Crypto-Optical labeling for industrial tool security

Blockchain identity and direct printing - embedded protection that travels with every tool.
Explore the case

About the Project

A European manufacturer of premium industrial tools partnered with authentic.network to stop product counterfeiting and gain real-time visibility across its distribution network.
‍
The solution: a mobile-first authentication system based on tamper-proof crypto-optical labels and blockchain-secured identities - built for offline environments and integrated directly into existing packaging workflows.This enabled the brand to protect product integrity, empower field verification, and create new digital touchpoints across emerging markets.

The challange

Counterfeit industrial tools had become a growing threat in several East African markets. Fake products, nearly identical in appearance, were widely available through unauthorized sellers. While visually convincing, these imitations posed serious risks: poor performance, tool failure, and even safety hazards for professional users.

The brand faced multiple challenges:
  • Loss of trust from distributors and customers
  • Warranty claims from inauthentic products
  • No visibility into who was selling or using its tools
  • No scalable method to secure products at the point of use
A solution was needed that could:
  • Protect each product with tamper-evident, verifiable labeling
  • Work without internet in rural areas
  • Deliver real-time data from every scan
  • Untegrate easily into existing supply chains - without new hardware
  • Has a direct printing option

The solution

authentic.network implemented a lightweight, secure authentication system built on crypto-optical labels - impossible to copy, and destroyed if removed. Each label is linked to a unique, blockchain-backed digital identity, making it verifiable via smartphone scan - even in offline conditions.

Distributors, retailers, and customers can now:
  • Instantly verify any product
  • Track scan locations and authenticity status
  • Detect suspicious activity
  • Engage with the brand via digital registration or loyalty tools
All interactions are recorded and visualized in a real-time dashboard, giving the brand unprecedented insight into product flow, market activity, and customer behavior - without changing any hardware or packaging processes.

The results

The deployment quickly transformed the brand’s control over its markets.
‍
In pilot regions, counterfeit infiltration dropped to zero. Distributors and professional users regained confidence by being able to verify tools directly - in-store, on-site, or at point of sale - even without connectivity.

Real-time data from scan events provided a clear picture of how and where products moved through the supply chain. Trusted partners became visible. Suspicious regions could be flagged. And decisions could be based on verified activity instead of assumptions.

The number of warranty complaints and fake returns dropped significantly. At the same time, verified customers began engaging directly with the brand through a secure digital interface - unlocking value beyond basic product protection.Today, the authentication layer not only prevents counterfeits - it powers a smarter, more connected growth strategy.

Let’s connect.

Discover what our technology can do for your business.

Get in touch
The most advanced protection ever printed.
compliant infrastructure
Made in Germany

About

TechnologyIndustrysCase StudyBlog

Company

CareersContact

Legal

Terms and conditionsPrivacy PolicyImprint

©2025 , Inc. All rights reserved.