About traceability
Traceability is the ability to visualize the history, events and locations of different objects in a supply chain. You can achieve full transparency by using different GS1 standards combined.
GS1 Global Traceability Standard is a framework for solutions and plays an important role in the work for a sustainable ecosystem. By following the framework, the parties in the supply chain can gain access to data from different sources. This way you can get complete information about what is delivered, when, where, why and to whom.
Why traceability?
Right now, many industries need traceability due to new EU regulations as well as increased legal and market requirements. Current examples are digital product passports, food safety, reduced food waste, proof of authenticity and sustainability. The demands are also increasing from consumers and patients who want more reliable information about products and deliveries.
Read more about GS1 standards in different industries
The benefits of traceability
Efficient supply chain
Improve your forecasts, inventory management and logistics processes by gaining control over the supply chain.
Consumer and patient safety
Earn increased trust among patients and consumers through transparent information about products and medicines.
Regulatory compliance
Get a better opportunity to comply with regulations, new information requirements and ensure sustainable value chains.
More benefits
Make targeted recalls of dangerous products
Find out the origin of raw materials
Follow the goods during transport
Optimize shelf availability
Help consumers verify the authenticity of products
Identify counterfeit products
Create internal traceability
Improve consumer and patient safety
See retailers and manufacturers talk about the importance of traceability with GS1 standards.
Veronique Discours-Buhot, Director of GFSI, Consumer Goods Forum.
Learn more about the ongoing modernization of GLN.How is GS1 traceability used?
The GS1 Global Traceability Standard is a global framework for business processes and ensures that traceability systems are interoperable and scalable. All parties who exchange data in the supply chain can communicate transparently by following the framework.
You can initiate an implementation as soon as GS1 standards for identifying, capturing and sharing are in place. This means that each product, location and package is coded with a unique identity that can be scanned with barcodes, 2D codes and RFID from GS1. And the information is shared seamlessly in the supply chain.
Case studies
The GS1 Traceability Reference Book contains real case studies that illustrate how GS1 standards enable traceability in different industries.
Use GS1 standards to improve traceability, reduce waste and increase consumer trust.
A unique combination of Internet of Things and traceability data for better transparency in the supply chain for farmed food.
QUHOMAtrace
Germany and Greece
A traceability system that uses GS1 standards to uniquely identify the eggs by batch and pallet.
Innovative solutions for traceability and consumer safety within Foodservice.
IPC / Subway delivers the promise of end-to-end traceability.
Standards and implementation guidelines
Here you will find shortcuts to standards, specifications and guidelines for implementation.
How-to guides
Here you will find guides and materials on how to get started with traceability in your industry.
What’s on in traceability2D for increased traceability
Right now, retail is undergoing a global introduction to QR codes and GS1 DataMatrix. This means increased traceability for companies and consumers.
Read more