Trace is fundamentally an automated data collection and tracking system, but with process know-how built in to the database logic. 

  Products are labeled (barcoding, RFID, etc) with a unique serial number and then are tracked through the production process and shipping as needed.  As the product is assembled, Trace captures lot data and serialization data for the parts being added to the core product.  Trace also tracks the names of the certified personnel performing the production tasks, as well as pass/fail and other results from testing and other automated equipment.

  Along with passively tracking the detailed results, Trace is actively checking and verifying that production is proceeding as expected- that all personnel are certified for their tasks, that the product is moving through production in the right sequence and without missing any steps, that all test results are positive, that any defects or test failures are handled correctly.  If Trace’s validation logic finds a problem, it will not allow the unit to continue in production, and will generate email or other alerts as needed.  The result?  In a very efficient manner, Trace ensures that the products shipped are built and tested correctly, and all materials and people involved are recorded for every unit produced.

  The information technologies used to develop and operate Trace are state of the art but not bleeding edge.  The servers are Intel-based, Windows 2000 machines with warm failover and hardware redundancy; the clients are small, locked-down units configured specifically for production environments.  Trace is developed in Microsoft Visual Basic and SQL Server which provides a system that is both reliable and easily adapted to your requirements.  The system is very fast for both transaction processing and data retrieval.