In supply chain management, traceability determines efficiency and safety. The unique serial number on the security seal is the key to achieving this goal.
The unique serial number not only prevents tampering, but also records and tracks every link of the goods during transportation, making the logistics process clear and controllable, and verifiable from source to destination. Thus, a clear and traceable logistics chain is built.
Next, we’ll explore the role of custom serial numbers on security seals and how they can improve traceability.
What Are Serial Numbers on Security Seals?
The serial number is a unique identifier assigned to security seals, which is a unique combination of numbers or letters on each seal. This serial number allows each seal to be accurately tracked and recorded, ensuring that it is associated with a specific container, pallet or package. The serial number allows users to easily view the seal’s origin, usage history and any potential signs of tampering, enhancing security and traceability.
Common Types of Seals That Use Serial Numbers
Plastic security seals are lightweight, cost-effective, and easy to apply.
They’re ideal for securing bags, boxes, and small shipments.These seals are uniquely serialized for easy tracking and verification.
Plastic seals are usually single-use and designed to show clear signs of tampering once removed. Common types include pull-tight seals and fixed-length seals.
Metal security seals offer more durability.
They’re used in transportation, shipping, and high security applications. This seal also typically comes with a unique custom serial number, allowing you to track and detect unauthorized access.
These seals require tools for removal, preventing accidental breakage. Examples of metal security seals include bolt seals, cable seals, and indicative seals. The tamper technologies used in them ensure strong protection against theft.
Electronic security seals provide real-time tracking and digital verification.
They’re ideal for high-value shipments and supply chains that require precise monitoring. These seals can be embedded with RFID chips or QR codes for scanning and data collection.
Electronic seals allow for automated tracking without manual checks. This improves security, reduces labor, and provides a digital audit trail for logistics operations.
How Custom Serial Numbers Work on Security Seals
Based on the following features, with the right tracking system, you only need one number to know who put the seal, when it was broken and which batch of goods it belongs to.
Unique ID：Each seal has a unique identifier—this could be a serial number, QR code, or RFID tag.
Encoded Info：The ID may include data like production date, location, product type, or batch number.
Tracking：With a tracking system, you can log who applied the seal, when, and to which shipment.
Tamper Detection：Once broken or tampered with, the ID shows a change or becomes invalid.
Traceability：All records stay in the system for audits, security checks, and accountability.
Custom Serial Numbers vs Standard Serial Numbers
Custom serial numbers on security seals provide better traceability than standard serial numbers:
| Feature | Standard Serial Number | Custom Serial Number | Impact on Traceability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Format | Generic, fixed-length (e.g., AB123456) | Flexible structure (e.g., CN-WH1-APR25-001) | Custom serial numbers allow more detailed, traceable information to be encoded |
| Encoded Information | Simple increment or random digits | Location, product line, date, batch number, etc. | Custom serials provide deeper insights into the origin and history of the product |
| Integration with Tracking Systems | Limited integration with ERP/WMS systems | Can be aligned with internal tracking and audit systems | Custom serials offer seamless integration, enabling full traceability throughout the supply chain |
| Scannability | Barcode or plain text | Supports barcode, QR code, and RFID technologies | Custom serial numbers make it easier to capture data digitally, improving speed and accuracy in tracking |
| Tamper Verification | Basic breakage record | Linked to event logs (when, where, by whom) | Custom serials provide tamper-evident tracking with detailed logs, enabling forensic-level traceability |
| Audit & Compliance | Manual logging | Auto-logged and timestamped in systems (e.g., Blockchain) | Custom serials support automated and accurate record-keeping for audits, improving regulatory compliance |
| Best Use Case | General packaging and shipping | High-value, sensitive, or regulated goods (e.g., pharma, food) | Custom serials are ideal for sectors that require high traceability and tamper detection |
Why Custom Serial Numbers Matter for Traceability
1. You Gain Real-Time Visibility
Let’s say your cargo is being shipped across borders. Every checkpoint—customs, warehouse, delivery—can scan or record the seal’s serial number. That gives you and your client real-time status updates and proof the shipment hasn’t been tampered with.
