Abstract:
Lot identification codes marked on packaging comprise a fixed number of digits with substrings representing each of a date, a SKU, a lot number, and optionally a line and a checksum. The same fixed number of digits is used for the lot identification codes employed by multiple producers across an industry, or across multiple industries. The lot identification codes are therefore readily recognizable by search engines and otherwise reduce the number of steps required for consumers and others along the supply chain to obtain lot-specific information about packaged goods. Additionally, whenever an individual submits a lot identification code, it provides an opportunity to collect information about the product at that point along the supply chain. The information can link the quality of the product at the time and place of the request to the time and place of the packaging.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to the field of packaging of consumer goods and more particularly to lot codes applied to packaging. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0004]    The majority of consumer goods, such as a bagged, canned, and boxed foods, healthcare products, pharmaceuticals, and the like, have a date (e.g. a best-by or expiration date) and lot code marked on the packaging. These markings are provided for various reasons including regulatory compliance, traceability, as a benefit to consumers, and for stock rotation. In some instances the date and lot codes are set apart, and in other instances they are combined in various ways. Standardized company identification numbers have also been used together with lot codes on packaging. 
         [0005]    The markings are typically produced by high-speed marking systems (sometimes referred to in the art as variable printing systems) that either print or laser mark on the packaging. Printing technologies employed by such high-speed printing systems include direct thermal transfer, inkjet, hot stamp, and ink stamp, for example. High-speed marking systems are typically configured with an internal clock to keep track of the date, or alternately are configured to receive the date electronically. Such systems are also typically configured to electronically receive the lot and line numbers to be printed. 
         [0006]    Some manufacturers and organizations provide phone numbers and/or websites through which consumers can enter lot numbers from packaging to receive lot-specific information. In some cases the consumer must first enter a UPC code before entering the lot number, however, searches on the UPC code alone cannot reveal any lot-specific information. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    The present invention enables consumers and others along the distribution chain to merely scan a lot identification code on a package with a hand-held communication device with a built-in optical scanner, such as a smartphone, and receive with the communication device lot-specific information about a product in the package. The person performing the scanning can then provide feedback about the product, such as quality information, again using the communication device. 
         [0008]    The present invention provides methods for labeling packaging with lot identification codes that provide both date and lot information. An exemplary method comprises marking a lot identification code on multiple units of packaging, and packaging a lot of a product into the units of the packaging. Packaging the product can precede or follow marking the packaging. In various embodiments, marking the lot identification code comprises marking the lot identification code adjacent to a call to action on the artwork of the packaging. Each lot identification code includes a string of numerals to represent the date, a first string of alphanumeric characters derived from a SKU for the product, a second string of alphanumeric characters derived from a lot number for the lot, and optionally a third string of alphanumeric characters representing one of a multiple of packaging lines. Also optionally, the lot identification code also comprises an alphanumeric checksum character. In some embodiments, the method further comprises producing the lot of the product. In some instances, as the lot is being produced the packaging is being marked and then filled, or filled and then marked. 
         [0009]    In various embodiments, the exemplary method further comprises using multiple packaging lines to package the units of the product. In these embodiments, each lot identification code additionally comprises a third string of alphanumeric characters, or simply a single digit, representing one of the multiple packaging lines. Accordingly, in these embodiments, the lot identification codes marked on the packaging each have the same date and first and second strings, but differ in the digit or string representing the line. 
         [0010]    In various embodiments, the exemplary method further comprises creating the lot identification code. In some of these embodiments creating the lot identification code comprises deriving the first string from the SKU by truncating the SKU and/or comprises deriving the second string from the lot number by truncating the lot number. Creating the lot identification code optionally comprises verifying that the first string is globally unique. In additional embodiments creating the lot identification code can include calculating a checksum character based on the values of other digits of the lot identification code. 
         [0011]    In various embodiments, the exemplary method further comprises sending the lot identification code to a host computing system. In further of these embodiments the exemplary method comprises sending attribute data associated with the lot identification code to the host computing system. The host computing system stores the lot identification codes and associated attributes for later retrieval. 
