Traceability

The GS1 Traceability solution provides powerful kit tool for implementing traceability in the supply chain based on the GS1 System of standarts.
Food safety and traceability are currently at the forefront of both government and industry discussions around the world. Numerous initiatives designed to introduce various forms of tracking and tracing functionalities in the food supply chain are underway.
Because of its ability to provide globally unique identification of trade items, logistic units, parties and locations, the GS1 System is particularly well suited to be used for these purposes.
From an information management point of view, implementing a traceability system within a supply chain requires all parties involved to systematically associate the physical flow of materials, intermediate and finished products with the flow of information about them. This requires a holistic view of the supply chain, which is best attained by deploying a common business language – the GS1 System. Its global reach and universal acceptance by consumers, businesses and governments makes it uniquely positioned to provide the appropriate response to traceability system requirements.
To further develop GS1's capability to assist GS1 System users, we have defined key traceability principles and produced the implementation grid shown below, which links them to enabling technologies and relevant GS1 System tools.

The global GS1 Traceability Standard has been developed to meet important business needs, including regulatory compliance. It addresses the entire supply chain and can be applied to any product. The GS1 Traceability Standard is based on current business practices used in over 150 countries by a large majority of supply chain partners; this will allow companies to leverage existing investments and more easily implement the Standard as part of broader product quality system. The GS1 Traceability Standard is one of many systems that taken together will help companies continue and add to their ability to meet consumer expectations for safe, high quality products.