A model name is not a container identity. Without distinguishing two bodies of the same size, damage, wash, route and temperature records cannot be joined reliably.
The critical distinction
Assign a short permanent container number and use a barcode or QR code as its carrier. Keep the master identity unchanged when a label is replaced. Store serial information in a separate field.
Four states to track
- Internal container number
- Model and serial
- Label version
- Active or out-of-service state
Decision rule. If one number appears on two containers, historical data must not be merged. Correct the collision and reverify both physical bodies.