         [0012]    The present invention further provides methods for providing lot-specific product information. An exemplary such method comprises a first computing system receiving a schema, a lot identification code, and attribute data and creating a record in a computer-readable memory device that associates the lot identification code with the schema and the attribute data. The method further comprises receiving the lot identification code with a second computing system, and responsively the second computing system using the lot identification code to locate the record in the computer-readable memory device, using the schema to extract a first string of digits and a second string of digits from the lot identification code, and sending at least a part of the attribute data from the second computing system to a requestor that sent the lot identification code to the second computing system. 
         [0013]    In some embodiments, the first string comprises a date, the attribute data does not include the date, and sending at least a part of the attribute data from the second computing system includes sending the date. In various embodiments, the method further comprises, responsive to receiving the lot identification code by the second computing system, calculating a checksum from values of digits in the lot identification code according to the schema. Also in various embodiments, the method further comprises adding a recall notification to the record as attribute data, and sending the at least a part of the attribute data from the second computing system includes sending the recall notification. 
         [0014]    Still other methods for providing lot-specific product information comprise receiving, with a first computing system, a schema, then receiving, with the first computing system, a lot number, a date, a SKU, and attribute data, where the lot number is associated with the date, SKU, and attribute data. These methods additionally comprise creating a lot identification code by deriving a first digit string from the SKU, deriving a second digit string from the lot number, and appending together the date and the first and second digit strings according to the schema to create a lot identification code. Further, these methods comprise creating a record in a computer-readable memory device that associates the lot identification code with the attribute data. 
         [0015]    In various embodiments the methods further comprise receiving, with a second computing system, the lot identification code and responsively using the lot identification code to locate the record in the computer-readable memory device, and then sending at least a part of the attribute data from the second computing system. Some of these embodiments further comprise, responsive to receiving the lot identification code by the second computing system, calculating a checksum from values of digits in the lot identification code according to the schema. Also, some of these embodiments further comprise adding a recall notification to the record as attribute data, and sending at least a part of the attribute data from the second computing system includes sending the recall notification. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  is a flowchart representation of a method according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is a representation of a lot identification code according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
           [0018]      FIGS. 3 and 4  are schematic representations of systems according to two exemplary embodiments of the invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is a portion of a packaging including a lot identification code according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  is a schematic representation of a system according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  is a flowchart representation of a method according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0022]    The present invention is directed to lot identification codes that can be globally implemented across various packagers (those that package consumer goods, e.g., growers, manufactures, bottlers, etc.) to simplify obtaining lot-based information by consumers and others along the supply chain. The lot identification codes of the invention are characterized by a set number of digits, for example 16 digits, that is employed by many packagers within an industry (e.g., all food producers) or by many packagers across multiple industries. Each packager can allocate a subset, or string, of the total available digits to represent each of a date, a Stock-Keeping Unit (SKU), and a lot number. Optionally, an additional string, or a single digit, of the total available digits can represent a line (e.g., manufacturing line, bottling line, packing line, etc.). Also optionally, one of the digits of the lot identification code can comprise a checksum. The order of the digit strings representing the date, SKU, lot number, and line is a further variable. 
         [0023]    Product packaging is marked with the lot identification codes in the conventional manner using high-speed marking systems. The lot identification codes of the invention then provide the same functions as the codes employed in the prior art, namely, that of conveying the date and other information. To help individuals locate such information within the overall string of digits, the packaging can include text proximate to the lot identification code. For example, the packaging can include the word “date” adjacent where the digits of the date string are located so that the date is recognizable as such. 
