Tracking and Tracing

Tracking and tracing is the process of monitoring and recording the shipment movements from origin to destination by tracking the status of shipments at every point in transit. It enables businesses to continually update their customers about the location and condition of their shipments, as well as providing visibility into product flows across the supply chain. This is particularly important for industries with highly perishable goods or products that need to be kept cold or frozen, such as food services and pharmaceuticals.

In addition to helping businesses keep track of their inventory, tracking and tracing also play an important role in reducing losses due to theft or damage during transit. This can help companies improve efficiency and reduce costs by minimizing instances of lost or damaged goods. Overall, effective tracking and tracing is essential for any organization involved in the movement of goods and can help improve customer satisfaction by ensuring that shipments arrive on time and in good condition.

There are several methods for tracking and tracing shipments, including:

  • Online portals provide real-time information about shipment status at every point in the supply chain through a centralized interface. This can be used not only to track individual items but also to aggregate data on overall product flows across multiple locations.
  • RFID tags are another common method for tracking products or assets, particularly those with high value or limited shelf life. These small electronic devices use radio signals to communicate location and other pertinent information with readers placed at strategic points along a shipping route.
  • Barcodes are another popular tracking method and can be used in conjunction with radio frequency identification (RFID) tags to provide even more comprehensive data on product location and movement.
  • GPS technology is also increasingly being used for tracking shipments, particularly those that are traveling long distances by truck or rail. This allows businesses to continuously monitor the location of their shipments in transit and receive alerts if there are any delays or deviations from the expected route.

Overall, tracking and tracing is a vital part of logistics and supply chain management. It helps businesses to ensure that their products are properly accounted for at every stage of the shipping process and can help reduce losses due to damage or theft. In addition, tracking and tracing can also improve customer satisfaction.

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Tracking and Tracing
(PDF) Global Logistics Tracking and Tracing in Fleet Management

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