2. Faster Problem Solving
If something goes wrong—delayed delivery, product spoilage, or even theft—the serial number lets you trace where the issue occurred. Was the seal broken at a specific port? Was it swapped during warehousing? You’ll know. And you’ll fix it faster.
3. Tampering Becomes Obvious
Seals with unique numbers are incredibly hard to fake. If someone replaces a seal, the new number won’t match the one registered in your system. It’s a clear red flag for tampering or fraud.
4. Compliance Is Easier
Industries like pharma, food, and freight have strict traceability requirements. Serialized seals help you meet ISO 17712, FDA’s DSCSA, and customs security standards like TAPA or C-TPAT—without drowning in paperwork.
5. Your Audits Go Smoother
With digital records tied to each seal number, you can run inventory checks, customs verifications, and internal audits faster and more accurately. That saves time, money, and stress.
How Custom Serialization of Security Seals Improves Supply Chain Traceability
Custom sequences improve the security and traceability of the entire supply chain in different industries and scenarios. For example:
Manufacturers
Custom serial numbers make every product or seal uniquely identifiable. This prevents counterfeiters from duplicating seals and allows the company to link each item to a production batch, location, or time. If tampering occurs, the mismatch in serial data exposes it instantly.
Logistics
In logistics, serial numbers are scanned at every checkpoint. With QR codes or RFID, they enable real-time tracking of shipments. Companies know exactly when and where a seal was applied, moved, or broken—closing traceability gaps in transit.
High-Value Goods
When transporting expensive items, custom serials help pinpoint the exact time and location of tampering. They act as both a tracking tool and a visible deterrent, making it easier to secure goods and investigate any incidents.
Quality Assurance
If a product is recalled or fails inspection, the serial number can trace it back to the original production run or handler. This allows teams to isolate and fix problems faster while keeping compliant records.
Retail & E-Commerce
Custom numbers match seals to specific orders. This helps verify whether returned items were actually shipped and untouched, reducing fraud. It also gives customers confidence that their packages weren’t tampered with.
Compliance Teams
Regulations often require proof of secure handling. Custom serial numbers provide that proof—offering a clear audit trail for ISO standards, food safety laws, and pharmaceutical compliance.
Best Practices to Implement Serialized Seals
✅ Choose the Right Seal for Your Application
Don’t use a cheap plastic seal for a high-value item. Match seal type to the security level and transport mode.
✅ Design a Smart Serial Numbering System
Include location codes, product codes, or batch IDs in your numbers. Ensure uniqueness to avoid duplicate confusion.
✅ Integrate with Your Existing Software
Track serials using your ERP, WMS, or cloud dashboard. Use barcode or RFID scanners for seamless updates.
✅ Train Staff on Seal Handling
Make sure everyone—from warehouse workers to customs officers—knows how to apply, scan, and verify seals properly.
✅ Audit Seal Usage Regularly
Run checks on serial records and compare them to logs. Random audits prevent internal misuse and errors.
Conclusion:
Security seal serial numbers are a key element in maintaining product integrity. Custom serial numbers can improve security and prevent tampering. They also build customer trust, which can enhance brand reputation. All in all, customized security seals can create a secure and efficient supply chain and improve your operational efficiency.
FAQs
1. Can seal Custom serial numbers prevent counterfeiting?
Yes. Each seal’s number is unique and trackable. If someone swaps it out, the mismatch reveals tampering immediately.
3. How do I verify a seal is authentic?
Match the seal number to the shipping manifest or cloud system. If it doesn’t match or is duplicated, it’s a red flag.
4. Is serialization mandatory?
It depends on your industry. For pharmaceuticals and international freight, it’s often required under regulations like ISO 17712 or FDA DSCSA.
