Skip to content
TraceBenchBY SMARTFACT

FREE LOT AND BATCH TRACEABILITY

How to run a mock recall from your own records

Updated

A mock recall is a planned exercise that tests your traceability: you choose a lot and check how quickly and fully your records show where it went and what went into it. TraceBench does the tracing part free in your browser, from your own production and despatch exports, with the row behind every link and every gap named.

Free to use. No account, email address or trial. Your files are never uploaded.

TraceBench result for supplier lot SL-0042 traced forwards: Partial: some of the answer is missing, with the reached records and the relevant gap counted
A supplier lot traced forwards, with the gap that limits the answer.

What does a mock recall test?

Whether your records can answer two questions quickly and fully: where did this lot go, and what went into it? Customer and certification audits often also expect quantities to be reconciled and a time limit to be met. TraceBench answers the tracing questions from the records you load; reconciling quantities stays a separate check in your own system.

Which records do I need?

Usually two exports: production records that state which input lot went into which output batch, and despatch records that state which batch went into which shipment. Load each as a UTF-8 CSV and say what it records. A goods-in file on its own shows what arrived, not where it was used, so it cannot answer where a lot went.

TraceBench Say what the columns mean step, with Type of records set to Production: input into output
Each file says what it records: production, despatch or lots.

How do I run the trace?

Scan or type the lot number exactly as recorded, choose the starting record and Forwards: where did it go?, then Run this trace. To cross from production into despatch, first confirm under Links between the two files that the batch codes in both refer to the same batches. The result lists every reached batch and shipment, and every link opens to its file, record number and original cells.

TraceBench link opened to its original row, listing each original column with its exact value and the file's SHA-256 fingerprint
Every link opens to the row it came from.

What if the records have gaps?

TraceBench says so. A missing sequence number in a range you declared, coverage you are not sure of, or a code in the other file that nobody has confirmed as the same batch leaves the result Partial or Unknown, with the reason named. A code with no match is reported as No recorded match within what you loaded, never as proof that it was not made or not shipped.

TraceBench separate project warnings, explaining that they concern the loaded files and that an unmatched code does not establish that another source never recorded it
Warnings about the files, kept apart from the gaps in this trace.

What should the exercise record keep?

Download the trace as an A4 PDF or a CSV. Both hold the exact question, every link with its rows, the gaps, the separate project warnings and each file's name and SHA-256 fingerprint. Keep the trace in the project history and download a backup, so the exercise can be reopened later with the same files and decisions.

TraceBench Keep or share this result panel after the trace PDF is ready, with Keep trace in project history and the CSV format choice
The trace as a PDF report, with its sources and gaps.

What TraceBench does not do

It does not decide whether to recall, hold stock or notify customers, and it does not reconcile quantities or time the exercise. It reads only what the loaded files record, two files at a time, with no connection to your ERP. A result describes the records, not what physically happened.

MADE FOR THE FLOOR

For quality and technical managers at small food and engineering manufacturers preparing for a customer audit, a certification audit or their own traceability test.

A USEFUL STARTING POINT

A trace is only as good as the records behind it

In a mock recall it is easy to fill a gap from memory, or to join two spreadsheets on a code that only looks the same. TraceBench follows the links your files record and the ones you confirm, shows the row behind each and keeps every gap in the answer, so the exercise tests your records rather than your memory of them.

FROM QUESTION TO EVIDENCE

Three steps to a useful result.

  1. 01

    Load production and despatch

    Export the production and despatch records for the period, load them as CSV files and say what each column means, including the numbering each code uses and what the file covers.

  2. 02

    Trace the chosen lot

    Scan or type the lot, choose Forwards: where did it go? and run the trace. Confirm a link between the two files only where you know the codes refer to the same batch.

  3. 03

    Keep the record

    Read the gaps, download the PDF or CSV for the exercise file, keep the trace in the project history and download a backup.

A CONCRETE EXAMPLE

Partial, because one record is missing

In the built-in example, which declares that both files use the same batch numbering, the records show supplier lot SL-0042 going into batches B-1001 and B-1002, and those batches in shipments S-501, S-502 and S-503. The production file declares sequence numbers 6 to 8, but number 7 is missing, so TraceBench reports the trace as Partial and names the missing sequence. It does not assume the missing record was unimportant.

USED IN PRODUCTION

When tracing becomes quality work for a team.

TraceBench answers one question at a time, from files you load on one device. When traces become regular work for a quality team, LotTrail keeps the declared sources, reviewed identity links and evidence together. LotTrail is an invited trial, with scope agreed with you.

Invited trial

LotTrail

LotTrail follows a lot or serial number through the records your factory already keeps, with the source of each link and the gaps shown. Sources are declared, mappings are reviewed, identity links are approved by a supervisor and the evidence is retained for quality work. The invited trial covers two declared sources at one site.

BEFORE YOU START

A few practical answers.

Does TraceBench check quantities or mass balance?

No. Quantities appear only as they are written in the original rows, and TraceBench never adds, allocates or reconciles them. Where several inputs share one production operation, every input may relate to every output, and TraceBench labels that as potential attribution instead of dividing the quantities.

Can I trace backwards from a customer complaint?

Yes. Enter the shipment number from the despatch records and trace backwards: TraceBench follows the shipment's recorded contents to the batches and supplier lots behind them. A shipment can only be traced backwards.

Is the result evidence for an auditor?

