Glossar

Traceability refers to the ability to track the path, condition, and history of goods, products, or process data along a supply chain or value chain. It provides transparency regarding origin, movements, and the process steps that have been carried out.

In logistics, traceability is made possible by digital identification, data collection, and networked IT systems. Technologies such as barcodes, RFID, sensors, and track-and-trace solutions document the movements of shipments, pallets, or individual products. The stored information supports quality checks, error analyses, compliance documentation, and rapid response to deviations. Seamless traceability is particularly important in sensitive sectors such as air freight, the pharmaceutical industry, and the food industry.

Practical example:
For an air freight shipment, all relevant data—from data entry through handling and transport to delivery—is documented, ensuring that every step in the process remains traceable.

See also: Data collection, Identification, RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification), Shipment tracking, Supply chain visibility, Traceability, Track & Trace, Transparency