A supplier reports a problem with one batch.
The batch was received, processed into a mass, and that mass is in several finished products. Every link in that chain is kept somewhere else.
You piece the chain together by hand.
The longer the search takes, the greater the uncertainty. And the wider you block or recall, just to be safe.
You enter the batch number and see origin and destination.
The traceability report shows on the left where the batch came from and on the right where it went, with the number of batches and orders involved.
Every production run remembers which batches went into it.
The production run shows the new batch and its best-before date, and for each raw material the batch that was used. Nobody has to make that link afterwards.
An answer, with a report to back it up.
The report states what was investigated, by whom and when, and where the chain may stop. Ready for your traceability exercise.
You know which batches and orders are involved, and you can show it.
Do you recognise this from a recall request or a traceability exercise?
"Our supplier calls about one batch of couverture. Then we start laying goods-in notes, production sheets and deliveries side by side."
Traceability from one batch, origin and destination, with a report of the exercise (demo environment).
Software for food manufacturers: batch, best-before date and checks in the system that runs your production.