The traceability platform will capture the Cotton Weblink's processes and how it applies traceability along its value chain. The platform will consist of a mobile app and a web app.

This platform is a closed system and should only be accessible to users who have the right login credentials. This applies to both the mobile and web apps. Farmers should be able to sign up but will need to be approved.

Considering the sensitivity of the data been collected in this platform, it is important to maintain a detailed audit trail at all times for all actions performed without impacting the overall performance of the platform.

When a web user logs in, a user-friendly dashboard displaying the traceability journey of each vegetable batch. This can include maps, timelines, and data summaries.

The table below lists all the features in the traceability app and the platforms on which the features will be available.

Feature Mobile Web Role
Plot/Farm registration Yes No Field Supervisor
Record farm activities Yes No Field Supervisor
Generate QR code for plots Yes No Field Supervisor
QR code scanning Yes No All
Traceable code checking Yes Yes All
Image capture of plot activities Yes No Field Supervisor
User management No Yes Admin
Reporting Yes Yes All (limited by role)
Data export Yes Yes Admin / Supervisor / Export Manager

Features Explained

Offline Functionality

Allow supervisosrs to record data even in areas with limited internet connectivity. They should also be able to record data when they decide to turn their data off. The app can sync data to the central database when an internet connection is available.

QR Code Scanner

QR codes will need to be generated for every plot that is registered. Activities are performed and tied to these plots. Scanning these QR codes should reveal all the necessary information about the plot. This could be for internal use by Cotton Weblink or accessible to external stakeholders like regulatory bodies and consumers. It is important to keep a history of the date QR code scanning was done and by whom (if the user is signed in). In other words, anyone should be able to see a scan history for a specific plot.

Image Capture

It is important to add pictures to every plot activity that is recorded. This will provide images of crops at different stages of growth. This is explained in detail here.

Data Export

Authorized users should be able to export traceability data in different formats (e.g., xls, csv and opdf) for further analysis or sharing with relevant stakeholders. The dashboard describes what data points can be expoerted.