It is a record of what your files show. The PDF states the question, the files and their fingerprints, every link and every gap. A fingerprint shows that a file has not changed since it was loaded; it does not show that the records are true or that they cover everything that happened.

What are the current limits?

TraceBench is a reading of the records you load, not a recall decision or proof of what physically happened. It has no recall, hold, stock or customer-notification actions, does not allocate or reconcile quantities, and never links records because their codes, times, descriptions or row order look alike. Two current files at a time, each UTF-8 CSV with column names in the first row, up to 5 MiB, 5,000 data records and 40 columns, and 10,000 recorded facts across both. A trace follows up to 20 manufacturing steps and stops at its limits with a stated reason. XLSX files are not read, and there is no connection to your ERP or any other system.

What happens to my data?

Your files stay in this browser. Work is held in memory until you choose Save on this device, which keeps the whole project, original files included, in this browser. Files are read and fingerprinted on your device and never uploaded, and there is no account or email step. Reports and backups contain your records and file names, so check them before sharing. Google Analytics is optional and loads only after you accept; it never receives codes, rows, file names or results. Use Analytics settings to change your choice; see /privacy/.

ONE SMALL JOB, DONE WELL

Put TraceBench to work.

Open the free tool and start with one known example.

Start a free trace →

THE SMARTFACT SUITE

Practical tools. Useful on their own.
Better around the same floor.

Automate factory decisions with rules you describe in plain English. Explore focused SmartFACT services, plus free tools for everyday checks.

Invited trialSuggested next step

LotTrail

Follow a lot or serial number through the records your factory already keeps, with the source of each link and the gaps shown. Explore an invited trial with two declared sources.

Explore LotTrail ↗
Invited trial

LabelRules

Describe label rules in plain English. Automatically select layouts, resolve customer codes and check each job before printing.

Explore LabelRules ↗
Early access

KitProof

Turn plain English component rules into automatic kit checklists, then check scans against the expected parts and quantities.

Explore KitProof ↗
Early access

WorkSteps

Turn plain English rules into automatic step selection for each unit, with required evidence and a record of completed work.

Explore WorkSteps ↗
Early access

FactorySpec

Apply approved product rules and calculations automatically to turn dimensions and options into manufacturing requirements.

Register early-access interest ↗
Early access

ConfigSheets

Bring data in from uploaded sheets or the Shopify, WooCommerce and PrestaShop connectors, check each change and deliver it to the products that use it.

Explore ConfigSheets ↗
Early access

ParcelOffice

Scan the work order and the parcel choice to book the courier and print the labels. Approved plain English rules recommend or choose the parcel.

Explore ParcelOffice ↗
Early access

RefillFlow

Scan an empty container to send the right refill request to stores. Approved plain English rules set the stores queue, priority, ticket printer and escalation.

Explore RefillFlow ↗
Early access

RemnantRack

Label each offcut, find a suitable length before cutting new stock and record what you used. Approved plain English rules decide what to keep and where it goes.

Explore RemnantRack ↗
Invited trial

ToolCustody

Check a shared tool before handover, record who has it and keep damaged or overdue tools out of the next issue. Explore an invited trial for one factory crib.

Explore ToolCustody ↗
Invited trial

StoresFlow

Receive, put away, reserve and issue stores material with barcode checks, keeping held, reserved and available stock apart. Explore an invited trial for one stockroom.

Explore StoresFlow ↗
Early access

CheckStation

Scan an identified unit to get its approved final-inspection checks, then record exact readings with their result, holds and release history.

Register early-access interest ↗
Free tool

ScannerBench

See the text and key events your keyboard scanner sends. Compare them with the value you expected.

Test a scanner ↗
Free tool

PrintBench

Print a known PDF, measure its reference marks and compare scans from the printed codes.

Check a print ↗
Free tool

CardBench

Create 100 × 50 mm bin and rack cards with Code 128 or QR, from one record or a CSV.

Make bin cards ↗
Free tool

CountBench

Count stock by location with a barcode scanner, compare it with a stock file and export the results. No account needed.

Start a free count ↗
Free tool

BarcodeBench

See exactly what a scanned barcode contains, with hidden characters shown and GS1 fields, check digits and dates explained. No account needed.

Inspect a barcode ↗
Free tool

MatchBench

Scan a reference and each label, see an exact match or the first difference, and download the results. No account needed.

Start a free comparison ↗
Free tool

TagBench

Scan an item or location, note what needs attention, print a review tag and keep a review list. No account needed.

Make a free tag ↗
Free tool

FindBench

Load your own parts and locations CSV, scan a code and see every location it lists. No account needed.

Start a free lookup ↗
Free tool

ManifestBench

Check cartons, pallets or serial numbers against a list with a phone or scanner and see what is missing. No account needed.

Start a free check ↗
Free tool

FeedBench

Check CSV and JSON files exactly as written, preview a column mapping and compare two versions by key. No account needed.

Check a file free ↗
Free tool

CycleBench

Time work cycles and changeovers on a phone, record interruptions with reasons and download the results. No account needed.

Start a free study ↗
Free tool

OffcutBench

Label the offcuts on your rack, find a piece long enough before cutting new stock and record what you used. No account needed.

Track offcuts free ↗
Free tool

TraceBench

Load one or two CSV exports and follow a lot or serial forwards or backwards, with the row behind every link. No account needed.

You are here
Help

SmartFACT Help

Step-by-step guides and interactive demonstrations for the SmartFACT suite. Read the instructions, watch a task or practise with real product screens and sample data.

Open SmartFACT Help ↗