Serial Numbers and Digital Nameplates – Unique Identification Worldwide

In modern industry, it is essential that every product can be uniquely identified worldwide. Only in this way can data, services, and maintenance information be reliably assigned to a specific product.

The basis for this is IEC 61406. With a so-called ID Link (example: https://dt.r-stahl.com/en-US/10003824877/2315F), each product is uniquely identified:

• URL as identification: Each company uses a unique domain as part of the URL. Duplicate domains are not possible.
  (Example: https://dt.r-stahl.com/en-US)
• Serial number: Each serial number within a company should be unique.
  Manufacturers must ensure that no serial number is assigned twice in their systems.
  If this is not yet guaranteed, serial numbers can be combined with an article number, for example, to achieve uniqueness.

Note: Longer ID Links result in larger QR codes, which must meet certain requirements (encoding, error rate, block size).

Another important aspect concerns the assignment of serial numbers:

• If serial numbers are assigned incrementally (simply counted up), attackers could use automated bots to deduce production volumes or patterns.
• Solution: Combine the serial number with a hash value. Only the correct combination forms a valid Digital Twin. Bots therefore cannot produce valid results.

Not every customer understands IT terms such as “hash value.” Therefore, the hash value can also be referred to as a PIN – analogous to smartphones or bank cards.

Manufacturers with multiple production sites or external manufacturing partners must harmonize their serial number systems:

• Ensure uniqueness across all locations
• Integrate serial numbers of supplier parts into the company’s numbering logic if necessary
• Apply uniform hash value calculation or define specific serial number ranges

To use a Digital Nameplate, an appropriate device with a camera or scanner and an internet connection is required.
In some cases, such as when no internet access is available, the digital nameplate can be supplemented with clearly readable information (URL, serial number, and PIN) alongside the QR code:

• This enables remote access to the Digital Twin from a back office at any time – even under extreme conditions, such as offshore or in explosion-hazard areas.
• If no internet connection is available, the information can be transmitted manually to access the Digital Twin later.

The combination of a unique serial number, hash value/PIN, and digital nameplate ensures:

• Products are uniquely identifiable worldwide
• Access to Digital Twins is always possible
• Protection against unauthorized access requests
• User-friendly operation even in complex environments

Those who consistently implement these standards create transparency, security, and efficiency throughout the entire value chain.