DraftVerify Standards Library · F-15

Distributor Protocol (D-Series)

The Distributor Protocol (D-Series) defines how distributors must handle, transport, verify, and document non-alcoholic (NA) draft kegs under the DraftVerify Standard.

Distributors are a critical link between breweries and venues.
Proper handling ensures that identity, activation data, and safety remain intact throughout the supply chain.

1. Purpose of This Protocol

This protocol ensures that distributors:

Maintain the DraftVerify identity chain
Prevent tampering or accidental tag removal
Preserve NA separation during transport
Confirm identity during receiving and delivery
Enable traceability through verification scans
Provide accountability for downstream customers

Distributors reinforce the brewery-created identity and deliver error-free NA draft to venues.

2. Scope

This protocol applies to:

All distributors handling NA draft
Warehouse operators
Delivery drivers
Cross-dock partners
Third-party logistics providers (3PL)

The D-Series includes:

Receiving procedures
Storage & separation
Verification workflows
Transport rules
Delivery procedures
Documentation requirements

3. Roles & Responsibilities

3.1 Distributor Responsibilities

Distributors must:

Verify that every NA keg has a DraftVerify Coupler Tag
Inspect for tampering or missing tags
Scan tags before loading and before delivery
Maintain NA separation from alcoholic kegs
Document discrepancies immediately
Train staff in the D-Series procedures

3.2 Brewery Responsibilities

Breweries must:

Supply only activated, tagged NA kegs
Provide correct product documentation
Notify distributors of any activation or batch corrections

3.3 Venue Responsibilities

Venues are responsible for:

Scanning tags before tapping
Reporting delivery inconsistencies

4. Receiving Kegs From Breweries

When NA kegs are delivered to the distributor:

4.1 Visual Inspection

Staff must check:

Coupler Tag present
Zip tie intact (not cut, loose, or replaced)
Tag not rotating freely
Collar intact and readable
No signs of tampering

4.2 Initial Verification Scan

Each keg must be scanned using NFC:

Confirmation page must show correct brewery & product
Tag must display Active status
NA must be clearly highlighted

4.3 Documentation

Record:

Receipt date
Supplier
Product & batch
Any discrepancies
Driver initials

If any tag fails scan:
TAG MUST BE QUARANTINED and reported.

5. Warehouse Storage Requirements

5.1 NA Separation

NA kegs must be stored:

In a dedicated NA zone or
Physically separated from alcoholic kegs using pallets/racking

NA zones must have:

Clear signage
No mixed stacking
No mixed palletization

5.2 Stacking

Kegs must be stacked so:

Coupler Tags remain visible
Tags cannot be crushed or snagged
Sidewall bands (if used) remain readable

5.3 Temperature

Cold storage must not exceed conditions that compromise tag durability.

6. Pre-Transport Procedures

Before loading:

6.1 Verification Scan (Mandatory)

Each NA keg must be scanned again to confirm:

Identity
Activation status
No mismatch or inactive tag

6.2 Load Documentation

Distributor must log:

Which kegs are being delivered
Delivery route
Destination venue
Driver identity

6.3 Load Placement Rules

Arrange kegs to avoid:

Crushing Coupler Tags
Excessive lateral movement
Tag obstruction

7. Delivery to Venues

7.1 Arrival Inspection

At the venue:

Driver visually inspects tags
Confirms no tampering occurred in transit

7.2 Verification Scan With Venue Staff

Driver must scan each keg with the venue to confirm:

Correct product
Correct NA identity
Matching order
Tag remains active

7.3 Venue Sign-Off

Venue acknowledges:

Receipt of correct NA products
All tags intact and verified

Any mismatch must be escalated immediately.

8. Handling Discrepancies

8.1 Types of Discrepancies

Missing coupler tag
Cut or loose zip tie
Wrong product identity
Inactive or mismatched DTI
Tag not scanning
Suspected tampering

8.2 Distributor Action

If any issue arises:

Quarantine the keg
Do NOT deliver to venue
Document the issue
Inform brewery immediately
Submit issue report to DraftVerify (if required)

8.3 Replacement Procedure

If available, deliver a replacement NA keg.
Never deliver a keg with an identity problem.

9. Distributor Documentation Requirements

Distributors must maintain:

9.1 Receiving Logs

Supplier
Date
Keg count
Product identities
Verification scan results

9.2 Storage Logs

NA zone mapping
Separation verification

9.3 Delivery Logs

Venue name
Route
Keg identities
Driver confirmation
Venue sign-off

9.4 Discrepancy Reports

For audit purposes, distributors must record:

Issue type
Keg identity (if known)
Driver report
Corrective action

10. Staff Training Requirements

Distributors must train all staff in:

Coupler Tag identification
Zip-tie integrity checks
Verification scanning
NA separation rules
Delivery protocol
Incident documentation

Training should occur:

At onboarding
Annually
After any protocol update

11. Compliance Requirements

A distributor is DraftVerify-compliant when:

All NA kegs are scanned at receiving and delivery
Tags are intact, secure, and readable
NA separation is maintained
Documentation is complete and accurate
Discrepancies are handled per protocol

Non-compliance may result in:

Corrective action
Loss of DraftVerify certification
Removal from the NA supply chain

12. Summary

The D-Series Distributor Protocol ensures:

Chain-of-custody integrity
Reliable identification
Regulatory alignment
Safety for NA consumers
Predictable operations for venues
Trust and accountability across the industry

Distributors protect the identity standard established at the brewery and ensure NA draft reaches venues safely, accurately, and consistently.