INTRODUCTION-OPERATIONAL VIEW

This section is aimed at those who are involved with operational matter and traceability. From an operational point of view traceability involved registering information about what you are doing.This information can be used not only for traceability but also for

• Operations optimization
• Enabling access to markets
• Compliance management
• Eradication of retyping already existing information
• Reduction of redundant quality checks for trusted providers
• Efficiency increase through real measuring of process steps, for example how long does a reception take?

The depth and breadth of a traceability system can be adapted to the needs of the actor in question.Some points to consider here are,

• The level of detail in a system (granularity) and how much information should be 'exposed' internally and externally.
• Intended uses of the traceability system

OPINIONS/FACTS

What traceability information do I need to capture?

More guidance for operational actors can be found in the Good Traceability Practice (GTP) which were created as part of the EU project TRACE. These go into detail regarding what where when and you should capture information.

To take a simple example if you are mixing fish caught on several boats you may want to register which catches you have mixed together and allow this information to be registered so that it is avalible to the fish processors and sellers. Registrations usually involve some form of unique identification (either internally unique or globally unique)

Further in depth recommendations for Good Traceability Practice in the food industry can be found in the Good Traceability Documents.

This section will present the recommendations for good traceability practice in the industry. The practices are a result from input and knowledge gained from many research projects, industrial projects, and other national and international projects and practices.

Generic GTP

• Guide to implementing internal traceability
• Guide to implementing chain traceability
• Guide to adapting electronic exchange of traceability information

Sector Specific GTP's

• Implementing traceability in the seafood sector.
• Implementing traceability in the mineral water sector.
• Implementing traceability in the honey sector.
• Implementing traceability in the chicken sector.

Relevant references for GTP

• Food Marketing Research and Information Center (FMRIC). Handbook for Introduction of Food Traceability Systems. Japan 2008. Download

See also the next section where there are links and information about further reading.

Can I expect to receive standardized traceability information from suppliers?

There are currently no standard practices with regards to traceability information. But suppliers may choose to follow some or all of the standards mentions in the next section.

Traceability requirements are becoming increasingly incorporated into inte certification schemes such as the Marine Stewardships councils labeling scheme, GS1 (download brochure) and many more.

What can a good traceability systems do?

Good traceability systems should be able to aid food supply chains in a similar way to 'Just In Time' which in the car industry (most notably Toyota) has led to the benefits listed under;

• Traceability can be used to improve stock control.
• Traceability can be used to monitor the effect the quality the suppliers goods have on your finished goods.
• Traceability can be used to optimize both internal and external logistics with respect to timeliness, transport distance, storage time, etc.

When do I need to capture traceability information?

Traceability information should be captured every time a resource is mixed, split or changed in some way.