The AGROTRACE project aims to achieve end-to-end traceability of a fresh product supply chain through the deployment system, which will combine internal and external tracking processes, so that each operator is able to identify the immediate source and immediate recipient of the products. The system will apply the “one step up, one step down” principle to provide effective tracking in the supply chain. In particular, each distinct product will be recognized globally and in a unique way so that it can be located upstream and downstream of the supply chain. All participants in the distribution network will be able to use the system to implement internal and external traceability practices, and in addition, internal traceability will be implemented in such a way as to ensure the necessary connections between inputs and outputs. The main objective of the system to be developed is to effectively support this implementation through a 4-step process:

1. Recognition: Following the GS1 standards, the system will (at unit level) discriminate all fresh products (commercial items), infrastructures , sites and so on, from the cultivator to the consumer. These numbers will provide links between the fresh product and the product-specific information.

2. Recording: GS1 system data carriers will be used for data management to meet different supply chain process needs for different products. The EAN / UPC barcodes are to be used for scanning at retail outlets. The GS1-128 barcodes will be used to identify product units in packaging and pallets to help inform product information and monitor their movement. GS1 DataBar barcodes that carry the same – and in some cases larger volumes – information in less space than the UPC barcodes will also be used. The data encoded in GS1 system carriers will not only identify the products (and product units) but will allow the trading partners to share large volumes of data (batch number, date of production, packaging information, etc.) .

3. Evaluation: The information gathered will be evaluated against the objectives expressed in the form of Performance Indicators (KPIs) set by the supply chain partners. In addition, the system will enable KPIs from the SCOR (Supply Chain Operations Reference) model to enable “anonymous” benchmarking of chain partners’ performance.

4. Sharing: The interoperability of our system will facilitate the smooth exchange of information in trade transactions. The following GS1 interface templates are to be used: GDSN (Global Data Synchronization Network): GDSN connects trading partners to the GS1 Global Registry® via GS1 Certified Data, allowing the immediate electronic exchange of standardized, up-to-date and verified information.