Step 4: Decide how to share the data

Data sharing is the ability to share data with many applications or users.

The way data is shared will be determined by the size and scale of the business. It will also depend on how much time and money the business is able to invest in a system and potential training.

Many businesses are likely to already be sharing data with supply chain partners in some way.

Narrator:

Traceability makes it easy for businesses along the supply chain to share all kinds of information about a product.

You'll need to decide which information to share and who will have access to this info.

Will you be using the same or different technology as your supply chain partners and how will your systems work together?

Continue to Step 5 or visit our website for more information.

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne.

What to consider when deciding how to share data

To help decide how to share data, it’s important to understand how the system interacts with other systems.

Taking into account your supply chain and the type of traceability system that meets your business needs, consider these different system approaches:

  • Integration – a system that needs to share data with businesses using the same program
  • Interoperability – a system that needs to share data with businesses using a different program
  • Multifunctionality – a system that needs to combine a variety of data about the product that can serve multiple functions in the supply chain. For example, a QR code that can store and retrieve:
    - point of sale information
    - marketing content
    - regulatory certification 
    - quality control guidelines.

Tip

Consider the systems you currently use. It’s likely you’re sharing data in your business and with supply chain partners in some way. Remember:

  • Look at the data you’re already sharing with supply chain partners and consumers and the information fed back to you. What value do you take from this information and how can it be leveraged?
  • Adopting a new system can be an investment in time and resources. It’s important to make sure it is being used to its full potential.
  • Additional considerations to discuss with your service provider include:
    • where will the data be stored?
    • who will have access to the data?
Page last updated: 01 May 2024