Traceability

Introduction

Traceability, the ability to identify and trace product, process, operator, context, and detailed quality and component supplier and lot information for every item that moves through manufacturing, is essential to manufacturing success. A robust traceability framework that envelops total process, product, and material traceability is a critical component for manufacturers who face stringent regulations while seeking to reduce the overall cost of compliance.

In FactoryLogix, traceability refers to the process of maintaining records of all materials and parts from purchasing to finished goods where a Unique Identifier (UID) identifies a part, batch, or finished product. Traceability can provide operator data, showing who was present when a product passed through a specific workstation, process variables from equipment, a chemical or tool used, or even support full forensic-style investigation of all electronic approvals and multi-level confirmations of actions taken on the product. The entire production flow from start to finish, including materials used, tools, operator and machines involved, and every environment variable is available to provide keys against which a group of serialized units can be recalled. Traceability now extends back into the process planning and even to R&D and design via CAD data.

Process and manufacturing improvements

Consider the scope and depth of available traceability data that, when properly utilized, can drive both efficiency and overall operational excellence. Traceability data can flow back to R&D to improve future designs and it can drive real-time improvements by giving process engineers, operators, and managers a view into the reality of the manufacturing process.