Immutable metadata: What is written once remains

At the core of markUID is the data associated with physical objects. Part of this concept is the immutable storage of critical information. We deliberately distinguish between changeable and immutable metadata.

Changeable metadata is data that can change over time, such as location data or environmental conditions. This data is important for real-time monitoring and analysis, but it is not critical for long-term integrity.

Interchangeable metadata, on the other hand, is metadata that is written once and cannot be changed afterwards. This data is critical for traceability, compliance and auditing. It provides the basis for compliance with legal frameworks that require certain information about a product or object to remain unchanged.

The immutability of this data is ensured by a combination of cryptographic hash functions and an automated hash chain at the database level. Our system architecture ensures that immutable data cannot be overwritten, and the use of a hash chain ensures that any change to the data would be recognized immediately, as this is the only way to maintain the integrity of the entire chain.

Hash chain: the technology behind immutability

The hash chain is a central element of markUID technology. It enables the immutable storage of metadata and simultaneously ensures the integrity and traceability of all information.

Hash chaining means that each new piece of information that is to be stored as immutable contains not only its own cryptographic hash, but also the hash of the previous information. This creates a chained structure - a so-called hash chain - in which any change to a single entry would invalidate the entire chain. This makes manipulation technically detectable and prevents subsequent changes without leaving any traces.

Ein einfaches Beispiel: Wenn Objekt A mit einem unveränderlichen Produktionsdatum gespeichert wird, wird dieser Datensatz mit einem Hash versehen. Wird später eine weitere Information – etwa die erste Qualitätskontrolle – hinzugefügt, enthält dieser neue Datensatz nicht nur seine eigene Information, sondern auch den Hash des vorherigen Datensatzes. So entsteht eine durchgehende, überprüfbare Historie.

Durch diese Methode wird nicht nur die Integrität einzelner Metadaten gewährleistet, sondern auch die gesamte chronologische Abfolge der Objektgeschichte geschützt. Selbst wenn ein interner oder externer Angreifer versucht, einzelne Datensätze zu manipulieren, würde die Hash-Kette brechen und die Manipulation sichtbar werden. Und zwar nicht nur, ob eine Manipulation stattgefunden hat, sondern auch, an welcher Stelle.

Diese Form der Datensicherung ist besonders relevant in Bereichen wie Medizintechnik, Logistik oder industrieller Fertigung, wo Nachweisbarkeit, Verantwortung und Vertrauen essenziell sind.

markUID setzt damit auf ein System, das sowohl Flexibilität für dynamische Daten als auch maximale Sicherheit und Integrität für kritische Informationen bietet – ein essenzieller Baustein für die digitale Identität physischer Objekte.

Strategic advantages of immutability

Invariability is not only a technical property, but also a strategic advantage. It enables companies to have confidence in their data and ensure that all information about a product or object remains unchanged.

• - Compliance security through tamper-proof records
• - Increased trust along the entire supply chain
• - Legal certainty for regulatory requirements
• - Audit- Consistency even under the most stringent audits
• - Traceability with no doubt about data integrity

Application scenarios:

• Documentation of manufacturing parameters
• - Immutable recording of test certificates
• Counterfeit-proof proof of origin for raw materials
• - Permanent documentation of regulatory compliance
• - Proof of sustainability and carbon footprint documentation

The immutability of metadata is a decisive step towards transparent, trustworthy and responsible product tracking. It enables companies not only to identify their products, but also to document their entire history in a traceable way.

And UIDs are specific per physical object. This extends trust not only to the final product, but also to each individual component - from the first screw to safety-critical parts.

Verifiability without compromise

What sounds complicated is child's play thanks to markUID: The storage of immutable data is done via a simple API call and is possible for both UID master data and check-ins.

The special feature: The integrity of the immutable metadata can be independently verified at any time. External auditors can validate the hash chain and thus obtain mathematical proof that no subsequent changes have taken place - without access to sensitive data.

With markUID, you can decide at any time when and what information should be permanently recorded. This strategic decision creates trust and security over the entire life cycle of your products.