Applied Innovation

From Physical to Digital: How Object Identity Is Shaping the Future of Consumption

What does digital identity of objects mean?
It means assigning each product a unique identity — via QR codes, NFC with hash, and tokens — that connects the item to an immutable digital record, traceable throughout its lifecycle, enabling interactions with digital services.

Technical Foundations

  • Blockchain: Acts as a distributed ledger where each digital identity and event is cryptographically recorded (SHA-256, Merkle trees) to ensure immutability and transparency.

  • NFC with hash and DynamicID: Chips like NTAG 424 DNA use cryptographic authentication to prevent cloning and enable ID updates with each scan.

  • DIDs and interoperability: Decentralized identities following W3C standards support system-agnostic architecture and enable trustworthy verifications across trust frameworks.

Transformation in Consumption

  • Products as services: Enables subscription models, leasing, predictive maintenance, and secure resale.

  • New revenue streams: Post-sale services, loyalty programs, and digital history add value.

  • True ESG compliance: Documented traceability and lifecycle meet regulatory and venture capital demands.

Authentify’s Role

  • Backend platform with APIs for issuing, reading, and updating digital identities.

  • Permissioned blockchain infrastructure supporting audits and corporate privacy.

  • Integration with DIDs, digital wallets, and ERP systems via SDKs.

  • Strategic dashboards to monitor usage, lifecycles, sustainability KPIs, and compliance.

Strategic Impact
By adopting digital identity through Authentify, brands turn products into “digital attachables”: verifiable, traceable, and connected — unlocking a new ecosystem of consumption. This enhances user experience, builds trust, and positions the company to compete in markets with high demands for responsibility and innovation.