The Evolution of Manufacturing and the Importance of Lot Traceability
Modern manufacturing traces back to the 18th Century when operators first deployed specialized hand tools and their physical labor along the earliest assembly lines. During these beginning stages, the aims of manufacturing were no different than they are now. And the associated processes required continuous power, exerted over an extended time to execute production.
Of course, manufacturing methodologies evolved over time, bringing about several more advanced approaches to industrializing. It wasn’t until the industrial revolution that mechanization became prevalent in western factories. The process of producing finished goods was generally the same, but engine-driven technologies instigated a multitude of revolutionary changes that accelerated production rates.
When manufacturers first introduced supplementary power like steam and electricity to their operations, they were essentially automating their warehouses and setting the stage for modern automated manufacturing practices. While today’s industrial automation solutions are radically different, the principles that drive them are fundamentally the same.
Lot tracing in manufacturing
Technology is the prominent instigator of change in the modern manufacturing sector. Warehouses must pivot quickly to meet spikes in customer demand and the requirements of an increasingly stringent regulatory environment. Changes to consumer patterns and industry regulators have prompted companies to adopt emergent technology in an effort to keep themselves competitive.
Marketplace competition has led to more adoption of automated technology by warehouses in recent years, and manufacturing companies are leveraging machine-learning and software intelligence now more than ever. The upshot of the increased technology use is that warehouses continue to gain productivity while automated solutions enhance the accuracy and consistency of manufactured goods.
Nevertheless, manufacturing is still evolving, and industry leaders are always seeking new ways to boost efficiency and lower operational costs. Human error continues to represent a significant pain point for many production facilities. Studies show that operator error, whether attributable to negligent performance or lack of suitable training, impacts your bottom line significantly. Inaccurate production ensures faulty and inconsistent outcomes and should be avoided at all costs.
The good news is that, while you’ll never eliminate the human error factor entirely, you can reduce it significantly with ERP software from EZSoft. For those unfamiliar with lot traceability, it is among the most valuable components in the supply chain process. Lot tracing is the best approach to ensuring optimal production and an unimpeded supply chain. In the simplest terms, lot tracing tracks every phase of your production process, from development and engineering to shipments and deliveries.
What does lot tracing entail?
In manufacturing, a lot is defined as a batch of goods in a given product category assembled to streamline the production and storage of the specific item. Lot tracing simplifies tracking and helps maintain uniformity and consistency throughout your supply chain. Each lot contains an assigned number, and every product within the lot displays a unique code to identify the inventory in individual parts.
This approach to inventory management is especially useful for pinpointing any nonconforming or defective items in your supply chain. When manufacturers deploy lot tracing, the general idea is to simplify tracking. Lot traceability means important details like production and expiration dates remain conveniently grouped in a single batch lot.
Lot traceability foremost emphasizes labeling and inspection. The methodology lets you label and analyze everything from raw materials to finished goods. For instance, when you identify all your products with barcode or RFID labeling, you can scan and store detailed information on all your goods and materials.
Lot tracing gives you critical live-time data about warehouse location, shipping and receiving data, supplier information, and other details about your products, all immediately accessible. Ideally, lot traceability lets you track every aspect of your supply chain, from product inception to the distribution of the finished goods.
How important is lot tracing to manufacturing?
Lot tracing in the food and pharmaceutical industries is paramount. In these highly regulated sectors of the economy, there is virtually no room for error, and manufacturer accountability is crucial. Lot tracing plays a prominent role in strictly regulated businesses because it reduces the negative impact of an expired or faulty product. Production plants that fail to manage defective products in the supply chain expose themselves unnecessarily to brand reputation damage and hamper prospects of future growth.
Any company that distributes perishable goods for consumption can benefit from lot tracing. The raw materials of your finished goods always have expiration dates, and both the materials and the end product have limited shelf lives. Product and materials waste remain the top concerns among food manufacturers. That’s where lot tracing comes into play. It allows you to create lot numbers embedded with product expiration dates, traceable in real-time, as you expedite your goods to the retailer.
Implementing lot tracing
The idea of introducing lot tracing to your warehouse isn’t one to take lightly, but it doesn’t have to be an overly complicated process either. An effective lot tracing software solution provides continuous, real-time tracking across your entire supply chain. Lot traceability ensures that your production processes remain compliant and adhere to industry safety standards so you avoid expensive regulatory and legal complications.
Need help implementing your lot traceability software? Are you asking yourself, how do I find industrial automation companies near me? For more on how lot tracing solutions from EZSoft help manufacturing process companies reduce product search times and expedite recalls, fill out our online request for contact form or dial (484) 568-5040 now.
