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DraftVerify Standards Library · F-29

Tag Activation Rules

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

This document defines the official rules for activating DraftVerify Coupler Tags (DTIs), binding them to brewery products, and ensuring they enter circulation in a secure, validated, and tamper-resistant state.

DTI activation is the moment a tag becomes part of the DraftVerify Identity Chain.
Errors at activation lead to downstream misidentification, mis-serve risk, and failed compliance audits.
These rules ensure consistent, verifiable activation across all breweries.

1. Purpose of Activation Rules

Tag activation ensures that:

  • Each DTI is assigned to one product, permanently
  • Brewery activation matches Registry expectations
  • No tag enters circulation without verification
  • Tampering, mislabeling, and duplication are eliminated
  • Downstream distributors and venues receive correct identities
  • Registry data remains authoritative and consistent

Activation protects consumers, breweries, distribution partners, and venues.

2. Scope

These rules apply to:

  • All DraftVerify Coupler Tags
  • All breweries participating in DraftVerify
  • All activation workflows (manual, app-based, or automated)
  • All future DTI versions

Activation must occur before kegs leave the brewery.

3. Activation Prerequisites

Before a tag can be activated, the following must be complete:

3.1 Brewery Verification

Brewery must be validated in the Registry:

  • Approved Brewery ID
  • Authorized activation personnel
  • Trained in F-12 and F-13 workflows

3.2 Product Registration

Product must exist in the Registry with:

  • Product ID
  • Style
  • NA classification
  • Visual identity

3.3 Physical Tag Inspection

Activation personnel must confirm:

  • Correct DraftVerify NA banding
  • DTI printed clearly and scannable
  • No damage, bends, or adhesive problems
  • NFC chip functioning (test scan required)

If the physical tag fails inspection → tag must be retired.

4. Activation Workflow (Standard v1.0)

Activation follows the official brewery process defined in F-13.

Step 1 — Scan the DTI

Using an NFC-enabled device:

  • Tap the coupler tag
  • The activation page loads
  • System verifies the tag is in Inactive state

Step 2 — Select Product

Brewery selects the product (SKU) being packaged.

Step 3 — Confirm Assignment

System displays:

  • Brewery name
  • Product name
  • DTI
  • NFC UID
  • Activation technician ID

Technician must confirm all are correct.

Step 4 — Activate Tag

Registry transitions tag from:

Inactive → Active

Once activated:

  • Product assignment is permanent
  • Tag may not be reused
  • Tag may not be reassigned
  • Tag becomes part of compliance framework

Step 5 — Affix Tag to Keg

Tag must be zip-tied to the coupler flange following:

  • F-7 Coupler Tag Standard
  • Brewery SOP for placement
  • Tamper-resistant fastening

Tag must not spin freely or be placed on moving components.

5. Permanent Assignment Rules

Once activated:

  • DTI cannot be edited
  • Product mapping cannot be changed
  • Brewery assignment cannot be changed
  • Tag cannot be reprogrammed or reused

A DTI is one identity for life, even after keg retirement.

6. Rejection Conditions

A tag cannot be activated if:

  • It is already Active
  • It is Retired
  • It is in Error state
  • Its NFC UID does not match the Registry record
  • Product selected does not match the Brewery’s product list
  • Tag fails physical inspection
  • The page indicates a mismatch warning

If a tag fails activation:

  • Quarantine immediately
  • Report using brewery discrepancy form
  • Replace with a new DTI

7. Error State Triggers

The Registry automatically sets a tag to Error if:

  • DTI reused in multiple activations
  • NFC UID collision is detected
  • Product mismatch at scan
  • Verification loop inconsistency
  • Improper activation sequence detected

Tags in Error state must be:

  1. Quarantined
  2. Investigated
  3. Retired

Never reassigned.

8. Activation Logging Requirements

Registry must store:

  • DTI
  • Brewery ID
  • Product ID
  • Timestamp
  • Technician identity
  • NFC UID
  • Device type
  • Location (if enabled)

Activation logs are immutable.

9. Activation Audit Requirements

Breweries must maintain:

  • Weekly activation logs
  • Tag usage counts
  • Discrepancy reports
  • Quarantined tag list

Auditors verify:

  • Activation integrity
  • Product mapping accuracy
  • Tag affixation compliance
  • Discrepancy handling

Misactivation is grounds for temporary loss of DraftVerify certification.

10. Summary

Tag activation is the gateway to the entire DraftVerify Identity System.
Correct activation ensures:

  • Product identity integrity
  • Downstream traceability
  • Accurate distributor and venue workflows
  • Predictable compliance outcomes
  • Protection against mis-serve and liability

Once activated, a DTI becomes a permanent, auditable identity that must remain intact for the full lifecycle of the keg.