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DraftVerify Standards Library · F-7

Coupler Tag Standard

Version: 1.0 · Publication Date: 2025-01-01 · Status: Active
© 2025 DraftVerify™ Standards Initiative. All rights reserved.

The coupler is the single most critical control point in the entire draft workflow.
The Coupler Tag provides a permanent, verifiable, cryptographically unique identity at the exact moment a keg is connected — ensuring what is tapped is exactly what it claims to be.

This Standard exists to eliminate tapping errors, prevent NA mis-serves, and provide a digital audit trail for operators.

1. Purpose

This Standard establishes:

  • a tamper-resistant digital identity point
  • product confirmation before tapping
  • unified tagging across breweries, distributors, and venues
  • verification that takes under 2 seconds
  • an audit log proving correct tapping behavior

2. Scope

This Standard applies to:

  • breweries producing NA draft
  • distributors handling NA kegs
  • venues serving NA products on tap
  • any DraftVerify-certified operator

Optional (recommended):

  • alcoholic brands requiring identity protection
  • premium products needing traceability

This Standard defines:

  • tag hardware
  • NFC encoding
  • URL format
  • registry mapping
  • placement rules
  • verification workflow
  • compliance criteria

3. Hardware Requirements

Coupler Tags must:

  • use NFC-enabled chipsets (NTAG213 or better)
  • include DraftVerify NA banding for NA products
  • withstand cold storage, condensation, and abrasion
  • use permanent or tamper-resistant adhesive or rings
  • remain readable from 1–2 cm

Tags must meet durability requirements described in F-6 — Keg Identification Standard.

4. Placement Requirements

The Coupler Tag must be placed:

  • directly beside the spear/coupler flange
  • within 25 mm of the engagement point
  • fully visible to operators during changeover
  • unobstructed by clamps, tape, or hoses

Incorrect placement constitutes a compliance failure.

5. Identity & URL Structure

Every coupler tag encodes a DraftVerify verification URL:

https://verify.draftverify.com/t/{TAG-ID}

Scanning this URL displays:

  • brewery name
  • product identity
  • NA/alcoholic classification
  • tag status (active / inactive / retired)
  • optional venue-level verification logging

TAG-ID characteristics:

  • globally unique
  • cryptographically generated
  • permanently assigned
  • never reused or reassigned

6. Programming & Assignment

6.1 Centralized Programming (v1.0 Standard)

For v1.0:

  • all tags are pre-programmed by DraftVerify
  • breweries do not program tags
  • product-specific bags ensure correct usage

This prevents mis-encoded tags and reduces friction.

6.2 Product Lock-In

Once assigned:

  • a tag cannot be repurposed
  • a tag cannot be reprogrammed
  • damaged tags must be retired

6.3 Future Programming Options (Not Included in v1.0)

Future versions may introduce:

  • mobile programming tools
  • bulk desktop encoders
  • automated brewery serialization workflows

These are out of scope for v1.0.

7. Verification Workflow

Step 1 — Visual Check

Operator sees a DraftVerify Coupler Tag before tapping.

Step 2 — NFC Scan

Using any NFC-enabled smartphone:

  • operator taps the tag
  • the verification page opens
  • identity is confirmed instantly

Step 3 — Confirm Identity

The verification page must show:

  • brewery
  • product
  • category (NA highlighted)

Step 4 — Connect

Operator connects the coupler only after identity verification.

Step 5 — Audit Logging

If enabled, each scan records:

  • timestamp
  • tag ID
  • verification event

These logs support traceability and compliance.

8. Roles & Responsibilities

Breweries

  • apply correct tags
  • ensure placement integrity
  • report damaged tags

Distributors

  • avoid covering, removing, or damaging tags
  • maintain tag visibility

Venues

  • scan tags before tapping
  • keep coupler areas unobstructed
  • report incorrect tag results

9. Compliance Requirements

A venue is compliant when:

  • each NA keg has a Coupler Tag
  • tags are visible and scannable
  • identity is verified before tapping
  • tags remain intact and active

Non-compliant kegs may not enter service.

10. Summary

The Coupler Tag is the primary digital identity point in the DraftVerify ecosystem.
By enforcing standardized programming, placement, and verification, DraftVerify delivers:

  • reduced mis-tapping
  • safer NA draft service
  • improved operational clarity
  • stronger brand protection
  • full traceability and accountability