any available generic

3. Internal Use Only

Simple: Office supplies in single location
Why: No external verification needed
Path Used: Basic sequential numbers

When Are Class Keys Important?

Class Keys ARE Critical When:

1. High-Value Authentication

Scenario: Buying used Rolex
Class Key: Proves specific model (Submariner, Datejust, etc.)
Without It: Could be any watch claiming to be Rolex
Verification: Instant model confirmation

2. Safety/Regulatory Compliance

Scenario: Medical device verification
Class Key: Confirms device model and certifications
Without It: Can't verify safety specifications
Verification: Critical for patient safety

3. Technical Specifications

Scenario: Replacement parts ordering
Class Key: Identifies exact part specifications
Without It: Might order wrong component
Verification: Ensures compatibility

4. Warranty/Service

Scenario: Product repair claim
Class Key: Links to warranty terms
Without It: Manual model verification needed
Verification: Automated claim processing

Class Keys DON’T Matter When:

1. Generic Organization

Use: Storage boxes, personal items
Why: Items have no inherent class
Example: "Christmas Decorations" box

2. Unique Items

Use: Art, custom furniture, prototypes
Why: No product class exists
Example: Handmade pottery

3. Consumables

Use: Office supplies, basic materials
Why: Exact model rarely matters
Example: Box of printer paper

Real-World Usage Patterns

Consumer Shopping

At Retail Store

  1. Browsing: Scan for product info (no verification needed)
  2. Comparing: Check specifications (class key useful)
  3. Authenticity: Verify genuine brand (full path critical)
  4. Purchase: Transfer ownership (instance key only)

Online Marketplace

  1. Listing Check: Verify seller has item (instance key)
  2. Authentication: Confirm genuine product (full path + class)
  3. History: Check ownership chain (database lookup)
  4. Transfer: Update ownership records (instance key)

Business Operations

Retail Management

Morning: Scan store inventory (paths show organization)
Hourly: Track movement patterns (instance keys)
Daily: Identify misplaced items (path comparison)
Weekly: Analyze shrinkage (missing instances)

Warehouse Operations

Receiving: Verify shipment authenticity (full path)
Storage: Assign locations (instance + location)
Picking: Find items quickly (location lookup)
Shipping: Transfer custody (instance update)

Personal Use

Home Organization

What You Scan: Generic Plings sticker
What You Enter: "Holiday Decorations - Ornaments"
What You Need: Just the instance key
Class/Path: Irrelevant for personal items

Moving Process

Packing: Assign box contents (instance only)
Loading: Movers scan boxes (instance tracking)
Delivery: Verify all arrived (instance count)
Unpacking: Find specific items (search by description)

Technical Scenarios

Offline Verification Need

Scenario 1: Flea Market (No Internet)

Seller: "Genuine Leica camera"
Buyer: Scans Plings tag
Phone: Verifies cryptographic signature offline
Result: Confirms authentic Leica without internet
Technical: Needs full path + class key for offline verification

Scenario 2: Remote Location

Location: Mountain ski resort
Lost: Child's jacket with Plings tag
Finder: Scans with phone
System: Shows owner contact (cached)
Technical: Basic info works offline, full features need connection

Online-Only Scenarios

Scenario 1: Inventory Audit

Task: Count all items in store
Method: Batch scan all tags
System: Real-time database updates
Technical: Requires constant connection for live tracking

Scenario 2: History Lookup

Need: Full ownership history
Access: Database query required
Result: Complete chain of custody
Technical: Historical data only online

Implementation Priorities

For Manufacturers

  1. Must Have: Full path system for authenticity
  2. Must Have: Class keys for product lines
  3. Important: Batch tracking capabilities
  4. Nice to Have: Consumer engagement features

For Retailers

  1. Must Have: Instance tracking for inventory
  2. Important: Path organization for departments
  3. Important: Loss prevention integration
  4. Nice to Have: Customer info access

For Consumers

  1. Must Have: Simple scanning and finding
  2. Important: Authentication for purchases
  3. Nice to Have: Organization features
  4. Optional: Advanced categorization

For Personal Use

  1. Must Have: Quick item identification
  2. Must Have: Search functionality
  3. Nice to Have: Photo associations
  4. Optional: Sharing capabilities

Summary Guidelines

Use Simple Identifiers When:

  • Organizing personal belongings
  • Tracking internal assets
  • Temporary identification needs
  • Cost is primary concern

Use Full Path + Class When:

  • Manufacturing products
  • Preventing counterfeits
  • Regulatory compliance required
  • Brand protection critical

Require Offline Verification When:

  • High-value transactions
  • Remote locations common
  • Trust is critical
  • Internet unreliable

Online-Only Acceptable When:

  • Internal operations only
  • Real-time tracking needed
  • Historical data important
  • Integration with other systems

This guide helps determine which Plings identifier features you need for your specific use case. For technical implementation details, see Plings Identifier Specification.