         [0024]    Further, the lot identification codes of the invention make accessing lot-based information about packaged goods more convenient for consumers and others. With a set number of digits implemented across many packagers, popular search engines, for example, can be configured to recognize strings of digits of that length (e.g., 16) as pointing to a searchable database of n-digit lot identification codes. Conventional entry of lot identification codes through web-based and telephone interfaces can also be centralized through web portals and phone numbers (e.g., (800) LOT-CODE) so that consumers and others do not need to, for example, go through the trouble of first identifying the website of a packager, navigating to that page, entering a UPC code, and then entering the lot code. Additionally marking the lot identification codes on packaging in machine-readable formats like barcodes makes it possible to later enter the lot identification codes more conveniently and without transcription errors through the use of scanning devices. The ability to use mobile scanning devices, such as smartphones, in conjunction with simple portals or search engines makes lot-based product information much more accessible to the public. 
         [0025]    When a lot identification code is submitted and a corresponding record is accessed, some or all of the record can be supplied to the requestor, depending on permissions of the requestor, for example. In addition to providing lot-based information to the requestor, a channel then exists for the requestor, such as a consumer, to provide information back to the packager. Such information can include the location of the requestor as well as feedback on quality, satisfaction, and so forth. By making the lot-based information (e.g., farm location, whether the product is subject to a recall, etc.) more readily accessible to the public, lot-based feedback becomes more accessible to the packagers. 
         [0026]      FIG. 1  shows a flowchart representation of an exemplary method  100  of the invention. The method  100  can be, for instance, for packaging lots of consumer goods, such as packaged foods. Broadly, the method  100  encompasses steps of producing a lot of a product, marking each unit of packaging for the product with a lot identification code, and packaging the lot, where the lot identification code comprises a number of digit strings to represent various information, as set forth herein. The method  100  optionally also comprises any or all of the steps of creating the lot identification code, sending the lot identification code to a host computing system, and sending attributes associated with the lot identification code to the host computing system. Some of the steps of the method  100  can be performed by a marking system which may be associated with a packaging line. 
         [0027]    More specifically, the method  100  can comprise an optional step  110  of producing a lot of a product. A lot, as used in the art and herein, refers to a quantity of a product, where that quantity is produced under essentially the same conditions, and is intended to have uniform quality and characteristics. A lot can comprise multiple units that are subsequently packaged (e.g., heads of lettuce), or can comprise a homogenous mixture (e.g., liquids, powders, etc.) that is defined into units through packaging. Step  110  is optional to the method  100  as the product to be packaged need not be produced by the same entity that is performing the packaging. In other embodiments, however, production of the product and the packaging thereof happen in rapid succession under the control of the same producer. 
         [0028]    The method  100  can also comprise a step  120  of creating a lot identification code from a SKU as well as lot-specific information such as the date of production and the lot number. Creating the lot identification code can be performed by a system for marking packaging, or can be performed separately and transmitted to the package marking system. In various embodiments, the step  120  of creating the lot identification code can occur either before or after the step  110  of producing the lot. Since creating the lot identification code can be performed by an entity other than the packager, the step  120  is optional to the method  100 . 
         [0029]    In some instances, where packaging the lot is performed on multiple parallel lines, a different lot identification code is created for each line. Multiple parallel lines are used, for example, in produce packing, beverage bottling, and canning. Pharmaceuticals and personal care products are likewise often packaged in parallel lines. In such instances, each of the different lot identification codes comprises the same strings for the date, SKU, and lot number, but differ in a third string of alphanumeric characters that represents the line. In these embodiments, for each line, the step  120  comprises creating the lot identification code from the SKU, the date, the lot number, and the line. 
         [0030]      FIG. 2  illustrates an exemplary a lot identification code  200 . The lot identification code  200  comprises a string of digits, here  16  digits, where those digits are subdivided into a string  210  of numerals to represent a date, a first string  220  of alphanumeric characters derived from a SKU for the product, a second string  230  of alphanumeric characters derived from a designation for the lot number, an optional third string  240 , or single digit, of alphanumeric characters to represent each packaging line, and an optional alphanumeric checksum character  250 . As used herein, a numeral is any of 0-9, an alphanumeric character is either a numeral or a letter A-Z, a digit is either a numeral or an alphanumeric character, and a digit string, or simply “string,” is two or more consecutive digits. In different schema, the orders of the strings  210 ,  220 ,  230 ,  240 , and optionally  250  are different. The lengths of the respective strings  210 ,  220 ,  230 ,  240  can be different in different schema such that, for example, the length of string  240  is two digits and the length of string  230  is six digits. As noted, the packaging line can be represented by a single digit, either numeric or alphanumeric, where the number of parallel lines is sufficiently small. 
