Digital Product Passport - what is it and how to manage it effectively?

What is the Digital Product Passport?

The Digital Product Passport contains a set of data that enables the identification of a product using a unique code that can be accessed electronically through various data carriers, such as QR codes, barcodes, or NFC technology. As a result, basic product information will be available without Internet access.

This data will allow consumers to quickly learn about the composition and origin of individual product components, including in the context of the entire life cycle. The passport will contain information on finished products components and intermediates, regardless of whether they were produced in the EU or imported.

The information it will contain will address aspects related to sustainability and preserving the value of products for reuse, refurbishment, and recycling.

Digital Product Passport - for what purpose was it created?

The DPP initiative is intended, at its core, to achieve three primary goals:

• increase supply chain transparency,
• enable consumers to make more informed purchasing choices,
• to support companies in optimizing production processes and product lifecycle management.

Digital Product Passports are expected to find application in several areas, starting with electronics, apparel, or battery manufacturing, followed by the automotive and construction sectors. They are valuable in industries that pay attention to recycling and sustainability.

Benefits of implementing the Digital Product Passport

The Digital Product Passport is expected to benefit everyone. For consumers, the Digital Product Passport means greater transparency and access to complete product information, which will enable convenient and informed shopping. In turn, businesses will be able to differentiate themselves in the market by highlighting sustainable practices in comprehensive product lifecycle management.

What will the Digital Product Passport look like?

The Digital Product Passport will be available in a digital form that is easy for stakeholders to view and analyze. It can be accessed by scanning a QR code on a product or through an online platform where users can search and browse product passports.

The entire document will need to be updated regularly by manufacturers to reflect up-to-date information about the product, its ingredients, and its environmental impact. This requires integrating manufacturers' IT systems with digital passport platforms and working with suppliers and supply chain partners.

Specific timelines for the introduction of digital product passports may vary by region and industry. In the European Union, this initiative is part of a broader sustainability effort. The specific effective date may depend on legislative and technical processes. At this point, implementation is scheduled for 2026.

Digital Product Passport and records management

The Digital Product Passport obligation may require companies to take a new look at their corporate data management. Documentation order and optimized business processes will work well in any industry, but in the case of the Digital Product Passport, they can affect a company's ultimate efficiency.

What software should you choose for a Digital Product Passport? There are several solutions - consider those that provide the greatest convenience for records management, including:

PIM (Product Information Management)

Product Information Management (PIM) systems will work well for companies that want to effectively manage and distribute information about their products across different sales channels. In the context of the Digital Product Passport, PIM plays an invaluable role by enabling the centralization of all product data, including the information required to create and manage digital passports.

With advanced data import, export, and integration features, PIM systems can automatically update the information in Digital Product Passports, ensuring it is consistent and up-to-date in real-time. This increases operational efficiency and improves the customer experience by providing accurate and comprehensive product information.

LOGITO

Low-code platform allows you to model and optimize any business process in your company. Regardless of the industry, it will work well in any company area, including accounting, finance, HR, sales, marketing, and production. Implementing this solution will speed up processes and improve the flow and storage of documentation.

In addition to invoices, contracts, applications, or orders, it will successfully facilitate handling Digital Product Passports. Electronic workflow is one of the answers to the question of how to manage Digital Product Passports to provide the team with convenient access to data, effective communication, and reduce the cost of document archiving.

WMS (Warehouse Management System)

Warehouse management systems (WMS) are a great solution for companies that find it important to provide information about their goods across multiple distribution channels. A WMS plays a key role in tracking, managing, and sharing information about products stored in the warehouse, so it has an important relationship with the Digital Product Passport.

The integration of the WMS with the Digital Product Passport allows for comprehensive management of product records, which translates into improved efficiency, transparency, and operational compliance for the company. With this integration, the company can manage risks more effectively, respond faster to changes in the business environment, and better meet the needs of customers and business partners.

PLM (Product Lifecycle Management)

Product lifecycle management (PLM) systems are essential for organizations that want to optimize every stage of their products' lives, from conception to end-of-life. Introducing a digital product passport into the PLM ecosystem allows for even better tracking and management of changes in products, materials, manufacturing processes, and environmental impact.

By integrating with digital passports, PLM enables companies to effectively manage product information at every stage of a product's lifecycle, as well as support decision-making around sustainability, recycling, and product reuse. This translates into better efficiency, lower costs, and less environmental impact.

What can we do for you?

At Ideo, we specialize in digitization, so we can provide comprehensive support in the implementation and integration of systems with Digital Product Passports.

Our services include: 

• Customization and implementation of PIM/PLM/LOGITO systems: We tailor solutions to your company's specific needs, ensuring seamless integration with existing IT systems and, in the future, Digital Product Passports.
   
• Process Automation: We help automate processes related to product information management and product lifecycle, significantly increasing operational efficiency and reducing the risk of errors.
   
• Consulting and training: We offer strategic consultation and training for your team to maximize the potential of systems related to documentation and product management.
   
• Support and development: We provide ongoing technical support and develop systems to stay current with the latest technology trends and market regulations. Our goal is to help your company effectively manage product information, promote sustainability, and build trust among consumers.

Do you have a question about Digital Product Passport software? Are you looking for solutions to help your company increase efficiency and streamline processes? Get in touch with us. We will answer any of your questions.