From a Regulatory Issue to a Data and Architecture Challenge

The Digital Product Passport is a central component of the EU Regulation on Ecodesign for Sustainable Products (ESPR). The specific information required for a product is defined on a product-group-specific basis through corresponding requirements.

For companies, this means that relevant product information must not only be available; it must also be structured, up-to-date, traceable, and made accessible to different user groups in a controlled manner.

This makes the DPP, above all, a data management and integration task.

When product data is scattered across systems and supply chains

The biggest challenge with the Digital Product Passport rarely lies in the QR code itself. The key is to reliably consolidate the necessary information from various systems, business units, and external sources and keep it up to date on an ongoing basis.

Typical challenges include:

• Product data is scattered across ERP, PIM, PLM, and other systems.
• Information from suppliers and partners is missing or available in different formats.
• Data quality, responsibilities, and update processes are not clearly defined.
• Existing systems and interfaces are not prepared for the new data flows.
• Access rights and visibility must be managed for different user groups.
• Product information must be made available digitally in a simple and reliable manner.
• Requirements may change depending on the product group and regulatory developments.

This makes the DPP not just a compliance task, but a company-wide data and integration project.

What Requirements the Digital Product Passport Establishes

A DPP links product information to a unique product identifier and a machine-readable data carrier. Access to information is governed by the respective requirements and access rights; not all product data is stored centrally in an EU system.

Among other things, companies must clarify:

• what product data is required,
• from which systems and supply chains it originates,
• how products, components, and relevant entities are uniquely identified,
• which data is publicly accessible or accessible only to specific stakeholders,
• how timeliness, quality, and origin are ensured,
• how regulatory changes will be addressed in the future,
• and how the DPP will be integrated into existing product and business processes.

Reliable product data is at the heart of the DPP

The required information is often scattered across ERP, PIM, PLM, MDM, supplier portals, sustainability systems, and other applications.

We help identify these data sources, harmonize them from a business perspective, and establish clear responsibilities.

This includes, for example:

• Product and variant master data,
• material and component information,
• manufacturer and supplier data,
• origin and sustainability information,
• repair, maintenance, and recycling information,
• certificates and compliance data,
• unique product and company identifiers.

The key is not to duplicate all information in a new system, but to create a robust data foundation and clear data flows.

Connecting existing systems in a smart way

A Digital Product Passport is rarely created within a single system. Product information must be consolidated from various sources, updated, and made available in a controlled manner.

Among other things, we connect:

• ERP
• PIM
• PLM
• MDM
• commerce platforms
• supplier and supply chain systems
• data platforms
• external registries and services

APIs, events, and standardized data models enable automated and scalable data exchange. At the same time, role-based and access control mechanisms ensure that different stakeholders receive only the information intended for them.

From DPP Readiness to Production Implementation

1. Develop a Data Strategy

We analyze what product information is needed, where it is currently stored, and who is responsible for ensuring its quality and timeliness. Together, we create a structured foundation for data collection, data models, and governance.

2. Establish the Technological Foundation

We define how ERP, PIM, PLM, MDM, and other relevant systems should interact and develop the appropriate integration and target architecture.

3. Integrate Partners and Supply Chains

We identify early on what information is needed from suppliers and business partners, how this information is exchanged, and what quality and accountability models are required.

4. Implementing Deployment and Scaling

We ensure that the relevant information is easily accessible to the respective user groups while maintaining appropriate access controls – for example, via a machine-readable data carrier such as a QR code, barcode, or NFC.

We then gradually roll out the model across additional products and establish monitoring, governance, and processes for continuous updates.

More Than Just Regulatory Compliance

Reliable Compliance

Structured data, clear responsibilities, and traceable processes make it easier to meet regulatory requirements.

Higher Data Quality

The DPP highlights gaps, inconsistencies, and missing responsibilities in product data, providing a concrete basis for improvement.

Greater Transparency

Product information becomes more traceable throughout the supply chain and product lifecycle.

More Efficient Processes

Automated data flows reduce manual data collection and repetitive coordination.

New Digital Services

DPP data can also be used in the future for after-sales, repairs, returns, resale, and other digital offerings.

Better Collaboration

Uniform data models facilitate the exchange of information with suppliers, partners, customers, and other stakeholders.