Core Concepts
Signal Tags concepts: IDs, verification model, and OSS boundary.
What is a Signal Tag
A Signal Tag is a scannable identifier that resolves to a verifiable record. The physical carrier (QR, NFC, barcode) only transports the ID. The ID anchors verification to a canonical record.
The verification model
- Tag IDs are permanent references.
- Verification records can update lifecycle status (for example:
recalled,expired). - Verification is endpoint-compatible: any compliant endpoint can respond deterministically.
OSS and hosted boundary
- Schema and verification protocol are OSS under MIT.
- Better Data provides managed verification infrastructure as an optional hosted service.
- Any HTTPS endpoint implementing the protocol can be used with the verify client.
Signal Tags + Loop Engine
Product authentication is a loop:
Scan → Verify → (if failed) quarantine loop → resolution
Loop Engine governs multi-actor response workflows and audit trails.
Signal Tags + Commerce Chain
Authenticity events act as commerce chain signals. A recalled tag can trigger downstream supply chain response loops.