How Aqua Exchange achieved GDST Capability Test readiness using the Traceability Driver — without direct implementation support and without changing their existing system.
The Global Dialogue on Seafood Traceability (GDST) establishes a common framework for interoperable seafood traceability based on standardized data formats and event-based traceability. To help technology solution providers demonstrate that their systems can generate and exchange GDST-compliant traceability data, GDST developed the GDST Capability Test, which verifies whether a system can produce standardized traceability events, master data, and digital link information in the correct structure and format to ensure interoperability.
To support technology solution providers in meeting these requirements, the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), through the Global Food Traceability Center (GFTC), developed the open-source Traceability Driver. The Traceability Driver allows solution providers to use their existing systems, map their data to the GDST framework, and generate the standardized data needed to pass the GDST Capability Test and share traceability data with other systems. The Traceability Driver is installed and run by the solution provider on their own system, meaning companies always retain full control over their data and decide when and with whom data is shared.
“At Aqua Exchange, we knew that meeting global traceability standards was the right step, but we also needed a path that worked with our existing system — not against it. The Traceability Driver gave us exactly that. Within just one to two weeks, we went from integration uncertainty to full GDST Capability Test readiness. What could have taken months of custom development was reduced to a focused mapping exercise. For any technology provider looking to achieve interoperability without rebuilding from scratch, the Traceability Driver is a genuinely practical solution.”
— Aqua Exchange Team
The following case study describes how Aqua Exchange implemented the Traceability Driver using their existing system architecture in order to pass the GDST’s Capability Test.