Trace: Total Control Over Every Single Product
In production, every detail counts. That’s why we created the Trace module for MES SoftLi. It gives you full visibility of your manufacturing process – following each product’s journey from raw input to final output, linking data across departments, and ensuring every step follows the right procedure.
How does Trace track every step of your production?
Trace module connects input materials with identification codes and continuously tracks their journey in real time – from entry to finished product. Every element in your production is logged and matched with specific production procedures. This gives you instant access to each product’s complete history.
Each final product is assigned a digital trace that includes:
the exact materials used,
the workstations involved in each operation,
the operator and time of each step,
and all key measurements taken during the process.
Trace supports label printing, making it easier to identify products throughout the production process.
5 ways the trace module saves you time and money
01 Minimizing errors – The module communicates with the operator, automatically checks each step and guides them to correct any deviations.
02 Perfect traceability – Instantly track products back to their raw material sources, the processes applied, and the personnel involved in each stage.
03 Fast response to complaints – In case of an issue, you can instantly identify the affected products and prevent further distribution of defective products.
04 Compatibility with ERP systems– Trace can be integrated with your existing ERP systems for automatic import of BOMs and production processes.
05 Full transparency – Track not only every production step, but also the impact of human factors on the entire process.
Trace + Planner = efficient planning
For truly effective planning based on actual production workflows, the Trace module is essential. It allows the Planner to precisely identify which materials and workstations are involved in manufacturing each product – helping to keep production smooth and free of unnecessary downtime.
How it works in practice
One of our customers manufactures technical textiles from glass fibers. How does their entire process run after implementing the Trace module?
The system receives a production order for a product made from glass fibers. The planner inputs this into Planner, which uses the TPV from the Trace module to split the order into various operations and stations.
After completing the winding operation, the operator weighs the spool with the finished product. The system automatically generates a label with a unique ID, which the operator uses to tag the spool.
All data is linked with production information – from the specific machine and production time to the batch and input materials used.
Each operation begins with scanning the label from the previous production step, ensuring seamless tracking to final packaging and dispatch.
This system works like a Russian matryoshka doll – each layer holds increasingly detailed product data that can be traced through individual units all the way back to the original raw materials. In case of a complaint, you can easily find out whether it’s an isolated issue or something affecting the whole batch.
Where does Trace deliver the greatest value?
Automotive – Full traceability of safety components and defects, including their connection to raw materials.
Food production – Clear identification of faulty or contaminated batches.
Farmaceutický průmysl – Strict control over production conditions.
Elektronika – Monitoring component assembly and reducing defect rates.
MES SoftLi pushed us to stabilize our processes and rethink our data structure, making us aware that every step in production carries consequences. The module that helped us most was Trace – we now have full visibility of material flow and know exactly where each item is located.
– Lenka Silberhornová, IQS
How does implementation work?
Just like with other MES SoftLi modules – all you need to do is to purchase a license key and configure the data sources for each workstation.
Already using TPV in your ERP system? Trace automatically imports production procedures and BOMs.
No digital TPV yet? You can manage production data directly within MES SoftLi.
Worried about hardware? Only if you have specific needs. Label printers are needed for printing labels, scanners for reading them and RFID readers in case you’re using RFID tags.
The exact configuration depends on the specific needs of each client. Usually, we help you set up one data source from each group so you get the know-how to configure the rest on your own. From there, you’ll be able to add and configure other machines by yourself.
If you want, we’re happy to take care of setting up all your data sources.
