Why is traceability important in the supply chain?

Increasingly, the movement of products up and down the supply chain have evolved into a sophisticated network, increasing the need for visibility. Products physically moving along the supply chain and the data which follows also needs to be at real time.

Traceability supports good logistics practices as well as quality & risk management. During a recall, the ability to determine the origin of a problem and to locate the products to be removed from the supply chain is essential. Track and trace systems have been used to validate claims and the absence and presence of attributes important to consumers (e.g. fair trade and ethical characteristics, organic food, allergens, country of origin). 

Traceability has become a regulatory requirement in several sectors and countries. Furthermore, it is a tool in fighting product counterfeiting and protecting brands.