7 steps to implementing traceability software in the automotive industry

The implementation of traceability software in the automotive industry requires a coherent action plan with a logical approach, as traceability is a matter of information describing the product life cycle and can be either upstream or downstream.

Therefore, traceability requires a thorough understanding of the logical sequence of operations. The more complex the circuit, the more variations or degrees of variation it will have, the more unstable and changeable it will be, and the more difficult it will be to establish a system that manages the complete history of the product in any industry.

The following is a seven-step action plan for implementing traceability software in the automotive industry:

Step 1. Define the project to understand what is expected of the traceability system.

• In order to track effectively, products must first be clearly defined (type, composition, properties, commercial specifications, regulatory specifications, etc.). It is much easier to track a defined product than a product that cannot be found or is poorly defined. 
• Correctly and promptly assess risks (known and unknown) in order to guarantee the health safety of the product, as this is the objective of traceability.
• Limit traceability (where it begins, what it covers, and where it ends). In other words, questions about what really needs to be done in practical terms.

Generally speaking, it is better to have too much information, but reliable information, rather than unusable data. Remember that it is always too late to find missing information after the fact. It is advisable to create a list of required information, as it is impossible to track using a system configured solely for monitoring.

Step 2. Establish a project steering committee to coordinate the implementation of traceability software in the automotive industry.

The committee should be headed by a “Project Leader” who is familiar with the subject matter and the company, with the sole purpose of ensuring that all actions are planned and coordinated through him or her. It should reflect the company as a whole and not a particular sector (e.g., field, production station, and packaging). 

The idea is to involve all potential staff, not just those who operate a system. The aim of implementing traceability software in the automotive industry is to achieve, in part, business, regulatory, technical, IT, cultural and human management, as these are key aspects of a production traceability system. 

Step 3. Traceability software in the automotive industry must be defined by certain elements.

Among these elements, the following are mentioned: 

• Product life cycle (process details).
• Information flows and documentary basis of the traceability system.
• Necessary human, technical, IT and financial resources.

Step 4. Pilot production project

This step defines, expresses, and validates the proposal of what is expected to be achieved with traceability in production through a simulation. An evaluation of this operation will allow adjustments to be made before the project is rolled out or launched.

Step 5. Training

The company must implement an appropriate training programme designed to inform all operators in the chain about the approach, so that they can be trained to use the tools.

Step 6. Explain and promote the approach implemented internally and to the company's customers, which indicates internal and external communication.

This is proposed by the steering committee to the company's management and is intended to provide feedback (impact measurement) for the sole purpose of improving the effectiveness of the system.

Step 7. Evaluate traceability software in the automotive industry

The evaluation of the system will enable verification of its relevance in comparison with the objectives established beforehand and should be reviewed periodically during internal audits of the management system for the automotive industry.

Data entry for this review can be done via:

• Results (tests, audits, etc.)
• Modifications to the process.
• Changes in regulations.
• Corrective actions.
• New expectations in the chain.

This assessment is necessary in order to select data tools and transmission methods that already exist within the company or that can simply be adapted. It is important to consider that the implementation of traceability software in the automotive industry is not limited to selecting markers, identifiers, and authenticators. Although these are relevant to the project, it is imperative to take a comprehensive, organisational, and technical approach.

It is essential to establish document-based information flows for a traceability system because this will ensure that the data obtained during the production process or operations is used as effectively as possible. That is why the documentation and resources to be used form part of the document base. 

Recommendations for obtaining the most accurate information flows for the implementation of traceability software in the automotive industry

• Make an inventory of all the data and information to be recorded, step by step once the product life cycle begins.
• Create a list of the different records used as means of traceability (analysis of existing data, items) and their normal retention periods (product life expectancy and regulations must be taken into account when determining the retention period).
• Write down the procedures to define the steps to be followed for each link. Once implemented, they should provide continuous control over traceability at the identified critical points.
• Write the functional specifications and infer the appropriate tools and management resources required, if the development of a computer programme is required. Bear in mind that not all existing tools are usually suitable for traceability; some adjustments will be necessary to reflect the system information.
• Define the human, technical, IT and financial resources required to complete each step and means of recording. It will always be necessary to define the individual responsibilities of those persons carrying out the recording, the frequency of data collection and the processing required for them.

These data management tools and resources must guarantee the solutions traceability for the automotive industry:

1. Identity of the object traced by «batches», pre-define whether or not they comply with regulations and customer requirements.
2. Collect, transport and reproduce information.
3. Ensure data integrity.
4. Reunite information and product (labelling that guarantees a consistent link between information and the traced product).

To learn about the methodology for automating traceability in the food sector and learn how to meet the requirements for implementing traceability software in the automotive industry, subscribe to the Technology for Industry NewsletterThe new newsletter will keep you informed about new solutions available on the market to optimise your plant operations.

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