Traceability refers to the completeness of the information about every step in a process chain.

The termin traceability is for example used to refer to an unbroken chain of measurements relating an instrument's measurements to a known standard. Traceability can be used to certify an instrument's accuracy relative to a known standard.

(In the USA, national standards for weights and measures are maintained by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. As defined by NIST, "Traceability requires the establishment of an unbroken chain of comparisons to stated references.")

In logistics, traceability refers to the capability for tracing goods along the distribution chain on a batch number or series number basis. Traceability is an important aspect for example in the automotive industry, where it makes recalls possible, or in the food industry where it contributes to food safety.

See also

• Trade war over genetically modified food

External links

• National Institute of Standards and Technology
• NIST Policy on Traceability