Introduction

The wire and cable industry is a critical sector that supports power transmission, telecommunications, and industrial infrastructure. However, quality and safety issues such as counterfeit products, non-compliant materials, and lack of transparency have posed significant risks in recent years.

To address these challenges, quality and safety traceability systems have been introduced using Ecode identification and IoT-based tracking technologies. This article explores:

• The importance of traceability in the wire and cable industry
• The technical framework of a traceability system
• Case studies from industry pilot programs
• Future recommendations for enhancing quality management

By leveraging big data, digital identification, and intelligent supervision, the industry aims to establish a transparent, efficient, and secure production and supply chain network.

Challenges in Wire and Cable Quality Management

1. Common Issues in Quality Control

Despite improvements in regulatory frameworks, quality issues persist in the wire and cable industry:

• Counterfeit and substandard products in the market.
• Lack of real-time monitoring, leading to delayed defect detection.
• Difficulties in tracking cable lifecycle, from manufacturing to installation.
• Non-standardized product labeling, making verification difficult.

2. Limitations of Traditional Inspection Methods

• Regulatory inspections are periodic, not continuous.
• Manual quality checks are inefficient and prone to human error.
• Supply chain data is fragmented, preventing effective tracking.

3. The Need for a Traceability System

A digitalized traceability system ensures: ✔ End-to-end tracking of wire and cable production.
✔ Real-time monitoring for safety and compliance.
✔ Standardized product labeling, improving verification processes.

Technical Framework of a Quality Traceability System

The traceability system is built around Ecode identification, an IoT-based system that assigns a unique digital identity to each cable product.

1. System Architecture

The system operates at three levels:

➡ Ecode identification acts as the "digital fingerprint" for each product, enabling seamless data exchange across platforms.

2. Core Functions of the Traceability System

➡ Implementation Benefits: The system reduces fraud, ensures regulatory compliance, and enhances supply chain efficiency.

Case Study: Implementation of Ecode-Based Traceability in a Leading Cable Manufacturer

1. Background

A large-scale Chinese cable manufacturer implemented Ecode identification and real-time monitoring to enhance product quality and market transparency.

2. Implementation Process

Step 1: Product Labeling with Ecode

• Each cable roll assigned a unique digital ID (Ecode128).
• QR codes printed on packaging for real-time tracking.

Step 2: Integration with Manufacturing Systems

• Ecode linked with ERP and MES systems to track production data.
• Automated monitoring of raw materials and process parameters.

Step 3: Supply Chain Digitalization

• Logistics data integrated with warehouse and transportation records.
• Customers could verify product authenticity via QR code scans.

3. Results and Benefits

➡ Key Takeaway: Digital traceability improved defect detection, reduced counterfeiting, and enhanced operational transparency.

Key Takeaways from the Pilot Study

1. Strengthened Regulatory Oversight

• Real-time quality tracking allows authorities to detect non-compliance faster.
• Data-sharing between enterprises and regulators enhances enforcement efficiency.

2. Reduced Counterfeit and Substandard Products

• Unique product IDs prevent unauthorized duplication.
• Consumers and businesses can verify authenticity via Ecode queries.

3. Empowering Digital Transformation in the Industry

• Manufacturers improve efficiency by automating data collection.
• AI-driven analytics optimize quality control and risk management.

4. Building a Transparent and Secure Supply Chain

• Digital records ensure accountability at every stage.
• Logistics tracking minimizes risks of fraud and delays.

Future Recommendations for Enhancing Traceability

➡ Conclusion: Integrating IoT, AI, and blockchain technologies will further enhance transparency, security, and efficiency in the wire and cable industry.

Keywords

• Wire and Cable Industry
• Quality and Safety Traceability
• Ecode Identification
• Smart Manufacturing
• Supply Chain Transparency
• IoT-based Quality Management
• AI in Cable Production
• Digital Transformation

References

1. Li, J. H. (2025). Pilot and Inspiration of Quality and Safety Traceability in Wire and Cable Industry. Wire & Cable, 68(1), 38-42. DOI: 10.16105/j.dxdl.1672-6901.20240202
2. Feng, Y. K., Luo, J. X., Zhang, L., et al. (2022). Causes and Countermeasures for Quality and Safety Risks in Wire and Cable Industry. China Market Regulation Research, 2022(5), 77-80.
3. He, M. Z. (2013). Inspection of Wire and Cable Quality. Marine Electric & Electronic Engineering, 2013(11), 8-9.
4. An, F. F., An, B. N. (2023). Analysis and Evaluation of Wire and Cable Quality Control. China Quality Supervision, 2023(10), 128-129.