What is traceability in manual assembly?
A short definition of traceability, an example from manual assembly, and how Arkite handles it.
What is traceability in manual assembly?
Traceability in manufacturing is the ability to show the history of each unit: which steps were performed, by whom, when, with which parts and tools, and with what result.
- The history of each unit, per serial number
- Who, when, which steps, which results
- Needed for audits, complaints and recalls
Traceability in manual assembly
For automated processes, traceability data comes from the machines. Manual work is often the gap: steps are documented on paper checklists, if at all.
When every step is guided and checked digitally, traceability is generated by the work itself. There is no separate checklist and no extra data entry for the operator.
Example: after a complaint, quality retrieves the full log for one serial number: every step, the operator, the time, each check result and the torque values applied.
How Arkite handles it
- Every step recorded as it is performed
- Operator, time, check results and torque values per unit
- Serial numbers scanned or read by the camera
- Records available to MES, ERP or quality systems
Questions about traceability
What is the difference between traceability and genealogy?
Genealogy usually refers to which components went into a product. Traceability also covers how and by whom it was built.
How do you trace manual work without slowing operators down?
By recording each step automatically as it is guided and checked, instead of asking operators to fill in checklists.
Where is the data stored?
On your own Arkite server and database, with export to your MES, ERP or quality system.
See it on your own product.
A live demo shows how Arkite guides, checks and records manual work.