E-commerce & Logistics Traceability
RFID & QR for Connected Identity. Built for Scale and Speed.
E-commerce and logistics traceability is driven by throughput, accuracy, and coordination across hand-offs. Large volumes of items move rapidly across distributed networks, making automation increasingly important.
Common Traceability Challenges
E-commerce and logistics traceability programmes commonly need to address:
Volume and velocity – items move faster than manual processes can reliably support
Multiple hand-offs – identity must remain consistent across carriers, hubs, and partners
Exception handling – returns, misroutes, and damages must reconcile cleanly with original identities
Automation boundaries – knowing where automation adds value and where manual control is still required
Watermill supports customers in structuring traceability that remains reliable under peak volumes and operational pressure.
Volume and velocity
Multiple hand-offs
Exception handling
Automation boundaries
Drivers Shaping Logistics Traceability
Watermill helps customers respond pragmatically to the four key drivers shown below — providing targeted solutions grounded in reality, avoiding over-engineering.
Fulfilment Efficiency
Cost Control
Customer Experience
Automation and Data Reliability
Traceability Technology Basics
At logistics scale:
Barcodes remain effective for manual handling, exception management, and last-mile processes
RFID enables automated identification, bulk reading, and faster reconciliation
Used together, these technologies support high-volume operations without sacrificing data quality.
Barcodes 
Low cost, widely adopted, and effective where line-of-sight and manual interaction are sufficient
RFID 
Enabling automatic identification, bulk reading, and interaction without direct visibility, even in complex environments
How Watermill Works with E-commerce & Logistics Customers
Watermill supports logistics operators by:
Supplying labels suited to high-speed environments
Structuring identity for reconciliation and returns
Verifying data before deployment
Advising on systems and infrastructure
Coordinating wider partner ecosystems where required
