What is the meaning of 'traceability' in parts management?

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Traceability in parts management means being able to follow a part’s history from its origin through every stage of its life—manufacture, inspection, maintenance, modifications, storage, distribution, and up to its current installation. This involves capturing serial or lot numbers, supplier and certification data, service and repair records, and any changes made to the part along the way. This makes the chosen concept the best fit because it encompasses both where the part came from and the entire lifecycle it has experienced up to now, not just its current state. It’s different from forecasting demand, which looks ahead to what parts will be needed, and from simply knowing the coloring of parts or tracking only the present installation, which misses the essential history that supports safety, maintenance, and regulatory compliance.