Building Traceability in Manufacturing

The need for traceability in Industrial Manufacturing is growing rapidly. As a result, it has become an essential component of modern production processes. A read on...

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Traceability is a comprehensive idea that pertains to the act of recognising an object or work item and obtaining any information regarding it at any point during its existence. This is accomplished by assigning a distinct identification label or symbol to an object and documenting its data and movements from inception to disposal. However, the implementation of this straightforward concept is frequently hindered by the complexity of the product, which can make it difficult to execute.

Paper-based methods of traceability have been used for several centuries. The digitisation of food product traceability, however, began in the 1950s when barcodes were invented. Recently, adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies has led to an increased preference for digital traceability across all industries. Traceability is now recognised as an essential tool for managing risk in various industries, such as food, medical, electronics, and automotive. Although it has been mainly prevalent in the food industry, other sectors are also embracing this management tool as compliance and quality have become more significant concerns.

Why is traceability important in manufacturing?

Traceability is essential in industrial manufacturing for several reasons. Firstly, it enables manufacturers to track and record every step of a product's lifecycle, from raw materials to the finished product. This information is critical in maintaining quality control, preventing defects and recalls, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.