KMA Global Solutions International (KMAG)

[BrentUSA]

Supply Chain Traceability is Going Digital
12/30/2014 9:00AM EST

RFID, bar code, satellite, Zigbee, cell phones, tablets, packaging, data loggers, the cloud and other traceability alternatives are now available to provide traceability at the item, case, pallet and container levels.  Many of these new systems bring with them the ability to collect location (GPS) and condition (temperature, humidity) data and transmit data via the Internet to “the cloud”.   The power of these traceability technologies to provide predictive and preventive analytics is critical to food safety.

New FSMA planning requirements in the food sector require recall planning and recall testing in all sectors of the food supply chain.  Recall requires traceability data that tells what food is in the stream, where it is located and recall systems must be able to provide such information in real time.  Reducing recall time means reducing illness, the loss of life and damage to the industry’s reputation. 

The FDA’s Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) is poised to enact new laws impacting most food industry operations.  Industry leaders are adopting digital traceability strategies at a rapid pace despite the fact that FDA has been reluctant to provide guidance in this area while it is one of the most critical aspects of food control.