Integrating Product Traceability at the Warehouse

With an integrated WES, a cloud-based SCM system that is keeping track of inventory on the store level can trigger replenishment events at the warehouse. Moreover, by tying manufacturing data to a retailer’s POS system, a recall might just entail an automated phone call to everyone who purchased an item, requesting it be returned to the store—instead of broadcasting it on the national news.

Online and Door-to-Door

As e-commerce continues to grow and selling centers change from brick-and-mortar stores to having a product delivered to the consumer’s door, tracking and tracing products through to the consumer is even more important.

While there are always some products that are sold at super high volumes, such as coffee, most of the items at these retail distribution centers will not be high volume. In addition, the retail distributer is buying from hundreds of manufacturers. An integrated WES can help manage the inventory as well as confirm orders are picked, and upload the data into an ERP system. The ERP then might directly communicate with customers and print out the shipping label. While the delivery destination is not a brick and mortar store, these integrated systems allow manufacturers to continue to trace products all the way through to the consumer.

The Future of Traceability

In the future, we will continue to see an increase in the number of product offerings in terms of flavors and package sizing as well as greater demand for organic, gluten-free, vegan, and locally-grown products. With more products on the market, it is imperative that manufacturers take food and beverage traceability matters into their own hands by investing in automation technology to help manage their inventories and keep consumers safe.

WESs and AS/RSs will continue to advance in sophisticated track-and-trace capabilities, as well as supply chain connectivity. By implementing a tightly integrated WES into the supply chain process, manufacturers will be able to implement traceability and control requirements throughout their supply chains to respond quickly to issues both upstream and downstream—saving time, money, and, in some cases, their reputation.

Williams is the vice president of software development for Westfalia Technologies Inc., a provider of logistics solutions for plants, warehouses, and distribution centers. Reach him at [email protected].