         [0031]    Further, in some embodiments the lot identification code  200  is contextualized based on the first string  210  derived from the SKU. In these embodiments the first string  210  is required to be of a fixed length and position within the lot identification codes  200  employed by multiple different packagers, and each first string  210  is associated with a schema that specifies the lengths of the various other strings, and their relative positions within the lot identification code  200 . In these embodiments each first string  210  is unique across the multiple different packagers (i.e., the first string  210  is globally unique). 
         [0032]    The string  210  of numerals can represent, for instance, a date of production, a date of packaging, a sell-by date, or a use-by date. In some embodiments, the date can be three numerals to represent the Julian Date where January 1 st  is represented by 001 and December 31 st  is represented by 365. Alternately, four numerals can be used with two numerals representing the month and two numerals representing the day of the month. Also, optionally, the string  210  can comprise four alphanumeric digits with two digits representing the month (e.g., JY or 07) and two numerals representing the day of the month. Additional digits can be used to represent the year, in various embodiments. 
         [0033]    The first string  220  of alphanumeric characters is derived from the SKU assigned to the product. In some instances the first string  220  will equal the SKU for the product, such as when the schema allocates four digits for the SKU and the SKU comprises four digits. Zeros can be added before or after the SKU, by convention, to derive the first string  220  where the SKU comprises fewer digits than allocated for the first string  220 . In those instances where the SKU comprises more digits than allocated for the first string  220 , the first string  220  can be derived from the SKU by truncating digits, such as first or last digits, from the SKU. 
         [0034]    The second string  230  of alphanumeric characters is derived from the lot number for the lot. In some instances the second string  230  will comprise the lot number for the lot, for example, where the schema allocates six digits for the lot number and the lot number comprises six digits. Zeros can be added, by convention, before or after the lot number to derive the second string  230  where the lot number comprises fewer digits than allocated for the second string  230 . Where the lot number comprises more digits than allocated for the second string  230  then the second string  230  can be derived from the lot number by truncating digits, such as first or last digits, from the lot number. In instances where lot numbers are created sequentially, truncating first digits that rarely change from one lot to the next is preferable. 
         [0035]    An optional third string  240  of alphanumeric characters, or a single digit, can represent the line in the lot identification code  200  in those instances where multiple lines are employed to package the lot. The third string  240  can additionally represent a production line in addition to the packaging line where production of the product occurs in line with packaging. The lot identification code  200  optionally also comprises a single digit as an alphanumeric checksum character  250  which is calculated from values of other digits in the lot identification code  200 . 
         [0036]    In some embodiments, the schema is established in advance of the method  100 , for example, through the use of a “wizard.” In this way the packager is given the set number of digits employed across the industry and guided through a process of creating a schema by specifying the lengths of the various strings so that all of the digits of the lot identification code  200  are accounted for. The packager can also specify whether a checksum digit  250  is included, and may also specify the arrangement of the various strings. Further, the packager can specify how the various strings are derived. For instance, if four digits are allocated to the SKU, and the packager uses five-digit SKUs, then the packager can specify that the first string  220  comprises only the last four digits of each SKU. In some embodiments, where the lot identification code  200  is contextualized based on the first string  210  derived from the SKU, the wizard requires that the first string  210  be of a fixed length and specifies the required position within the lot identification code  200  for the first string  210 . The wizard also confirms that the first string  210  is globally unique in that it is not already in use by another packager, and if there is a conflict, may suggest an alternative first string  210  that is still derived from the SKU. 
         [0037]    In some embodiments, the wizard is web-based and served by a host computing system to a client computing system (see  FIGS. 3 and 4 , below). In other embodiments, the wizard is provided on the client computing system through system set-up software. In still other embodiments, the schema is established in advance and provided to the packager. 
