Current Barriers to Large-scale Interoperability of Traceability Technology in the Seafood Sector

Area of Science:

• Supply Chain Management
• Information Systems
• Food Science

Background:

• Interoperability is essential for effective full-chain digital traceability.
• The seafood industry currently exhibits a significant lack of interoperability in its digital systems.
• Existing traceability systems often operate in silos, hindering comprehensive data sharing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the barriers preventing large-scale interoperability among digital traceability systems in the seafood sector.
• To understand these challenges from the viewpoints of seafood companies, technology vendors, and the broader supply chain.
• To provide actionable recommendations for overcoming identified obstacles and scaling traceability efforts.

Main Methods:

• Employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.
• Gathered data from seafood companies, technology providers, and supply chain stakeholders.
• Analyzed perspectives on current traceability system limitations and interoperability challenges.

Main Results:

• Identified significant technical, organizational, and market-related barriers to interoperability.
• Highlighted a lack of standardized data formats and communication protocols as a major impediment.
• Revealed varying levels of awareness and commitment to interoperability across different supply chain actors.

Conclusions:

• Overcoming barriers to interoperability requires collaborative efforts and strategic interventions.
• Standardization of data and protocols is crucial for enabling seamless digital traceability.
• Implementing effective traceability solutions necessitates addressing the perspectives and needs of all supply chain participants.