Jäljittettävyys

Jäljittettävyys, or traceability, refers to the ability to track the history, application, or location of an entity. In various fields, it signifies the capability to follow an item's progression or the lineage of its components.

In manufacturing and supply chain management, traceability is crucial for monitoring products from raw materials to the final consumer. This allows for rapid identification of faulty batches, recalls, and verification of ethical sourcing. For example, food traceability ensures that the origin and journey of ingredients are documented, aiding in food safety and combating fraud.

In software engineering, traceability connects requirements, design elements, code, and test cases. This ensures that all requirements are implemented and tested, facilitating impact analysis of changes and improving overall quality.

In scientific research, especially in fields like genetics, traceability ensures that samples and experimental data can be reliably linked back to their source and handling, ensuring the reproducibility and integrity of the research.

Overall, traceability provides accountability, transparency, and a mechanism for quality control and risk management across diverse industries and disciplines. It is a fundamental principle for ensuring the integrity and safety of products, processes, and data.