The Traceability Process

Process Outlined

• A field supervisor signs in and registers the company's plots by providing the required details.
• The app automatically generates a unique traceability code once a plot is registered.
• Field supervisors record farm activities (fertilizer application, pesticide spraying, irrigation, harvesting) with dates and quantities used. Each activity must be tied to a plot. The recording of the first activity marks the beginning of a season.
• Recording of harvesting or the final activity marks the end of a season. Assuming the final activity is harvesting for example, this can be carried out multiple times before the close of the season.
• Users scan the QR code for a plot to access the plot's traceability data. These will be all the activities carried out on that plot during the season.

We know what activity number is being recorded because when setting up, the admin specifies the activities and their numbers.

Flow Diagram

Below is a diagram capturing the above outlined process.

Flow Diagram Explained

The flow only focuses on traceability.

• A user signs up and verifies their account.
• The user then signs in to their account.
• If the user is a supervisor they can either register a plot, list the plots they have already created or scan a QR code.
• If the user is not a supervisor, they can scan QR codes or enter a code.
• The user will see a list of activities for the plot the QR code is linked to.

The consumer does not need to sign in to view traceability information. Anyone with a traceability or QR code should be able to view information tied to that code.

Traceability Data to Display

The end users who receive the final products and scan the QR code or enter the traceability code should see the following information about the products:

• Company details: Name, website and address.
• Date planted
• Date harvested
• Activities performed

Code Sequence

A QR code / traceability code will automatically be generated when a plot is created. Scanning or entering this code will provide all activities tied to that plot.

There is a logic to how the traceability codes are generated. An example traceability code is shown below.

CWPLPN23070824DSP

The following is the breakdown of the above traceability code.

Recording of all activities will be tied to this code until the season is done. Once the season is done, the plot is archived.

Benefits of Tracing

• Improved transparency: Provides real-time data on farming practices for all stakeholders.
• Enhanced food safety: Enables tracking of fertilizer and pesticide use to ensure compliance with regulations.
• Streamlined operations: Simplifies data collection and record-keeping for farmers and Cotton Weblink.
• Increased consumer confidence: Provides consumers with information about the origin and production methods of their food.