Ensuring transparency and accountability in the seafood supply chain is no small task. At the Global Dialogue on Seafood Traceability (GDST), we not only provide free access to a universal standard for interoperable, digital traceability in seafood supply, we also share resources to support implementation – and, crucially, develop tools to evidence implementation. These tools – like the GDST Capability Test – allow solution providers to verify their alignment with the GDST Standard through automated testing and reporting.
‘What is a solution provider? A solution provider is a business that develops and sells software solutions and technologies enabling digital traceability in supply chains. GDST’s broad range of Partners includes many solution providers, who use the GDST Standard and tools to shape their offerings for seafood supply chain businesses all over the world, forming a crucial part of the global transition towards universal, interoperable data exchange – and traceability.
GDST’s testing requirement has been a cornerstone for ensuring traceability platforms comply with our Standard. However, while this process ensures compliance at the time of testing, the dynamic nature of software development and the rapid pace of innovation in the traceability space mean that changes or updates made to software between tests may inadvertently affect a solution’s alignment with the GDST Standard.
To address this challenge, Wholechain – a founding GDST Partner who provides a blockchain-based solution to support supply chain transparency – has recently changed their approach to testing. Their updated process raises the bar by continually assessing the capability of their solution with the GDST Standard.
What does this mean? Simply put, Wholechain have implemented a process to automate GDST testing on a daily basis – setting a practical example for how the industry can close potential gaps in compliance, and making innovative use of available GDST tools.
This approach demonstrates how solution providers can implement voluntary best practices that complement the organization’s existing framework, contributing to a more resilient and transparent supply chain.
“We believe that continuous verification is essential for maintaining the highest level of trust and transparency in the seafood supply chain. By automating our GDST testing, we’re not only ensuring our platform consistently meets the highest standards but also demonstrating a commitment to ongoing improvement.” says Jayson Berryhill, CEO of Wholechain and Board Member of The Global Dialogue on Seafood Traceability.
“Wholechain’s implementation of automated daily testing is a significant step forward in how we approach globally interoperable traceability in the seafood industry. It demonstrates a proactive and innovative approach to maintaining compliance with the GDST Standard in a rapidly evolving technological landscape and we anticipate all solution providers making this the norm.” states Huw Thomas, Executive Director of Global Dialogue on Seafood Traceability.
A Collaborative Step Forward
This development reflects an important shift in how the seafood supply chain can approach traceability. GDST provides the foundational framework, offering a clear and structured pathway for solution providers to demonstrate compliance, and Wholechain’s automation of daily testing shows a clear example of how these standards can be supported through new approaches to continuous improvement. Standards like the GDST can encourage solution providers to adopt practices that strengthen the entire supply chain and, as the seafood industry continues to evolve, this balance of clear, robust standards and adaptive solutions from the marketplace will be critical in addressing the complexities of global trade and sustainability.
“We encourage other solution providers to explore similar approaches to continuous verification. By embracing these innovative practices, we can collectively enhance the robustness and reliability of traceability systems across the global seafood supply chain.” concludes Thomas.