Traceability control is the set of rules, records, system functions, and checks used to maintain reliable links between materials, parts, processes, people, equipment, and quality results. In manufacturing, it supports the ability to follow what was made, how it was made, where it was used, and which records are associated with it.
Traceability control is commonly applied in MES, ERP, QMS, PLM, inspection, and inventory systems. It may include lot and serial genealogy, routing history, operator sign-offs, inspection results, calibration references, nonconformance links, revision history, and timestamps. The control aspect focuses on keeping those links complete, consistent, and protected from unintended or unauthorized changes.
The term should not be confused with traceability alone. Traceability is the ability to follow an item or record through a process. Traceability control refers to the mechanisms that make that ability dependable, such as required data capture, version control, access control, audit trails, and reconciliation between connected systems.