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As our Smart Factory Showcase continues building momentum in the Industry 4.0, manufacturing and technology space, it’s time to share some insights into what we’ll be covering.

Each showcase covers several key areas of operation at Nautech Electronics. These include sales and planning, systems, connectivity, research and development, production, testing, facilities, smart business models and implementation strategies.

Industry 4.0 and the showcase are all about highlighting how a range of digital technologies enhance manufacturing performance, output, monitoring and control, keeping businesses globally competitive.

Today, we’ll look at all things Traceability and help you decide whether implementing a traceability system might work to keep your business globally competitive.

What is Traceability?

In manufacturing, Traceability, or “Trace” and “Ability”, is the process of gathering and managing data related to your manufacturing processes. It allows you to effectively track all parts and products involved in manufacturing operations including history, location, status. It provides visibility and transparency from the moment raw materials enter your factory through to tracking your final products as they are exported, sold or shipped.

Traceability systems use technologies such as QR codes, barcodes, sensors, IoT (internet of things), RFID (radio frequency identification) to trace the products or parts and relay the information back to a centralised system.

There are two perspectives when it comes to product traceability, these include:

Chain traceability

This is forward and backward product traceability – This means that manufacturers can easily track products from raw material to the distributor, which ensures the distributors or consumers can understand where the product came from.

In some sectors such as food and beverage, it is a requirement to trace at least one step forward and one step backwards in the supply chain.

Internal traceability

This is about monitoring the movement of parts and products within a limited area in a whole supply chain, such as a single company or plant. For example, an engine assembly plant sources specific engine parts from suppliers and assembles them, and the information they receive about these components is classed as an internal traceability system.

For example, at Nautech Electronics, they capture not only supplier details for every component part used on each product, but also the time it passed through each machine, which staff member assembled it and the duration.

The information they receive is used internally for quality control and productivity purposes.

How will Traceability benefit my business?

In many ways, traceability is something we already do, perhaps just in a less structured way. Implementing traceability systems for your business will ensure that information on all parts and products involved in your operations are effectively recorded and monitored, saving time and money through removal of waste, analyse and address issues such as quality in real time, and improving productivity.

Here are some key benefits:

• End-to-end product traceability – allows you to track and record all inventory movements through your processes to improve monitoring of inspection results, assembly details and time management for each facet of the operation, eliminating waste.
• Product quality improvements – with improved, real-time tracking focus, you will be able to respond to quality issues as they arise. Therefore reducing, or in some cases, eliminating defective products from your operation.
• Cost savings and increased profits – with clarity around your operational processes, potential gaps, and products, you will reduce financial loss by having the ability to gain clarity on underperforming items or areas.
• Quick identification of gaps – data can be collected allowing you to quickly identify where any gaps are to improve your production control.

Get Tracing – Register now!

The Smart Factory Showcase is an interactive multimedia presentation like no other. Your facilitator will take you behind the scenes at Nautech Electronics and provide a unique opportunity for you to see how they have integrated Industry 4.0 in all areas of their operations. From co-bots and sensors, through to smart dashboards and traceability systems, you’ll see it all!

This is your chance to see how Industry 4.0 will benefit your business. It’s a simple first step and is completely free to attend. You’ll walk away with the confidence and knowledge needed to take your next leap forward in adopting Industry 4.0 technologies in your business.

Upcoming Smart Factory Showcase dates are:

Wednesday 21 September
Thursday 29 September

Sessions run from 1pm – 4pm.

Don’t wait – register here www.industry4.govt.nz/UpcomingEvents and begin your journey.

Nautech Electronics have worked tirelessly for over 30 years to deliver their clients the high-quality electronic solutions they need. They use the latest technology and Kiwi ingenuity to establish themselves as a world-leader in electronics manufacturing and product engineering. For more information, please visit – www.nautech.com