         [0038]    Returning to  FIG. 1 , the method  100  further comprises a step  130  of marking the lot identification code on multiple units of packaging. Step  130  can be achieved through the use of high-speed marking systems that can be either printing systems or laser marking systems, for example. The marking system can either be configured to also perform the step  120  of creating the lot identification code, else the marking system can be configured to receive the lot identification code from an external source such as the client computing system (see  FIGS. 3 and 4 , below). 
         [0039]    In some embodiments, marking the lot identification code is step  130  includes an alignment step so that the lot identification code properly aligns with the artwork on the packaging. Accordingly, in some embodiments the step of marking comprises marking the lot identification code adjacent to related artwork such as text (e.g., “DATE”) or a call to action. A call to action, as used herein and as understood in the art, is text and/or graphics on packaging intended to induce consumers to take some action such as recycle the packaging or visit a website. An exemplary call to action in the present context includes a Universal Resource Locator (URL) and optionally includes instructions such as “Enter this Code for More Information!” In the alternative, rather than have the call to action as part of the artwork on the packaging, the call to action can be marked on the packaging alongside the lot identification code. 
         [0040]    The method  100  optionally further comprises a step  140  of sending the lot identification code to a host computing system. Step  140  can be understood with reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4  which illustrate alternative systems  300  and  400  according to two exemplary embodiments of the invention. In  FIG. 3  each packaging line has an associated marking system  310 . Each of the marking systems  310  is in communication with a client computing system  320 . The client computing system  320  is in further communication with a host computing system  330  over a network such as a LAN or the Internet  340  or via a dedicated connection. The host computing system  330  is further in communication with a computer-readable memory device  350 . 
         [0041]    The system illustrated by  FIG. 4  differs from that illustrated by  FIG. 3  in that the marking systems  310  are in direct communication with the host computing system  330  rather than in communication through the client computing system  320 . The embodiments illustrated by  FIG. 4  optionally include the client computing system  320 , however, the client computing system  320  in these embodiments is not a communication link between the marking systems  310  and the host computing system  330 . 
         [0042]    Exemplary marking systems  310  can comprise high-speed printing or laser marking systems, as described previously. Exemplary client and host computing systems  320 ,  330  can comprise servers or personal computers (PCs). Exemplary computer-readable memory devices  350  can comprise magnetic or optical mass storage devices. Neither paper nor carrier waves constitute a computer-readable memory device  350 , as the term is used herein. 
         [0043]    Returning to step  140 , sending the lot identification code to the host computing system can comprise, in some instances, transmitting the lot identification code over a network such as the Internet  340 , or over a dedicated connection, either in real-time or periodically, such as daily. In some embodiments, such as illustrated by  FIG. 4 , each marking system  310  sends lot identification codes to the host computing system  330 , while in other embodiments (such as in  FIG. 3 ) the lot identification codes are sent by the client computing system  320  to the host computing system  330 . In either situation the host computing system  330  records the lot identification codes in the computer-readable memory device  350 . In some embodiments, sending the lot identification code to the host computing system  330  comprises sending the date, SKU, lot number, and line to the host computing system  330  which then derives the lot identification codes by using the appropriate schema and the rules for deriving the strings. 
         [0044]    Method  100  additionally optionally comprises a step  150  of sending attribute data to the host computing system  330 . Here, the attribute data can be associated with the particular SKU (e.g., package size) or lot number (e.g., harvest temperature), for example. The client computing system  320  sends the attribute data, in some embodiments. The host computing system  330  then records the attribute data in the computer-readable memory device  350 . Lot identification codes and attribute data can be stored in various ways within the computer-readable memory device  350 . For example, each lot identification code can have an associated record that includes all of the attribute data that relates to that lot identification code. 
         [0045]    It will be appreciated that some attribute data can be received by the host computing system  330  from sources other than the client computing system  320 , and at different times. As one example, in the situation of a recall, a recall notification can be received by the host computing system  330  from a third-party computing system such as controlled by a regulatory agency or industry association. The host computing system  330  then stores the recall notification as further attribute data associated with the affected lot numbers. 
