Tracking and Tracing – A Challenge for System Organization and IT

Abstract

Abstract:
Tracking and tracing functionalities are widely discussed and in some countries even required as core features in the assurance of food safety and quality. They deal with internal processes of enterprises as well as with the trade relationships between enterprises. This creates a complexity which cannot be solved by enterprises alone but requires concerted action. Action needs to build on agreements which cover a multitude of issues including but not restricted to issues related to information systems and technology. One of the problems is that a solution in one of the issues is not sufficient for getting a tracking and tracing scheme into operation. Feasible solutions require agreements on issues which involve different competences and competence groups which adds to complexity. This paper discusses some of the issues and links them to the organization of information systems and the development of an appropriate information infrastructure.

Keywords: Tracking and tracing, system organization, information systems