GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 12, 2026
Traces
As goods flow through a supply chain, shipments leave a trail—a sequence of data points at sensors, scanning stations, and system handovers.
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Source: https://www.gs1.org/standards/traceability
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Logistics concept
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Definition & Explanation
As goods flow through a supply chain, shipments leave a trail—a sequence of data points at sensors, scanning stations, and system handovers. Each of these measurement points (timestamp, location, temperature, weight, condition) is a trace. Traces enable post-shipment verification: Was cooling interrupted? Did the package actually arrive in Berlin? Was damage present at dispatch? For customs authorities, traces are critical for verifying origin and liability. In dispute resolution, complete trace documentation often becomes the decisive evidence.
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