What is Tracking & Tracing?
Tracking & Tracing (also known as Track & Trace) is the process by which a product, component or batch is actively followed (tracking) and where you can at any moment establish where it has been or where it came from (tracing). It is essential for traceability, quality control, recalls, Compliance and supply chain transparency.
Tracking = real-time monitoring Tracing = looking back through the chain
Track & Trace is widely used in industry, logistics, food, pharma and healthcare.
🎯 Why is Tracking & Tracing important?
| Goal | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Quality assurance | Tracing back raw materials, production steps and measurement values |
| Recall management | Targeted withdrawal of only affected batches or serial numbers |
| Compliance | Meeting requirements such as GMP, HACCP, ISO 22000, UDI, NIS2 |
| Efficiency improvement | Quickly locating disruptions, delays or errors |
| Consumer transparency | Insight into origin, production location, shelf life or sustainability |
🔁 Tracking vs. Tracing
| Tracking | Tracing |
|---|---|
| Real-time monitoring of position or status | Reconstructing origin or route after the fact |
| For example: pallet location in a warehouse | For example: batch data and source of raw materials |
| Used in dispatch, logistics, RFID | Used in audits, recalls, quality analyses |
🏭 Tracking & Tracing in OT/industrial environments
| Application | Example |
|---|---|
| MES traceability | Tracks batch numbers, recipes, operator actions and machine configuration |
| SCADA + barcode integration | Scans GS1 or HIBC barcodes during production or packaging |
| PLC tagging | Automatically records serial numbers or batch codes during processing |
| Historian integration | Links production parameters to product code for later analysis |
| WMS & ERP integration | Real-time location and status in warehouse, transport and inventory |
📦 Examples
- A pharmaceutical batch with a GS1 barcode: in a recall, traceable down to the production and packaging line
- A food product with a LOT code: insight into ingredients used and suppliers
- Machine assembly: each serial number linked to parts and software versions
- Medical device: traceable via HIBC code to patient and sterilisation process
🔒 Importance for cybersecurity and NIS2
Traceability also plays a role in cybersecurity and digital supply chains:
- Who changed what in the system, and when?
- Which components or software versions have been installed?
- Are the assets in use trustworthy (zero-trust supply chain)?
ISA-95 and Asset Management play a role here in combination with Track & Trace.
📌 In summary
Tracking & Tracing enables full visibility and recoverability in production and logistics. It supports quality, safety, compliance and rapid response to deviations or incidents.