         [0046]    Method  100  additionally comprises a step  160  of packaging the lot into units of the packaging. In various embodiments, step  160  follows step  130  such that the units of the product are packaged into those units of the packaging previously marked with the lot identification code. In other embodiments the step  130  follows step  160  such that marking the packaging occurs after the products have been packaged in the packaging. It will be appreciated that the step  130  of marking the packaging can be performed while also performing the step  160  of packaging the lot into units of the packaging, and in some embodiments also while performing the step  110  of producing the lot. Thus, while the lot is being produced, packaging is both being marked and being filled from the lot. 
         [0047]      FIG. 5  illustrates a portion of a packaging  500  such as a portion of a can, box, carton, bag, or clamshell. The packaging  500  includes a 16-digit lot identification code marked thereon in both a human-readable format  510  and a machine-readable format  520  proximate one another. In  FIG. 5  the machine-readable format  520  comprises a 2D Data Matrix, but could alternatively comprise a linear barcode. The packaging  500  also includes a call to action  530  proximate to the lot identification code and graphics  540  to indicate which digits of the human-readable format  510  represent date. While the human-readable and machine-readable formats  510 ,  520  are marked on the packaging  500 , the call to action  530  and graphics  540  may be either part of the artwork of the packaging  500  or marked on the packaging  500  at the same time as the lot identification code. It is noted that the schema of the lot identification code in  FIG. 5  is different than the schema of the lot identification code  200  ( FIG. 2 ) in that the string of numerals for the date are in different locations. 
         [0048]      FIG. 6  schematically represents a system  600  for providing a requestor with lot-specific information. In  FIG. 6  a first computing system  330  ( FIG. 3 ) receives lot identification codes and attribute data and stores the same in computer-readable memory device  350  as described with respect to  FIGS. 3 and 4 . In some embodiments the first computing system  330  first receives a schema, and then subsequently receive a lot number, a SKU, a date, attribute data, and optionally a line, and then uses the schema to create a lot identification code according from the lot number, SKU, date, and line. In these embodiments the first computing system  330  stores the lot identification code in association with the attribute data in the computer-readable memory device  350 . 
         [0049]    A second computing system  610 , also comprising a server or PC for example, can access the computer-readable memory device  350 . The second computing system  610  is in communication with a network such as the Internet  340  and is configured to receive requests for information including a lot identification code. In some embodiments the first and second computing systems  330 ,  610  are combined into one computing system. 
         [0050]    In operation, a requestor such as a consumer, wholesaler, retailer, or inspector uses a communication device  620  such as a PC, smartphone, or in-store kiosk, for instance, to request lot-specific information by submitting a lot identification code from packaging  500  over the network to the second computing system  610 . The second computing system  610  then returns the information associated with the lot identification code to the communication device  620 . 
         [0051]      FIG. 7  is a flowchart representation of another exemplary method  700  of the invention and is directed to retrieving lot-specific information associated with a lot identification code on a package. The method  700  can be performed, for example, by a requestor at a kiosk, or holding a hand-held communication device, or using a PC. 
         [0052]    Method  700  comprises a step  710  of requesting information associated with a lot identification code marked on packaging. In some embodiments, the step of requesting the information is performed with a web browser operating on a communication device  620 . The web browser is used to navigate to a web portal which may be either brand-specific or independent of any particular brand or producer. The requestor then enters the lot identification code in a search page served by the web portal. Entering the lot identification code can comprise manually entering the lot identification code, voice-entry of the lot identification code or scanning the lot identification code when provided in a machine-readable format  520 . 
