Data traceability in the industry

Data traceability is a fundamental tool in the industry to keep track of the products, batches, boxes and pallets we sell at all times. We explain everything you need to know to implement a reliable traceability system.

What is data traceability?

Data traceability is the ability to track the origin and movement of certain data in the production chain.

For example, if we are talking about a pharmaceutical company, medicine boxes are likely to be produced. Each box is assigned a code that, if properly monitored and controlled, will allow good product traceability. This will allow you to know at all times where each box is and what process it is going through. 

Industrial traceability can be controlled by product units, batch, expiration date, reference or even by pallet. This ensures that products are perfectly labelled and coded, no matter where in the world they are shipped. 

In this way, you have absolute control both during production and once the product is already on the market.

Why are errors prevented thanks to data traceability?

Having control over the products, thanks to data traceability, makes it possible to prevent errors or problems both during production and when the customers already have the product in their hands. 

With data traceability, early detection of problems is possible, and this allows us to correct errors in time or even to recall material that we do not want to reach the end customer. 

We will also be able to have a complete historical record of the data to verify that the regulations of each sector are being complied with.

Returning to the case of pharmaceuticals, let’s imagine that a batch of products has turned out to be defective. Thanks to data traceability, we can know at all times what the destination of this batch of products has been to order its withdrawal from the market, before it is purchased by the final consumer.

If we have automation systems implemented in the production line, it is likely that we could in fact detect the error in question earlier and be able to remove the defective batch before it is shipped.

Data traceability is essential in many sectors, including the food, automotive and pharmaceutical industries.

What is the process to be followed to implement data traceability?

Every industry is a different case. Before starting to implement traceability systems, it is essential to have a specialist company in the sector, which can understand and advise you well on the best solutions.

However, broadly speaking, there is a common process that, in general terms, provides a better understanding of how data traceability works.

1. Code creation: depending on the information to be traced and the industry, certain types of codes will be used.

2. Verification/Validation: a verification system is implemented to eliminate the risk of product or packaging barcodes not being scannable. This will ensure traceability throughout the supply chain. Both inline and offline verification can be performed. You can also opt for both systems to perform a double check.

3. Data processing and big data: this is where OMRON LVS hardware comes into play. It has the right software to view the validation result on screen and create simple reports. More advanced software can also be implemented to collect the information or link it to other software that the client already has.
   
   With AIS Vision, we can develop traceability tools (software) tailored to your needs.

4. Preventive maintenance and calibrations: once the data traceability system has been applied, regular maintenance needs to be carried out and ensure that the system calibrates correctly. To do this, calibration cards must be purchased, which expire annually. If it is out of date, the verification may not be done correctly and may lose accuracy. Calibration should be done periodically.

5. Training: we take care of training the staff who will have to master the data traceability systems so that they have no queries when using them.

Do you want to implement a data traceability system?

Contact us and we will find the best solution for your company and sector. We have extensive experience in automation and machine vision systems. It will be a pleasure to help you!