Build a Complete Digital Thread From Components to Finished Product
In complex assembly, knowing what was built, how it was built, and what went into it is critical.
Matrix Automation provides traceability solutions that capture manufacturing data throughout the assembly process – creating a connected digital thread for every product. By combining manual and automated data collection, Matrix helps document components, processes, tests, operators, and other critical information as products move through the line.
The result is a detailed digital record – or digital product passport – that gives manufacturers the information they need to improve quality, support compliance, manage warranties and recalls, and make better decisions.
“We have used Matrix Automation’s traceability system for many years. We have found through the years that the Matrix system is intuitive, adaptable, and reliable.” Christopher Newby, Engineering Manager, FORVIA
Build a digital thread to reduce costs
Unlock lifecycle visibility
What is Traceability in Manufacturing?
Traceability is the ability to track the history, location, components, and production activity associated with a product.
For complex assembly manufacturers, that can mean capturing information such as:
- Which components and materials went into a specific product
- Where and when each assembly step was completed
- Which operator performed a process
- Which tools, equipment, or machines were used
- Torque, measurement, or test results
- Component serial numbers, lot numbers, or batch information
- Whether required processes were completed correctly
- Quality checks and inspection results
- Rework, nonconformance, or repair information
Instead of relying on paper travelers, spreadsheets, disconnected systems, or tribal knowledge, manufacturers can create a digital record of production that follows the product through its manufacturing journey.
Traceability vs. Genealogy: Traceability and genealogy are closely related, but they are not exactly the same. Traceability focuses on the history and movement of a product or component through the manufacturing process and supply chain. Genealogy focuses more specifically on the relationships between a finished product and the components, materials, subassemblies, and other products that make up its lineage.
Create a Digital Thread for Every Product
A modern traceability system can connect data from across the manufacturing process to create a digital thread for each product. Components, processes, tests, measurements, and quality information become connected to the product’s unique identity.
What was built? What product, model, configuration, or serial number was produced?
What went into it? Which components, materials, lots, or batches were used?
How was it built? Which processes were completed and in what sequence?
Who built it? Which operator or workstation completed each step?
Did it pass? What measurements, tests, inspections, and quality checks were recorded?
What happened afterward? Was the product reworked, repaired, or otherwise processed after initial assembly?
The result is a connected production record that provides visibility long after the product leaves the assembly line.
Trusted Traceability in Complex Assembly
From Traceability to a Digital Product Passport
A Digital Product Passport (DPP) takes traceability even further by providing a digital record of important information associated with a product throughout its lifecycle.
For manufacturers, the foundation of a digital product passport starts on the production floor.
When manufacturing data is captured and connected to a specific product, manufacturers have a structured digital history that can support downstream needs including quality management, regulatory requirements, service, warranty analysis, and recalls.
Matrix helps manufacturers establish the manufacturing data foundation needed to create this type of digital product record.
Reduce Warranty & Recall Costs: Quickly identify affected products, components, lots, or production runs when a quality issue emerges. Narrowing the scope of a warranty issue or recall can reduce unnecessary holds, repairs, replacements, and customer disruption.
Strengthen Regulatory Compliance: Create a reliable digital record of production activities, component usage, testing, and quality checks to support documentation and compliance requirements.
Traceability for Complex Assembly Manufacturing
Matrix integrates traceability directly into the assembly process, capturing production data as the product moves through the line. Our solutions fit the way products are actually built: across multiple workstations, with varying configurations, operator-led steps, and diverse equipment.
Manual and Automated Data Collection: Manual inputs—such as barcode scans, measurements, lot numbers, quality checks, and component confirmations—can be combined with automated data from machines, torque tools, testing systems, RFID, sensors, and enterprise systems.
- Capture information at the source
- Associate data with the correct product
- Reduce manual recordkeeping
- Prevent missing production information
- Connect component information to finished products
- Provide operators with the right process information
- Create a complete digital history of assembly
- Make production data available for analysis and decision-making
