1. The Producer collects between 10 and 15 samples of each product in a specific location.
  2. Then the producer sends the samples to the industry association for processing.
  3. The industry association representative will then label classify, and package the samples and send it to the lab.
  4. The Analyst at the Lab then prepares the samples according to a standard and place them as part of a batch in the auto sampler of the instrument.
  5. The Analyst then processes then batch through the ICP-MS and ICP-AES instruments. The instruments produces a file with a count per second value for every detectable element, around 64 of them for each sample.
  6. Next the analyst uploads the output from the instrument to TraceBase®.
  7. The analyst then performs a series of steps to remove interference, and calibrate the samples in order to produce the concentrations in parts per billion of all detected elements.
  8. Next the analyst performs a series of quality control steps and upload the data to the data warehouse section of the system.
  9. Once uploaded to the data warehouse the analyst or trained industry representative can start the interpretive stage of the process. This is done with the help of Artificial Intelligence software.
  10. If it is a known sample as part of a sample batch the industry representative will perform a series of classifications to detect any anomalies with the use of a neural network.
  11. If it is an unknown sample send to the lab for verification purposes the industry representative will first have to match the sample to a know location. If the industry representative are not able to match the sample they will need assistance from the analyst.
  12. Once the traceability process have been completed, the industry association can produce an appropriate action plan.

Traceability Flowchart