Traceability has evolved from a regulatory checkbox to a critical operational capability. While the FDA’s Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) requirements have seen an 18-month delay in enforcement, the imperative for robust food traceability remains stronger than ever. For organizations already navigating the complexities of food safety, the focus is now on execution—ensuring seamless, real-time visibility across the supply chain. Standards like GS1’s traceability guidelines still demand the capture of Critical Tracking Events (CTEs) and key data elements at every stage.
Today’s food brands must be equipped to:
- Rapidly trace products back to their source in the event of a recall
- Validate temperature and handling compliance across distribution and storage
- Provide customers and regulators with immediate access to provenance and safety data
Effective traceability systems reduce response time, lower recall costs and protect both consumers and brand reputation, all while enabling transparency and operational agility.
Mobile and Edge Technologies: Enabling Real-Time Compliance
Edge-based tracking systems gather, process and share data from frontline locations like farms, factories, warehouses, trucks and stores without delay, including:
- RFID Tagging and Scanning: Automates the capture of CTEs, reduces manual errors and ensures product lineage is fully documented.
- IoT Environmental Sensors: Monitors temperature, humidity and motion to ensure products are transported and stored under the right conditions.
- Mobile Computers and Tablets: Equip warehouse and field workers to capture and verify data on the spot, increasing accuracy and accountability.
- Voice-Directed Picking and Barcode Scanning: Streamlines inventory and fulfillment workflows to meet safety and accuracy standards.
- Real-Time Data Platforms: Integrate edge data with WMS/ERP systems for actionable insights and instant traceability reports.
Benefits of Edge-Based Food Safety Technology
Faster Response to Issues
Identify and isolate non-compliant batches instantly with edge-generated alerts and inventory tracking.
Automated Audit Trails
Meet traceability documentation requirements effortlessly with digitally captured, time-stamped data.
Reduced Risk and Waste
Prevent spoilage and contamination by catching issues in real-time.
Improved Brand Trust
Demonstrate transparency and quality control to partners, regulators and consumers alike.
Partnering with enVista for Food Traceability Compliance
enVista’s Mobile & Edge Technology Solutions team brings deep industry experience in food safety and traceability compliance and leading-edge tools to help food companies:
- Navigate FDA, USDA, GS1 and customer-specific traceability mandates
- Design and deploy RFID and IoT sensor systems tailored to facility and product needs
- Ensure seamless integration with WMS, ERP and reporting systems
- Provide lifecycle support, from procurement to provisioning and managed services
enVista offers a full ecosystem of mobile and edge devices including enterprise handhelds, rugged tablets, vehicle-mounted computers, mobile printers and barcode scanners, all designed to operate in demanding environments. Our Mobile & Edge Technology Solutions enable real-time communication between devices, frontline workers and back-end systems, improving response time and data accuracy across the food supply chain.
As an end-to-end solutions provider, enVista simplifies the complexity of selecting and supporting the right technologies. Whether your goal is to improve visibility, enhance food safety or automate compliance, we deliver scalable mobile and edge solutions that grow with your business. Read our most recent case study to learn more: enVista Improves Supply Chain Traceability and Cold Chain Management for Leading Quick Service Restaurant.
