Needs and requirements assessment of physical product traceability within the Portuguese textile and clothing industry

Abstract

The Textile and Clothing Industry (TCI) has been increasingly adopting traceability solutions to maintain competitiveness amidst growing market demands for transparency, sustainability, and continuous improvements in quality and efficiency. This study investigates the needs and requirements of physical traceability in Portuguese TCI companies by assessing Information Technology (IT) companies that provide multiple solutions across various sectors of the supply chain. The findings reveal that no single solution can encompass all variables, with IT companies instead providing multiple tracking and tracing solutions with differing levels of granularity, interoperability, and adoption by the TCI companies. We also identify areas of intervention and innovation, as well as the limitations that prevent their easy adoption.