Key Data Elements

If Critical Tracking Events (CTEs) are the skeleton of a traceability system, Key Data Elements (KDEs) are the muscles and tissue that give the system its detail and functionality. KDEs represent the specific information that must be collected, and describe the what, where, when, and why of each CTE.

What

Product Identification (Electronic Product Code)

A unique code that contains a product identifier assigned to a product to distinguish it from others as it moves through facilities, companies,. or supply chains as well as an instance identifier assigned to a specific instance of a product such as a batch or lot number, serial number, or container number.

Quantity

Numerical quantity of product associated with a given event.

Unit of Measurement

Unit of measurement associated with a given product quantity.

Where

Event Location ID

A unique code or identifier assigned to a location where an event can take place, such as a Global Location Numer (GLN) or GDST identifier. The identifier must be unique and clearly distinguish the location from all other locations in the supply chain.

Event Location Address or Geolocation

The address or GPS coordinates (latitude + longitude or geofence) associated with a physical location where an event can take place.

Event Location Name

The name of the physical location where an event can take place.

When

Event Date & Time

The date and time when an event took place.

Why

Business Step

A standardized term that describes the type of activity being performed during a given event.