Track and trace basics: serialization, aggregation, and genealogy
Lot traceability vs unit serialization, parent-child aggregation, and the MES data model that makes recalls survivable.
Lot traceability
Tracing a material lot through inputs, production, and destinations.
The ability to trace a material or product lot backward to inputs, equipment, conditions, and suppliers and forward to the orders or customers that received it. It supports containment, recall, quality investigation, and compliance.
See also: Production genealogy · MES · Electronic batch record (EBR)
Use the concept: Downtime log template · SMED changeover observation template · Takt time calculator
In depth
Additive manufacturing on the factory floor: where 3D printing earns its keep
Powder bed, binder jetting, DED, and FDM in production — jigs, spares, tooling, and the quality controls that make printed parts trustworthy.
Takt time vs cycle time vs lead time: calculate the right clock
A worked shift example separates customer pace, observed process speed and end-to-end delivery time, with practical checks before changing the line.