Traceability: Security & Privacy Are Not Mutually Exclusive

Join the CALCE/SMTA Counterfeit Parts and Materials Symposium 2022 for this and other informative presentations

Michael Ford

Aegis Software Corporation

Abstract: Traceability is a multi-dimensional topic, affecting all areas of the manufacturing business, as well as being a key influence on technologies adopted. As manufacturing has become increasingly obliged to address issues related to counterfeit materials, security, safety, and environmental concerns, the principles for the use of traceability are expanding, becoming an integral part of every factory’s supply-chain provenance commitment, including issues around cyber-security.

There is reluctance however for individual businesses to share information that clearly benefits security and assurance in the supply chain, as that same information can easily be reverse engineered to expose private technical and business intellectual property.

For sustainable, safe, supply-chain assurance, free from counterfeit risk and other security issues, the effort is needed to define certain credentials, that allow key assurances to be exchanged, without leakage of private information.

In this presentation, we focus more deeply on the ways that sensitive data is shared, including the formation of some basic principles of communication-related to specific issues of counterfeit material avoidance. In each use-case scenario, which facts matter, which don’t matter, how and when should they be shared, and where does the responsibility lie for the proof? The answers to these questions are needed if we are to break down our silo mentality, which those introducing counterfeit materials into the supply chain, are currently taking full advantage of.

Bio: Working for Aegis Software provides Michael the opportunity to apply his software for electronics assembly manufacturing experience to further drive technology solution innovation, satisfying evolving business needs in modern digital manufacturing.

Throughout his career, including eight years working in Japan, Michael has been instrumental in creating and evolving revolutionary software solutions for assembly manufacturing, that meet the most demanding expectations.

Today, Michael is an established thought leader for Industry 4.0 data-driven manufacturing, and an active contributor to industry standards. In 2021, Michael was recognized by IPC with a Fellowship Award, for contributions to standards including CFX, traceability, secure supply-chain and Digital Twin standards. Michael regularly contributes articles, columns and blogs in several leading industry publications.