What is product traceability in logistics and why is it key for your eCommerce?
The rise of e-commerce has multiplied the number of shipments, returns and touch points in the logistics chain. In this context, ensuring control of every movement is essential to maintain operational efficiency, customer confidence and business profitability.
The product traceability allows you to track its journey from origin to final delivery, providing control, transparency and efficiency in each phase.
What is product traceability?
The product traceability is the ability to tracking and documenting every stage of their journeyfrom manufacture or storage to delivery to the end customer. It is a key process to guarantee the quality, control and transparency of logistics operations.
It is often confused with simply tracking a shipment, but traceability goes beyond that. record and relate all information of the product, the movements made and the actors involved in its transit.
Internal traceability
It applies within the warehouse or logistics plantrecording the entry, location, handling and exit of each batch or unit.
External traceability
Controls the product flow during transport and distributionThe new system allows you to know at all times where a consignment is and under what conditions it is moving.
Full logistics traceability
It integrates internal and external traceability, creating a continuous information chain from the supplier to the end customer. This is the model that implements Celeritasensuring total control and visibility throughout the process.
How to trace a product? Step by step
Traceability is based on the systematic collection of data at each stage of the logistics chain. Here is an overview of the process:
Identification and registration of batches or units
Each product or package is label with a unique code or batch numberwhich will serve as a reference to track all their subsequent movements.
Movement control and storage
The product is registered in the internal systems when it is stores, relocates or prepares for shipment. These records allow us to know their status and exact location within the logistics centre.
Monitoring in transport and distribution
During transport, the monitoring systems record dates, routes, carriers and partial or final deliveriesensuring real-time traceability.
Communication and digital systems
The systems ERP, WMS or integration APIs allow all information to flow between warehouse, carriers and eCommerce. At CeleritasThis digitisation translates into automated processes, full visibility and intelligent alerts.
How does Celeritas guarantee traceability?
Traceability is a building block in the logistics and transport process of Celeritas and is integrated and connected at all times with the different stakeholders in the operational process (eCommerce / carriers).
From that a return is deposited at a collection point until it arrives back at eCommerce, each phase is recorded and synchronised in the same operational flow.
What tools or systems do we use to make real-time data available?
Celeritas has at its disposal different integration possibilities: API (Wservice), FTP o own web tool Citius Plus.
In transport, our partners have at their disposal PDAs that mark online traceability at all times and allow us to provide such information in real time.
What recent improvements have we incorporated for greater accuracy/value?
- Geolocation on the driver's PDA to improve the last mile efficiency y reduce incidents.
- PIN CODE for delivery and collection in the last mile (Home Delivery / collection points).
- Monitoring through Big Data for centralise data, visualise and analyse in an agile manner, automate reports/alerts y detect patterns of deficits for instant improvement actions.
What impact does good traceability have on efficiency and satisfaction?
Good traceability improving operational efficiency at optimise the management and resolution of incidents, increases satisfaction and the end consumer, reduces consultations and customer service and builds trust and loyalty.
Allows detect and correct errors before they escalate with reduction of operational costs.
Facilitates rapid identification of incidents from their origin to agile decisions, y provides data for optimising transport decisions y allocate resources more efficiently. In short, improve the shopping experience y reinforces loyalty in future purchases.
Importance of traceability in eCommerce logistics
Traceability is much more than just a technical control: it is a strategic tool that optimises management and enhances customer relations.
Its benefits include:
- Reducing errors and losses in inventory and transport.
- Greater transparency and trust on every delivery and return.
- Regulatory compliance and quality control.
- Optimising the delivery and returns experiencewith accurate and up-to-date information.
At Celeritas, traceability is not just control: it is efficiency and trust.
Find out about our integrated logistics solutions in Spain and Portugal:
How to improve traceability with advanced logistics technology?
Today's traceability cannot be understood without technology. Digital systems make it possible to connect every point in the chain and provide real-time visibility.
H3: Digital systems (ERP, WMS, TMS)
Each system fulfils a specific function:
- ERP integrates financial and management data.
- WMS controls the inventory and flow in the warehouse.
- TMS optimises routes and tracking in transport.
Real-time data integration
Cross-platform communication ensures that all areas of the logistical process work in a coordinated mannerThe Commission has also developed a new, more accurate and more efficient system, avoiding duplication of effort and improving accuracy.
H3: Predictive traceability with AI and IoT
The new generation of traceability is based on the artificial intelligence and IoT sensors to anticipate incidents, detect bottlenecks and provide proactive alerts.
At Celeritaswe apply intelligent traceability technology that allows eCommerce to anticipate, react and optimise each shipment.
Conclusion: Traceability as a basis for logistics efficiency
Traceability is the backbone of modern logistics: it enables better management, earlier decision-making and accurate delivery.
In the eCommerce environment, where every delivery counts, controlling the flow of information is as important as moving the product..
At Celeritaswe offer integrated traceability solutions that combine speed, coverage and total control in Spain and Portugal, helping eCommerce to grow securely and efficiently.
Find out how to improve your logistics with the Celeritas Dot Net and our solutions of reverse logistics.
Frequently asked questions on logistics traceability
What is product traceability?
Traceability is the ability to trace a product through the entire logistics chainfrom its origin to the final consumer.
How is traceability in logistics done?
Through the digital identification, registration and tracking of each unit through integrated ERP, WMS or TMS systems.
Why is traceability important for eCommerce?
Because it guarantees the control of the operation, transparency with the customer and cost and time efficiency..
What systems does Celeritas use to ensure traceability?
Celeritas employs integrated digital platformsThe company's products and services include real-time traceability and predictive analytics tools based on AI and IoT.