Traceability has become a fundamental pillar of the logistics industry. Logistics and distribution companies know its importance.
Logistics traceability can be defined as the property or capability that identifies materials in any part of the production processes, focusing on the detail of their components, going beyond the boundaries of the company and always looking outside the company. It extends, on the other hand, the tracking of the product along the entire supply chain, from the moment it leaves the supplier until it reaches the final consumer.
There are several types of logistics traceability
Backward traceability: This refers to the identification of the different products coming into a company and the supplier information. These are usually end products in the company, raw materials or components.
Internal or process traceability: This type of traceability refers to the process of tracking products within the company, regardless of whether new ones are being produced or not. Here, what goes in and what comes out of the company is related and a system is established that can provide information on the product’s path in the event of damage to the product.
Forward traceability: This traceability refers to the products that are ready for dispatch and the customer for whom they are destined. In other words, it identifies the products that leave a company and to which they are to be delivered.
Advantages of logistics traceability
In most cases, it is a legal requirement in different sectors, such as the agri-food sector. It is also a great tool in the management of logistics and distribution, as it helps to organise the procedures and management of goods. Among other advantages, we can highlight the following:
- Helps to improve internal control of goods.
- Automates the entry of product data.
- Improve the availability of information.
- Improves the speed of data transmission.
- It provides greater control over transport dispatches, improving stock management and providing a better service.
- The reliability of order picking is increased.
The next steps that companies will take in traceability are linked to the incorporation of different international standards, in some cases directly enabling communication between trading partners and with specific standards on traceability.
In short, traceability is important for companies involved in logistics and distribution, as it improves processes, transport and accumulated information. In addition, the implementation of new technologies in this type of traceability makes it possible to record products and information in a reliable and detailed way.
