Induction of a reference data model for tracking and tracing

In this paper research on tracking and tracing is described. The objective of the research paper is the establishment of a general set of requirements and a general modelling solution for tracking and tracing. A reference modelling solution is obtained from different cases through the method of requirements induction. Several manufacturing situations are selected for the gathering and analyses of the requirements: a slaughter facility, a food processor and a pharmaceutical manufacturer. The paper describes the traceability requirements of these manufacturing situations in natural language and accordingly induces a general modelling solution: a reference data model. The model obtained, can represent all raw materials, parts, intermediates and subassemblies, which a process transforms into a particular end product, through the sequence of operations. Using the model, one can determine the composition of a material item out of component items and list all material items, having consumed a certain component of specific interest. The reference data model can be used in blueprinting information systems for tracking and tracing.