How to Use This Framework

This framework is designed as a practical reference for a wide range of stakeholders in beef and leather supply chains. While the technical foundations are consistent, the way in which different groups will use this resource varies:

Supply Chain Actors

Use this framework to understand what data you are responsible for capturing and when. It will guide your data collection practices and inform technology investment decisions, ensuring that your systems have the capabilities required for interoperable data exchange with customers, suppliers, regulators, and other partners.

Technology Providers

Use this framework to shape system design and functionality. It outlines the specific Critical Tracking Events (CTEs) and Key Data Elements (KDEs) that solutions must capture, as well as the required data structures, formats, and exchange protocols to ensure interoperability across platforms.

Regulators

Use this framework as a reference for policy design and digital system requirements. Regulations that require traceability should align with event-based principles, while digital reporting systems should be capable of receiving standardized data directly from industry systems, reducing the need for redundant or government-specific platforms.

Certification Standards and Program Owners

Use this framework to strengthen chain-of-custody requirements. While certification programs vary in their claims, the core data needed to verify those claims is consistent. Aligning requirements around event-based traceability reduces duplication for certificate holders and improves data integrity. For programs requiring digital submissions or audits, this framework provides a foundation for system design.

Industry Associations and Other NGOs

Use this framework to support capacity building and implementation. By promoting a consistent set of practices, associations and NGOs can help their members and partners reduce complexity, align with international standards, and accelerate progress toward interoperable traceability.