Tracking and tracing represent a classic function in logistics management
Tracking and tracing are two logistics terms that are inextricably intertwined. They represent an important tool for all logistics service providers to manage their services along the supply chain. The underlying system provides solutions for many processes. Tracking and tracing is a standard service in courier, express and parcel (CEP) services. No B2C shipment, and almost no B2B shipment, leaves the dock without allowing customers to track a package, parcel or intermodal transport unit, receive accompanying information electronically and trace the route taken. Tracking and tracing lets you monitor and check a shipment's status before and after delivery. All in real time. In essence, tracking and tracking tells shippers and consignees where their goods are at any given time. It mainly informs consignees primarily about the estimated time of arrival (ETA). Tracking and tracing also records what happens to raw materials, semi-finished products and finished products as they move down the production chain. It allows you to reconstruct the entire shipping process and manufacturing process if needed.
How does tracking and tracing work?
In tracking and tracing, machine-readable labels are placed on mail items, parcels, shipments, freight and unit loads. These labels may be barcodes, data matrix codes or RFID chips. Automatic sorting stations recognise where the shipment should be routed based on the labels. The system stores the resulting data in a central database. All the companies in the supply chain can thus track where the package is, and when it got there. Tracking and tracing uses the order data, which contains the desired transport dates, including the timeframe for conveying the shipment to its destination. The information is only available electronically. This enables easy transfer, storage, processing and retrieval.