Certisource utilizes the most effective genetic and physical tracking technologies available, but we will always seek out new innovations that can improve the services we offer and allow us to set industry performance standards.

All the tracking technologies we employ are operated in partnership with other independent and professional organisations. We believe that these type of partnerships are essential to demonstrate the transparency and credibility of our systems and to leave them beyond reproach.

Currently available technologies are listed below and their utilisation will be agreed upon following detailed discussion about client needs and requirements.

DNA Analysis
In Collaboration with scientists at the National University of Singapore, Certisource has developed a system to irrefutably verify the source of timber. The system uses genetic profiles to match individual cut logs at the saw mill with individual stumps at the concession meaning that the source of timber can be proved beyond all reasonable doubt. The procedures are similar to the genetic analysis carried out to establish child paternity or to identify individual humans in criminal cases.

In the longer term our DNA database will be used to record and map spatial genetic variations within concessions and also on a regional and global basis. In this way the database will allow us to accurately predict the source of timber based on the extraction of DNA from a sample and it will also serve as a key resource for ground breaking academic research.

Bar Coding & RFID
These methods allow Certisource and our clients to remotely monitor the movement of logs and timber products along the entire supply chain and are delivered in partnership with Helveta. Key benefits of these technologies are -

• Improved supply chain management
• Real time stock management
• Web based reporting accessible to all key stakeholders

Using unique bar codes, timber entering the supply-chain is tagged in the forest during pre-harvest mapping and felling operations. Data is then collected at all points from the forest to the sawmill by scanning bar code tags using robust and flexible handheld devices.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is an automatic identification method relying on small RFID tags that contain silicon chips and antennas. This allows them to receive and to respond to radio frequency queries from a RFIS transceiver.