Week 10 | Session 2: Track & Trace Systems — Technology Interface, Barcodes & QR Codes

Course: Supply Chain Digitization — Module 4: Digital Infrastructure

Session Agenda

1. What are Track & Trace Systems?

Technology-enabled systems that record, transmit and store product attributes at each stage of the SC. Used across sourcing, manufacturing, dispatch, transportation, storage, and consumption.

Everyday Example — E-commerce Order Tracking

Order placed
Dispatch notification (scan at origin)
In-transit updates (scan at transit hubs)
Out for delivery
Last-mile delivery (scan at doorstep)
Delivery confirmation (signature/OTP)
Complaint reference

2. Key Concept — Triangulation of Information

Triangulation = verifying a transaction using multiple independent data points simultaneously.

E-commerce delivery: delivery agent scan + customer signature/OTP + timestamp + GPS = triangulated proof.
B2B SC: GRN (goods received note) + system scan + invoice match = triangulated receipt.

3. Four Major Steps in Any Track & Trace System

All T&T systems must cover these four steps:

Capture Attributes: Decide which attributes matter (e.g., serial no., batch, location, temperature).
Data Capture & Transmission: How is data collected? Manual (pen/paper) or automated (devices uploading to cloud).
Data Storage (Management): Store securely in cloud/local DB. Ensure searchability and audit trails.
Data Sharing & Collaboration: Share with internal and external stakeholders for real-time visibility.

4. Manual System vs Technology System

Manual systems are feasible at low scale but fail at high volumes due to error and cost.

Dimension	Manual System	Technology System
Data capture	Manual sticker + handwriting	Devices auto-capture
Storage	Paper records (high risk of loss)	Secure cloud/local digital DB
Accuracy	Error-prone (fatigue, transcription)	High (no manual transcription)
Speed / Volume	Slow — viable only at low volume	Fast — handles large volumes
Total cost (scale)	Very HIGH (labour + time intensive)	Lower (automation reduces cost)

5. Barcode Technology

What it is: Sticker/label with encoded lines (1D or 2D).
Info capacity: Limited (1–4 attributes like serial no., batch, price, expiry).
Reading: Requires dedicated barcode scanner. Distance and angle must be precise.
Applications: Retail checkout, air cargo baggage, manufacturing components, healthcare. Usually on primary packaging.

6. QR Code (Quick Response Code)

What it is: Advanced 2D matrix pattern. Physical or digital format.
Info capacity: Very high (can link to URLs, databases, videos).
Static vs Dynamic: Static cannot be changed. Dynamic links to a URL/DB and can be updated in real-time without changing the code itself.
Reading: Camera-enabled device (smartphone, drone). Tolerates wider angles and distances.
Applications: Secondary packaging (cartons/pallets), payments (UPI), drone inventory, SC traceability.

7. Barcode vs QR Code — Side-by-Side

Attribute	Barcode	QR Code
What it is	Lines printed on label (1D/2D)	2D matrix pattern
Info capacity	Low (few attributes)	High (links to web, large datasets)
Info type	Static only	Static OR dynamic
Scanner needed	Specialized barcode reader	Camera-enabled device + app
Distance/angle	Must be precise	Flexible (drone-compatible)
Placement	Primary packaging	Secondary packaging, digital

Session Summary

T&T systems: Record product attributes at each SC stage.
Triangulation: Verifying transactions with multiple independent data points.
4 steps: Capture attributes → Transmit data → Store data → Share data.
Barcode: Static, low capacity, strict scanning angle, primary packaging.
QR code: Static or dynamic, high capacity, flexible angle, secondary packaging.