Tracking and tracing describes the ability to follow an item, shipment or load unit through the supply chain and reconstruct its history. The reversed phrase “tracing and tracking” refers to the same core capability.

What is tracking and tracing?

Tracking answers where an object is now and what is expected next. Tracing reconstructs where it came from, which events occurred and which parties handled it. In logistics, both directions rely on consistent identifiers, timestamped events and reliable data exchange.

Function	Typical question	Example
Tracking	Where is the shipment now?	Departed origin depot at 18:42
Tracing	What happened before?	Received, sorted and loaded at named locations
Condition monitoring	Was the required condition maintained?	Temperature remained within the defined range

How the process works

Assign an identifier to the item, parcel, pallet or shipment.
Capture critical events such as packing, collection, departure, arrival and delivery.
Link each event to time, location, process step and responsible party.
Share status information through carrier systems, EDI, APIs or standards such as EPCIS.
Investigate missing or contradictory events and retain an audit trail.

Common identifiers and technologies

Barcodes, QR codes and RFID connect the physical object with its data record. A parcel number may identify one package; an SSCC can identify a logistics unit such as a pallet. GPS or telematics can show vehicle position, but vehicle location is not automatically proof that a particular shipment is on board.

Useful status events

order or transport instruction received
shipment collected
arrived at and departed from a hub
customs or operational exception
out for delivery
delivered, including proof of delivery

Typical data-quality problems

Duplicate identifiers, missed scans, inconsistent time zones and vague statuses reduce visibility. A robust system distinguishes planned from actual events and records the source of every update. Customers should also see what a status means and whether action is required.

Frequently asked questions

Is live GPS the same as track-and-trace?

No. GPS shows a vehicle or device position. Track-and-trace additionally connects the shipment identity with business events, custody and delivery evidence.