Implementing traceability: practical challenges at a mineral water bottling plant

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine where product, process and traceability information is systematically lost at a mineral water bottling plant. It aims to highlight areas where traceability could be improved and to suggest changes that could be made to improve traceability. It also aims to examine the implications of these changes for the current system.Design/methodology/approach: Process mapping was carried out at a mineral water bottling plant to investigate the flow of material and information. The results were analyzed to identify the critical traceability points (CTPs) in the production process where information is lost.Findings: One of the CTPs at the mineral water bottling plant was the lack of a link between product, process and traceability information for the screw caps.Research limitations/implications: This is a study of an individual case, which limits the generalizations that can be made.Practical implications: Procedures need to be established at the mineral water bottling plant in order to achieve traceability. All the information about the resources used in production could be linked to a “best before” date on each mineral water bottle.Originality/value: The authors have found few similar case studies in the published literature. This case study can be of value to other research institutes and industries where the focus is on traceability. It could also be of interest to researchers working with information technology systems, ontology/metadata schemes, cost/benefits analyses and the impacts of traceability. The implications of traceability highlighted in this paper can be of use to regulatory authorities in their decision making processes.