Abstract: A distributed ledger-based system and methods for tracking products using the same are described herein. The method ensures authenticity by allowing verification of the digital identity of a physical item at each step of the supply chain. The method may include receiving and verifying integrated circuit chips manufactured by a trusted supplier, assembling the chips into a roll inlay, assembling the inlay rolls into a carton, palletizing the cartons, updating the distributed ledger, e.g., blockchain, with roll, carton, and pallet codes, taking receipt from a specific trusted individual and adding verification to the distributed ledger, e.g., blockchain, and activating a digital identity. GPS information may be associated with every step in order to ensure that the product is properly present at certain manufacturing and encoding locations. Once a digital identity is produced for the product, it may be added to by subsequent use, such as may be desired.

Abstract: A system for applying radio frequency identification tags on which are disposed respective barcodes includes a processor and a plurality of representations of the items accessible by the processor. Each representation is associated with at least one of the barcodes and includes an indication of a predetermined position for placement of the radio frequency identification tag on an item corresponding to the barcode. A barcode reader and a display are in communication with the processor. When the barcode reader detects a first barcode on a first item, the barcode reader outputs a first signal to the processor identifying the first barcode. The processor receives the first signal, identifies a first representation that is associated with the first barcode, and outputs to the display a second signal associated with the first representation. The display receives the second signal associated with the first representation and displays the first representation.