Abstract: W3C Decentralised Identifiers (DIDs) are self-generated identifiers that enable verifiable, unique decentralized digital identity of any subject (e.g., a person, organization, thing, dataset, etc.). DIDs take the form of URIs (Uniform Resource Identifiers), that link to an information resource (DID Document). Information is encrypted with the controller’s private key, preventing unauthorized modification or copying. DIDs can be used to ensure the security of data and provide the crypto-anchor for individual physical items through the use of any immutable physical ID technology.

In addition, DIDs are used together with W3C Verifiable Credentials (VCs), an open standard for digital credentials. VCs represent information found in physical credentials, such as a passport or driving license, as well as intangibles such as ownership of IP, or any other information or claims. Verifiable Credentials are signed by the issuer’s Decentralised Identifier (DID), ensuring the data is traceable to the source.

Together, DIDs and VCs are the key technologies that provide the mechanism through which end-to-end material provenance can be assured, without the need to share significant volumes of data, exposing IP, and violating privacy.
In this presentation, we explore the practical approach to the use of these technologies for the immediate discovery of counterfeit material ingress, replacing the need for test or inspection. We illustrate how materials, sub-assemblies, and products can be created, assembled, shipped, and consumed with the continuous assurance of provenance, with an assurance of privacy and security of data. We explain how key barriers to realizing this potential are resolved, using a combination of IPC & W3C standards that meet the technical and business requirements, unleashing the true potential of interoperable Digital Twins and their ecosystems.

Biographies:

Michael Ford [Aegis Software Corporation]

Working for Aegis Software provides Michael with the opportunity to apply his years of electronics assembly manufacturing experience, to drive both business process and technology solution innovation with customers and partners, that satisfy evolving needs in digital manufacturing, in a way that is value-driven and sustainable. Starting his career with Sony, including eight years working in Japan, Michael has been instrumental in creating and evolving leading software solutions for assembly manufacturing, that meet the most demanding expectations, leading the industry forward. Today, Michael is an established thought leader for Industry 4.0 and digital Smart factories, an active contributor to IPC industry standards, including the Connected Factory Exchange (CFX) and IPC-1782 traceability standard, as well as helping promote and position others that together form IPCs digital manufacturing “best practices”. Michael regularly contributes articles, columns, and blogs to several leading industry publications.

Damian Glover [Wider Team]

Damian glover is the director of Business Impact Practice. His role is to help organizations like supply chain owners and service providers realize business value from distributed ledger technology, decentralized identity, and verifiable credentials. He aims to help customers understand these technologies, identify specific opportunities and challenges they present and, where relevant, chart a path to implementation and benefits realization. Damian has 20 years of experience supporting organizations in energy, industrials, packaging, life sciences and healthcare, logistics, retail, and consumer technology to achieve business growth, operational improvement, and customer-centric change.

Lubna Dajani [Allternet Ltd]

Technical focus on the intersection of energy, data, and telecommunications. Post Quantum Hardware RoT breakthroughs, a chain of trust enablement, SSI, Ethical AI, and data governance. Committed to inspiring a binary shift from humankind to a kind human mindset by empowering and cross-pollinating S.T.E.A.M. innovators and social entrepreneurs for a human-centric society. She is an Empathic purpose-driven leader, visionary, and enabler backed by 25+ career years marked by identifying and delivering impactful innovation and cross-sectorial collaborations foundational to today's digital society with a focus on information, communication, and energy-related technologies. Lubna is a board member and trusted advisor to CEOs of public and private companies and organizations worldwide A generous mentor and advocate of diversity, inclusion, and social entrepreneurship. She is the author of the Allternet manifesto. Creator of the Kind Human movement. Recipient of multiple international awards recognizing integrity, and uncanny foresight.