In the distribution and logistics field track and trace is defined as the process of identifying past and current locations of inventory items. This inventory should be tracked at any level from ingredient to finished product and anywhere in between. Track and trace processes are supported through a variety of SCM technologies that help to provide real-time information on both location and status of these items as they move throughout the supply chain. A focus has been placed on track and trace due to the increasing complexity of governmental regulations. The government is becoming more active due to food recalls reaching their all-time high in 2013. On average, 6 recalls occur in the U.S. each day. These recalls impact up to 18.4 million products including pharmaceuticals, food and much more. This issue has sparked the focus on technology and automation throughout the supply chain. These technologies are being used to manage the many moving pieces of the supply chain. In order to create a detailed, accurate audit trail needed to satisfy new regulations supply chain operators are implementing a variety of track and trace solutions including WMS, RFID and automated data collection devices. SCM businesses handling food and pharmaceutical products have started to implement temperature indicators to track temperature, humidity and shock levels throughout the delivery process. These devices come in a variety of designs for flexible use. The data collected using temperature indicators can be transferred directly into inventory management software to develop a complete audit trail. RFID functions in a similar way, passively tracking inventory as it moves throughout the supply chain. Radio frequency identification also helps to reduce the labor required to handle and process inventory. RFID is useful because it can track inventory at any level through the manufacturing process. Warehouse management software is also a top tool used by SCM businesses focusing on track and trace because these powerful databases store all captured inventory data making it easily accessible to warehouse operators. Many top WMS systems are also developed to meet government regulations, taking the guess work out of track and trace. To ensure your operation can meet regulatory requirements consider evaluating these technologies to bridge any gaps in technology capabilities. Learn more about new track and trace functionality and supply chain needs contact Datex experts today at marketing@datexcorp.com or 800.933.2839 ext 243.

1. WHAT’S NEW IN
TRACK AND TRACE
TECHNOLOGY
BY: ANGELA CARVER

2. Supply Chain Track and Trace
• Track and trace, used most often in reference to distribution and
logistics, is the process of identifying the past and current locations
of a specified item.
• This item can be in any form starting at the ingredient levelthrough
to the finished product.
• Track and trace is supported through a variety of technologies to
assist in providing real-time information on the location and status of
these specified items throughout the supply chain.

3. Supply Chain Track & Trace
• Track and trace functions are critical more than ever due to the
increasing levels of governmental regulations. The steep inclinein
regulatory control is due to rampant food and drug recalls.
• Food recalls hit an all time high in the U.S. in 2013. On average, the
U.S. calls for 6 food recalls each day, impacting up to 18.4 million
products. Pharmaceutical and general manufacturers face similar
problems.
• These issues sparked the focus on technology and automation in the
supply chain.

4. Why is Track and Trace Technology
Critical?
• The supply chain has many moving pieces. In order to effectively
track inventory as it moves throughout the manufacturing, storage
and shipping processes without data entry errors certain
technologies should be utilized.
• Supply chain technology such as warehouse management systems,
RFID and automated data collection collect data accurately and in
real-time creating a detailed audit trail.

5. Why is Track and Trace Technology
Critical?
• Organizations such as EPCglobal operating under GS1, set stringent
data sharing standards that detail how supply chain data can be
shared with trading partners.
• Selecting technology that can create, store and share audit trail data
in accordance with these standards will help to keep your supply
chain business compliant while also improving facility operations.

6. Traceability and Automated Data
Collection – Temperature Indicators
• One factor affecting the safety of food and pharmaceutical products
is temperature regulation during delivery to the end user.
• Many shippers are utilizing data loggers/ temperature indicators as a
means of tracking temperature, humidity and shock levels
throughout the delivery process.
• These devices can indicate any non-ideal temperature exposureor
mishandling.

7. Traceability and Automated Data
Collection – Temperature Indicators
• Temperature indicator devices come in a variety of designs, some
with USB ports for data transfer and others using wireless network
connectivity.
• These devices can be programmed individually with temperature
variation thresholds which can help customers identify product that
is potentially unsafe.
• Data collected using these devices can be downloaded directly to
inventory management software systems to show a completeview
of the lifecycle for that inventory item.

8. RFID and Traceability
• To assist in tracking inventory as it moves throughout the supply
chain many manufacturers and their supply chain partners are
implementing RFID systems.
• These passive data collection technologies are helpful not only
because they reduce the labor required to process inventory, but
because they can accurately collect a myriad of inventory
information with little to no human interruption.
• Radio frequency identification can be used on ingredients or parts,
WIPs, finished goods and even shipping containers on their way to
their final destination.

9. Traceability and Warehouse
Management Software
• In order to effectively track and trace products as they move
throughout the supply chain, a centralized data management
platform is needed.
• Many SCM operations are implementing WMS with manufacturing
management capabilities to handle both the initial production
process through to storage and delivery.
• Desirable warehouse management software solutions will becapable
of recoding and archiving inventory audit trail data for extended
periods in accordance with government regulations.

10. Traceability and Warehouse
Management Software
• As of January 1, 2015 manufacturers, re-packagers and wholesale
distributors of pharmaceutical products are required to provide lot-
level product tracing information when requested by the FDA. Food
manufacturers are required to follow similar protocol.
• Data management requirements will continue to become more
demanding in the passing years as regulatory bodies continue to
pass new legislation to ensure the safety of food and pharmaceutical
products.
• To date, warehouse management software has proven to be a top
solution for track and trace requirements. Software developers will
continue to improve upon these technologies to meet the changing
requirements of supply chain operations worldwide.

11. Conclusion
• Regulatory agencies will continue to place more legislative
roadblocks in coming years due to increase in publicly exposed
product contamination instances.
• Supply chain businesses must have the most up-to-date technology
portfolio to ensure they are prepared for these expected changes and
handle traceability/track and trace requirements.
• These proven track and trace technologies will provide these
businesses with a solid foundation that can be built upon and
expanded as the industry evolves and changes.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Track_and_trace
http://www.manufacturing.net/news/2015/06/track-and-trace-technology-one-cure-common-recall

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