There are three types of traceability:
- Internal traceability systems – This is where the traceability starts and ends in your facility. The beginning is usually where the first raw ingredients are mixed or introduced at goods-in, and the end is the finished product when no more processing or packaging is required.
- Forward traceability systems – Forward traceability systems allow you to track any products that leave your facility. The traceability begins when products depart, and ends with the final customer.
- Backward traceability systems – A backward traceability system enables you to track ingredients and materials before they reach your facility. It allows you to know the original source of certain ingredients and therefore gives you visibility on the quality of what you’re sourcing.
There are also some traceability systems that achieve ‘farm to fork’ traceability , where they track the entire supply chain. These systems allow you to trace ingredients and raw materials from their origin through to delivery, processing, packaging, shipping and then eventually to consumption.