Tracking and tracing products is an essential process that helps to ensure the safety and quality of products as they move through the supply chain. It involves the use of technology and data to monitor products from their origin to their destination, enabling companies to identify and address any issues that arise along the way. This process has become increasingly important in recent years, as consumers have become more concerned about the safety and quality of the products they buy. We will discuss the importance of tracking and tracing products.
One of the most important reasons why tracking and tracing products is essential is that it helps to prevent foodborne illnesses. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are an estimated 600 million cases of foodborne illnesses every year, resulting in 420,000 deaths. These illnesses can be caused by a variety of factors, including contamination during production, improper handling, as well as inadequate storage. Being able to track and trace food products during this process can help to identify where the source of the contamination took place. Allowing for the proper steps to be taken to avoid these illnesses to spread to the consumer. (WHO, 2007)
Industries that are subject to strict regulations and standards, such as the pharmaceutical industry, where products must be tracked and traced to ensure their safety and efficacy. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines, legal action, and damage to a company's reputation. Per the FDA, this is a requirement for being an authorized trading partner in the United States. By having tracking and tracing procedures, companies can ensure that they are meeting these requirements and avoid potential problems down the line (US FDA, 2021).
Outside of compiling with regulations, and preventing foodborne illnesses, being able to track and trace products can help improve efficiency and reduce waste. Being able to trace materials can allow companies to see where materials come from, see what kind of environmental impact those materials have, as well as the likelihood of those materials being recycled or reused (Evreka, 2023). Being able to know the impact of the materials that are used can lead to a reduction in overall cost for products, by tracking those materials individuals can see what kind how well the product aligns with their companies values.
Tracking and tracing products can help to add a layer of transparency between consumers and the companies. In today's global marketplace, consumers are increasingly concerned about the safety and quality of the products they buy. By incorporating a reliable track and trace system, companies can demonstrate their commitment to transparency and accountability for the products that they have. Being transparent is an important part of communication and building trust with consumers, being able to confidently show proof about the product given adds to the trust the company has with the consumer.
Overall, tracking and tracing products is an essential process that helps to ensure the safety and quality of products as they move through the supply chain. Being able to pinpoint where an error occurs or to pinpoint where contamination happens thus resulting in the prevention of foodborne illnesses, ensure compliance with regulations and standards, improve efficiency and reduce waste, and build trust between companies and consumers. With the increasing importance of sustainability, regulations, and consumer expectations, companies can benefit from investing in reliable tracking and tracing systems.
The Chem ID chemical data management software is taking the steps to make it easier for companies to track and trace their materials and products. You can get in contact and request a demo by emailing info@chemid.com or by calling (737) 231-0772.
References:
WHO. WHO ESTIMATES of the GLOBAL BURDEN of FOODBORNE DISEASES FOODBORNE DISEASE BURDEN EPIDEMIOLOGY REFERENCE GROUP. 2007.
Research, Center for Drug Evaluation and. “Identifying Trading Partners under the Drug Supply Chain Security Act.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 5 July 2022, www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents/identifying-trading-partners-under-drug-supply-chain-security-act?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery. Accessed 28 Feb. 2023.
“Traceability: The Key to Successful Waste Management & Circularity ' Evreka.” Evreka ' Traceability: The Key to Successful Waste Management & Circularity, 23 Jan. 2023, https://evreka.co/blog/traceability-the-key-to-successful-waste-management-circularity/#:~:text=Having%20traceable%20materials%20can%20also,footprint%2C%20and%20improve%20their%20reputation.