Traceability: A platform for product knowledge and value

Publication Date: June 2006

In early 2006, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) identified a need to investigate whether a coordinated New Zealand wide approach to traceability systems and technology would provide benefits to New Zealand. Nimmo-Bell and Canesis carried out a study commissioned by NZTE in order to stimulate discussion on this topic. The study outlined the drivers and business case for traceability systems, and reviewed opportunities for both the export sector and the technology sector in New Zealand. The report concluded by proposing a process and taskforce to establish a coordinated “NZ Inc” approach to traceability systems and technologies.

During August 2006, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise hosted three workshop sessions to encourage discussion and facilitate industry feedback on the report’s conclusions and recommendations. These workshops were held in Dunedin, Hamilton, and Wellington, and involved nearly 40 representatives of public sector organisations, export industries, and technology companies.

Download the report

Traceability: A platform for product knowledge and value (PDF, 3MB)

Or download the individual sections:

• Executive Summary (PDF, 429KB)
• Introduction (PDF, 297KB)
• Understanding traceability (PDF, 489KB) 
• Solutions: Technology for product knowledge and record management (PDF, 821KB)
• Business case for traceability initiatives (PDF, 442KB)
• Traceability and product knowledge framework (PDF, 243KB)
• Recommendation (PDF, 540KB)
• References/Bibliography (PDF, 275KB)
• Annexes (PDF, 733KB)

Prepared for New Zealand Trade and Enterprise by Nimmo-Bell & Company Ltd.

Traceability Workshop Summary (PDF, 613KB)

Prepared for New Zealand Trade and Enterprise by Andrew Cooke, Rezare Systems Limited

Table of contents

1. Executive Summary

2.0. Introduction

2.1. Background

2.2. Objectives of the study

2.3. Methodology

2.4. Report structure

2.5. Definitions

3. Understanding traceability

3.1. Characteristics of traceability systems

3.2. Firm behaviour on traceability

3.3. Drivers of traceability

3.4. Drivers of traceability in key markets

3.5. New Zealand drivers of traceability

3.6. Conclusion

4. Solutions: Technology for product knowledge and record management

4.1. EU

4.2. USA

4.3. Asia

4.4. Australia

4.5. New Zealand

4.6. ICT/Database initiatives

4.7. Conclusions

5. Business case for traceability initiatives

5.1. Global Standards

5.2. EU

5.3. North America

5.4. Asia

5.5. Australia

5.6. New Zealand

5.7. Conclusion

6. Traceability and product knowledge framework

7. Recommendation

7.1. Rationale

7.2. Business case

7.3. Management

7.4. Action plan

7.5. Future implications

8. References/Bibliography

Annexes