         [0053]    In other embodiments, the step  710  of requesting information consists of simply scanning the lot identification code using a device, such as a smartphone. The logic of the device then enters the lot identification code in a web browser, or recognizes the total number of digits in the lot identification code as a pointer to a particular web portal, or in like manner automatically completes the request such that the requestor does not have to take further action beyond the act of scanning the lot identification code in order to receive the requested information. In these embodiments, the requestor can complete the step  710  of requesting information, for example, by simply opening an appropriate smartphone application and capturing an image of the lot identification code with the smartphone&#39;s camera. As another example, the requestor can complete the step  710  of requesting information by simply passing the lot identification code in front of a dedicated scanner, such as provided on a kiosk with a display in a grocery store. Similarly, an inspector with a hand-held scanner having wireless capabilities can complete the step  710  by scanning the lot identification code. 
         [0054]    In various embodiments, information in addition to the lot identification code is transmitted in step  710  to request information. An in-store kiosk, for example, can transmit a store identifier each time a lot identification code is scanned. Likewise, a hand-held scanner used by an inspector can transmit an identification and/or a location of the inspector each time a lot identification code is scanned. 
         [0055]    A computing system that receives the request and/or additional information from the requestor can perform various operations. One such operation is to verify the lot identification code by calculating a checksum character and comparing the calculated value against the received checksum character  250 . A failure to match indicates that the lot identification code was manually entered incorrectly and the requestor can then be prompted to re-enter the lot identification code. Assuming a matching lot identification code is found, another operation is to retrieve records associated with the lot identification code. Still another operation is to return some or all of the retrieved information to the requestor. Which information is returned can be dependent on the location and/or identity of the requestor, for example. 
         [0056]    Returning to  FIG. 7 , in a step  720  the requested information is received by the requestor. The requested information can be served in a response page by a web server and viewed by the requestor in a web browser, for instance. The steps  710  and  720  can be iterative, in some instances. For example, the response page can be independent of the identity of the requestor and return only publically available information, but can also provide a mechanism for the requestor to gain access to non-public information by providing a user name and password or other credentials. Here, steps  710  and  720  are repeated by making a second request for non-public information and receiving the same. 
         [0057]    As noted previously, once the steps  710  and  720  have occurred, a channel exists through which further information can be solicited from the requestor. The response received in step  720  can prompt the requestor to provide feedback. For instance, a requestor can be asked to provide their location such as by enabling their smartphone to communicate their GPS coordinates. As another example, the requestor can be asked to complete a survey regarding the quality of the product, for example prompted with exemplary images of products of different quality levels, when and where it was purchased, and so forth. Accordingly, in a step  730  the requestor can provide feedback either directly to the packager, or to an intermediary that can transmit the feedback to the packager. In this way the packager can develop an understanding of how the product is being received in the marketplace, how long it is taking for the product to reach consumers, where the product is being received, and in some situations correlate the quality perceived by requestors to factors such as the time in transit, the distance traveled, the retailer, and production conditions. Such feedback and the correlations that can be drawn can be especially important to producers of perishable products like milk and fresh produce. 
         [0058]    Some steps of the methods described herein can be performed, for example, through the use of hardware, such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), specifically designed to perform the particular functions of the method. Various steps of the methods described herein can also be performed through the use of firmware residing, for instance, in read only memory (ROM) or flash memory, where the firmware is programmed to perform the particular functions of the method steps. Steps of the methods described herein can also be performed by a microprocessor capable of executing software residing in a memory, for example, in random access memory (RAM), where the computer instructions embodied in the software define the method steps. Any combination of two or more of hardware, firmware, and software can also be employed. Hardware, firmware, and/or software for implementing method steps may be embodied in hand-held scanners and smartphones running third-party applications, for example. Hardware, firmware, and/or software for implementing method steps may also be embodied in various types of computing systems such as servers and personal computers. It will be appreciated that such computing systems, when configured to follow specific logic embodied in their circuits or programming instructions, or both, constitute specific machines. 
         [0059]    In the foregoing specification, the invention is described with reference to specific embodiments thereof, but those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited thereto. Various features and aspects of the above-described invention may be used individually or jointly. Further, the invention can be utilized in any number of environments and applications beyond those described herein without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the specification. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. It will be recognized that the terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” as used herein, are specifically intended to be read as open-ended terms of art.