Traceability Technologies for Agarwood: QR Codes vs RFID vs Blockchain Records
Ensuring Integrity, Compliance, and Market Trust
1. QR Codes
Definition: Quick Response (QR) codes are 2D barcodes that link physical products to digital records.
Purpose in Agarwood:
- Connect individual trees (UTID) or batches (Batch ID) to digital records
- Allow buyers, inspectors, or auditors to scan and verify product information instantly
Strengths:
- Low cost and easy to implement
- Can store URLs or IDs linking to AgriTrace or ledger
- Accessible using any smartphone
- Easy to print on tags, packaging, or labels
Limitations:
- Static; can be copied or tampered with if not linked to blockchain
- Requires internet or scanning device for verification
- Cannot automatically track movement without manual scans
Use Case:
- Farm-to-buyer verification
- Showing tree origin, inoculation, harvest date, and grade
2. RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification)
Definition: RFID uses tags and readers to identify and track objects wirelessly.
Purpose in Agarwood:
- Automates tracking during harvest, processing, storage, or shipment
- Reduces manual entry errors
- Can monitor movement through warehouse or supply chain
Strengths:
- Non-contact scanning, even through packaging
- Can track location and movement automatically
- Scalable for large plantations or warehouses
- Faster than manual QR scanning
Limitations:
- More expensive than QR codes (tags + readers)
- Requires specialized hardware
- Provides identification, but not verification of authenticity unless linked to digital ledger
- Cannot alone prevent fraud; must integrate with blockchain or database
Use Case:
- Tracking bulk batches from harvest → processing → export
- Automating warehouse inventory and logistics
3. Blockchain Records
Definition: A distributed, immutable digital ledger that records transactions or product history in a tamper-proof way.
Purpose in Agarwood:
- Secures and verifies every UTID and Batch ID entry
- Prevents data manipulation or fraud
- Enables instant verification by buyers, regulators, or auditors
Strengths:
- Immutable and secure (cannot be edited or deleted)
- Supports end-to-end traceability
- Integrates with QR codes or RFID for physical-digital linking
- Transparent to authorized users across the supply chain
Limitations:
- Requires technical setup and management
- Cannot track physical location without QR/RFID integration
- Costlier than QR alone, but scalable for high-value products
- Users must understand blockchain verification
Use Case:
- Verifying tree origin, inoculation, harvest, processing, and shipment
- Building buyer trust and enabling ESG or carbon credit reporting
4. How They Work Together
| Technology | Role in Traceability | Strengths | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| QR Code | Quick product-to-digital linkage | Low-cost, simple, smartphone-accessible | Static, can be copied if not linked to blockchain |
| RFID | Automated batch/warehouse tracking | Non-contact, fast, scalable | Requires hardware, no authenticity verification alone |
| Blockchain | Secure, immutable record of every transaction | Tamper-proof, end-to-end traceability | Needs setup, integration, technical knowledge |
Integration Example:
- Assign UTID → Generate QR code
- Use RFID for automated batch tracking in warehouse
- Record every event (inoculation, harvest, processing, shipment) on blockchain
- Buyer scans QR → sees verified blockchain record
5. Key Takeaways
- QR codes: Best for low-cost verification and easy scanning
- RFID: Best for automation and movement tracking of batches
- Blockchain: Best for proof of authenticity, compliance, and buyer confidence
“QR codes connect, RFID tracks, blockchain verifies. Together, they make agarwood traceable, trusted, and premium.”