As the deadline for mandatory implementation of Digital Product Passports (DPP) under European regulation approaches, more and more companies are considering concrete steps for preparation. One of the most effective tools in that preparation are pilot projects.
A pilot project, in the context of DPP, refers to a limited, test implementation of the digital passport system on a selected sample of products, processes, or business units. The goal is to simulate real-world application conditions, identify challenges, and define necessary adjustments before broader deployment.
Timely identification of technical challenges
DPP is not just a database; it is a complex system that must comply with ESPR regulations, be interoperable, secure, and user-friendly. A pilot project allows testing of:
generating and reading QR codes,
integration with ERP/PIM systems,
proper data structuring according to RDF/JSON-LD models,
information display on mobile interfaces.
Assessment of team and partner readiness
A pilot reveals how internal teams (IT, sustainability, marketing, design) and external partners respond to DPP requirements. This helps plan training, resource adjustments, and better understand implementation dynamics.Targeted feedback
During the pilot phase, it is possible to collect feedback from end users, regulators, or distributors. This is important for compliance, but also for designing the user experience (UX/UI).Faster future implementation
Once the pilot project identifies the optimal operating model, broader DPP implementation proceeds faster and more securely because processes are already tested, the team is trained, and systems are adapted.Competitive advantage
Companies that test DPP solutions earlier better understand the technical requirements and can communicate their readiness to customers, partners, and regulatory bodies sooner. This brings reputational benefits.
In practice, a DPP pilot project includes:
selecting a product line or category (e.g. batteries, furniture, textiles),
entering data into the DPP system (according to regulatory criteria),
generating digital passports and QR codes,
test labeling of packaging,
integration with other systems (ERP, webshop),
collecting and analyzing feedback.
A pilot can last from a few weeks to several months, depending on complexity. The key is for it to be structured and documented so that the conclusions are useful for broader implementation.
At NOS, we are already conducting pilot implementations of DPP systems in cooperation with small and medium-sized manufacturers in sectors such as construction, electronics, and furniture. Our pilot framework includes:
analysis of existing processes and data,
definition of semantic models and ontologies,
development of interfaces for data input and display,
generation of DPP and QR codes,
reporting with recommendations for scaling.
If you’re wondering when to start your DPP project, the answer is: now. A pilot project is the ideal entry point for understanding, testing, and preparing.
Would you like to learn what a DPP pilot could look like for your company?
Contact us at info@nos.hr
