IFT’s Global Food Traceability Center, an internationally recognized leader in advancing end-to-end food traceability, has launched an open-source tool to strengthen interoperability across the food value chain. The Traceability Driver is designed to make it easier for existing traceability software systems to transform their data into standardized formats, supporting sustainability and supply chain integrity by enabling seamless data exchange. 

The Traceability Driver automates the conversion of traceability data into compliant formats and comes with a fully functional, pre-built API for efficient sharing. It is deployed locally, meaning organizations retain full control over their data while benefiting from interoperability. By reducing the effort and cost of meeting existing data standards, it allows organizations to focus on their core operations while maintaining alignment with global requirements. As an open-source module, it can be installed by an existing software system to share traceability data in a standardized, interoperable way.

“By designing traceability regulations around common global standards, governments can unlock the use of scalable, open-source tools like the Traceability Driver. This kind of solution not only makes it easier for industry and their technology partners to comply but also supports harmonization with other regulations and industry practices, enhancing interoperable, end-to-end traceability that strengthens the integrity of global supply chains,” said Blake Harris, managing director of IFT’s Global Food Traceability Center.

As part of the Traceability Driver’s development and testing, Koltiva – a leading agritech company helping make global supply chains traceable, inclusive and climate-smart – beta-tested the tool with their system in order to successfully pass the GDST’s First Mile Aquaculture Capability Test. Before implementing the Traceability Driver, Koltiva was faced with the common challenge of aligning its traceability data with GDST and EPCIS (Electronic Product Code Information Services) standards – EPCIS is GS1’s standardization method for tracing supply chain events. 

Documented in this case study, installation of the Traceability Driver was quick and easy, and the tool helped accelerate compliance efforts with the entire process – from installation to passing the test – taking roughly one month. Koltiva estimates a 60% reduction in development time in comparison to the initial planned three to four months needed to build and develop its own APIs as well as the reformatting of its data. 

About Institute of Food Technologists
Since 1939, the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) has served as the voice of the global food science community. IFT advocates for science, technology, and research to address the world’s greatest food challenges, guiding our community of more than 200,000. IFT convenes professionals from around the world – from producers and product developers to innovators and researchers across food, nutrition, and public health – with a shared mission to help create a global food supply that is sustainable, safe, nutritious, and accessible to all. IFT provides its growing community spanning academia, industry, and government with the resources, connections, and opportunities necessary to stay ahead of a rapidly evolving food system as IFT helps feed the minds that feed the world.