--- title: "The Supply Chain Battleground: Transparency vs. Trade Secrets" description: Regulatory requirements and consumer expectations are demanding increasing transparency from brands, but this can clash with the need to keep trade secrets image: https://trackvision.ai/hubfs/pexels-lilartsy-1194775.jpg --- [![Group 4638](https://trackvision.ai/hs-fs/hubfs/Group%204638.png?width=150&height=20&name=Group%204638.png "Group 4638")](https://www.trackvision.ai) [![Logo-Long-Blue-On-Invis2-1](https://trackvision.ai/hs-fs/hubfs/Logo-Long-Blue-On-Invis2-1.png?width=150&height=20&name=Logo-Long-Blue-On-Invis2-1.png "Logo-Long-Blue-On-Invis2-1")](https://www.trackvision.ai) [Platform](https://trackvision.ai/platform) [![Vector-2](https://trackvision.ai/hubfs/Vector-2.svg) ![Vector-1](https://trackvision.ai/hubfs/Vector-1.svg) Platform Overview](https://trackvision.ai/platform) [![gs1 epcis2](https://trackvision.ai/hubfs/gs1%20epcis2.svg) ![gs1 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Documentation](https://docs.trackvision.ai/) back [About us](https://trackvision.ai/about) [![recall dpp](https://trackvision.ai/hs-fs/hubfs/recall%20dpp.webp?width=35&height=28&name=recall%20dpp.webp) Our Team](https://trackvision.ai/about) [![share-2](https://trackvision.ai/hubfs/share-2.svg) Our Partners](https://trackvision.ai/partners) back Regulatory Compliance [![fresh food](https://trackvision.ai/hubfs/fresh%20food.svg) FSMA Section 204 Compliance](https://trackvision.ai/solutions/fsma-204) [![pharmacy](https://trackvision.ai/hubfs/pharmacy.svg) DSCSA Compliance](https://trackvision.ai/solutions/dscsa) [![recall dpp](https://trackvision.ai/hubfs/recall%20dpp.svg) Digital Product Passports](https://trackvision.ai/solutions/dpp) [epcis](https://trackvision.ai/blog/tag/epcis) [digital-link](https://trackvision.ai/blog/tag/digital-link) [gs1](https://trackvision.ai/blog/tag/gs1) [traceability](https://trackvision.ai/blog/tag/traceability) Published: 17 December 2024 | [Curt Schacker](https://trackvision.ai/blog/author/curt-schacker) # The Supply Chain Battleground: Transparency vs. Trade Secrets ## **The Historical Barrier: Data Silos** For years, industries have deflected transparency demands by pointing to technical limitations. Supply chain data often resides in isolated silos, making it inherently difficult to share. However, the emergence of robust standards, particularly GS1 Digital Link and EPCIS, is dismantling this excuse. These standards create a framework for interoperability, enabling businesses to exchange supply chain data seamlessly. ## **The Argument for Transparency** At TrackVision, we believe that transparency is poised to win this battle. Regulatory requirements and consumer expectations are becoming too pressing to ignore. Moreover, transparency fosters trust, bolsters brand reputation, and equips businesses to respond effectively to crises. ## **A Balanced Approach: Transparency Without Compromise** All is not lost for those concerned about protecting sensitive information. By applying GS1 standards thoughtfully, businesses can achieve a delicate balance—sharing necessary data while safeguarding their trade secrets. ## **An Example in Action** Consider the FDA’s FSMA 204 regulation, which mandates batch-level traceability across supply chains. While this requires organizations to share records with trading partners, including the source provider of a batch of food, the FDA acknowledges the sensitivity of this information. To address these concerns, the regulation permits the use of internal identifiers instead of disclosing the actual identity of trading partners. Traceability systems based on GS1 standards can facilitate this approach. By carefully configuring these systems, companies can ensure that essential data—such as batch-level traceability—is accessible while keeping sensitive information, like trading partner identities, confidential. ## **Conclusion** The tug-of-war between transparency and trade secrets will define the next phase of supply chain evolution. Companies that embrace transparency intelligently—leveraging standards like GS1 Digital Link and EPCIS to protect what matters most—will not only comply with regulations but also position themselves as trusted, forward-thinking leaders in their industries. 17 December 2024 | [Curt Schacker](https://trackvision.ai/blog/author/curt-schacker) share: Recommended for you [What is GS1 EPCIS 2.0?](https://trackvision.ai/blog/what-is-gs1-epcis-2.0) [What is GS1 Digital Link?](https://trackvision.ai/blog/what-is-gs1-digital-link) About the author Curt Schacker I help brands transform their supply chain operations through smart, connected packaging and data exchange based on open industry standards. ## Recommended reading NEW DSCSA [Case Study: How Hudson Scientific Hit Full DSCSA Compliance in 30 Days](https://trackvision.ai/blog/case-study-how-hudson-scientific-hit-full-dscsa-compliance-in-30-days) 25 August 2026 | [Curt Schacker](https://trackvision.ai/blog/author/curt-schacker) gs1 dpp [DPP in 2028: What Apparel Brands Need to Build Before the Deadline](https://trackvision.ai/blog/dpp-in-2028-what-apparel-brands-need-to-build-before-the-deadline) 17 August 2026 | [Curt Schacker](https://trackvision.ai/blog/author/curt-schacker) digital-link gs1 natural-trace [Full-Spectrum Product Authentication: Combining QR codes and Natural DNA tagging to fight food fraud](https://trackvision.ai/blog/full-spectrum-product-authentication-combining-qr-codes-and-natural-dna-tagging-to-fight-food-fraud) 10 June 2026 | [Jonathan Ling](https://trackvision.ai/blog/author/jonathan-ling) ## Get ahead with TrackVision updates Join our newsletter today and don't miss out on the opportunity to be part of a community driving innovation in tracking technology. 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