Product Aggregation
Aggregation is the next step after serialization. Therefore individual, serialized secondary packages are combined into larger units with their own serial numbers while traceable parent-child like relationships between packages are created. Boxes are assigned to a carton and later on to a pallet. With an existing aggregation history returned goods can be handled easily and counterfeit protection is supported.
Following the relationship between product and package
- Product serialization is becoming essential in today’s supply chains as buyers look for improved traceability and transparency in the items they purchase, and this is just as true for aggregated items. Individually identifiable packages can be combined into larger units with their own unique identifier, building parent-child like relationships between units, which are then assigned to a carton, and later to a pallet. Tracking aggregated products allows returned goods to be handled easily by following the stock history, and also supports the prevention of counterfeit goods.
Reliable aggregation strategies
- Full data monitoring is crucial for reliable aggregation. When something changes, such as the removal of a saleable unit from a case, the original relationship needs to be disaggregated and then rebuilt. These changes must be monitored in order to maintain the ’parent-child‘ relationship, preferably as an integral part of an end-to-end track and trace system.
Monitoring the complete journey
- Tracking products from source to shelf – whether they are single boxes or aggregated packages – ensures that products pass through legitimate distribution and retail channels and allows consumers to verify the authenticity of the products they buy. By implementing end-to-end track and trace solutions that include aggregation, companies can log every transaction, providing real-time visibility across their production and processing functions. This complete overview allows manufacturers to improve quality control, and meet industry regulations. Ensuring traceability in the supply chain can also help support quick product recalls as companies know the exact status of each item, where it has been in the supply chain, and exactly where it is when the recall occurs. This information helps to recall the affected products quickly and accurately, minimizing brand damage.
Aggregation solutions
- Aggregation of products impacts serialization projects on the packaging lines throughout manufacturers’ operations, as well as the overall supply chain – a process that Laetus understands very well. That is why we offer a range of flexible aggregation solutions that are manual, semi-automatic or integrated, so that they can be easily incorporated into established production processes. They are also invaluable for all aggregation and manual picking requirements in warehouses, and can be easily connected to comprehensive track and trace software.
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