A traceability system for manufacturing is an essential quality control tool. It ensures products comply with regulations and meet customer expectations while minimizing waste and costly errors due to recalls. Sage X3 manufacturing solutions is an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system with built-in traceability capabilities. It streamlines business processes while developing forward and backward traceability across the organization, among other features.
We discuss traceability in manufacturing and share the benefits of implementing a traceability system, including enhanced quality management and improved regulatory compliance. We also highlight the importance of end-to-end traceability in industrial manufacturing.
What is Traceability in Manufacturing?
Traceability in manufacturing is the ability to track parts and products throughout the procurement, manufacturing, and all the way to the sales process. Information is collected at each step, from the time raw materials enter the facility to shipping the final product. International Organization for Standardization ISO 9001:2015 is the globally recognized standard for Quality Management Systems (QMS). It has three requirements around identification and traceability:
Identify situations where safety concerns, product complexity, regulatory requirements, and other factors require traceability.
Create a suitable traceability system to identify products at various production, delivery, and post-delivery stages and assign unique identifiers.
Develop and maintain record-keeping procedures of product or batch identifiers, material specifications, supplier information, and other data.
Panni has experience in discrete and process manufacturing industries. Our Sage X3 manufacturing ERP solution also streamlines quality management processes.
End-to-End Traceability in Industrial Manufacturing
An end-to-end traceability system for manufacturing is key to supply chain management. It retains information on each part or product throughout its lifecycle, including assembly details, time spent at each station, and inspection results. Each product or part receives a unique identifier in the form of a serial number, batch code, or label. The number is used to track its movement for accountability and visibility throughout the supply chain. Technology such as RFID tags and barcoding allows manufacturing ERPs to track, capture, and store the relevant data for regulatory or quality control purposes.
Personnel training is essential to successful traceability in industrial manufacturing. Training programs teach staff the importance of identifying a product, the traceability requirements, and related procedures.
Why is Traceability Important in Industrial Manufacturing?
Traceability is highly relevant to products that might be subject to recalls. Industry-specific enterprise resource planning solutions give manufacturers access to real-time information to identify and isolate defects quickly. Data analytics is used to determine the root cause of problems and prevent them from recurring, leading to enhanced efficiency and cost savings. Customer satisfaction improves when there is transparency about product origin and safety.
Use Sage X3 manufacturing ERP software from Panni to minimize the risk and scope of a recall by ensuring consistent product quality. Your company can navigate global laws and restrictions with this solution, simplifying compliance across currencies, regions, and regulations.
Benefits of a Traceability System for Manufacturing
Digital technology developments and enhanced ERP manufacturing software, such as Sage X3, mitigate the traceability limitations of earlier systems, benefiting the company and its market. Manufacturing traceability systems are regulatory requirements in many countries. For example, the Government of Canada requires vehicle and vehicle equipment manufacturers to publish safety recall information on their websites. Previously, manufacturers were only required to advise affected owners directly. An established traceability system makes it easier to comply with these types of regulations.
What benefit does it offer outside of the regulatory environment? Production line traceability identifies key points where additional quality management is required. Continued improvement occurs, and the manufacturing process is maintained to the highest standards. Effective traceability processes minimize reputational risks created by consumers unhappy with products. It also reduces financial risks caused by errors, waste, and potential legal action.
Panni is focused on understanding and delivering on your business needs instead of simply implementing a technical solution. We serve clients in multiple industries, including distribution, food and beverage, and manufacturing. When you need a traceability system for manufacturing, reach out to a Sage X3 expert at Panni today.
