SUPPLY CHAIN TRACEABILITY IN APPAREL MANUFACTURING: A REVIEW OF REAL-TIME ORDER TRACKING, VENDOR MANAGEMENT, AND EXPORT VISIBILITY SYSTEMS

Abstract

The complexity and global dispersion of modern apparel supply chains have intensified the need for robust traceability systems that can ensure ethical sourcing, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance. This study presents an in-depth meta-analysis of traceability mechanisms in apparel manufacturing, focusing specifically on three interconnected dimensions: real-time order tracking, vendor management, and export visibility systems. Drawing upon 113 empirical studies published between 2005 and 2022, the analysis synthesizes technological, organizational, and governance-related approaches to supply chain traceability, with particular attention to digital platforms such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Supply Chain Management (SCM), Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), Transportation Management Systems (TMS), blockchain-enabled infrastructures, and Traceability-as-a-Service (TaaS) models. The findings reveal that while real-time order tracking is well-established at the Tier 1 level through ERP and SCM systems, traceability significantly deteriorates beyond Tier 2 due to subcontracting opacity, fragmented governance, and limited technological integration. Vendor management practices remain largely coercive and audit-driven, which leads to short-term compliance but does not foster sustained transparency or collaborative data sharing. Export visibility tools, while effective in managing container movement and customs documentation, often operate in isolation from broader traceability platforms, resulting in data silos and verification gaps. Furthermore, the study highlights the central role of governance models in shaping traceability outcomes, with collaborative and hybrid approaches demonstrating higher success rates in multi-tier visibility and supplier engagement. It also underscores the growing relevance of blockchain and EDI-based systems in export traceability, emphasizing the benefits and limitations of each. TaaS platforms are identified as emerging enablers of flexible, modular traceability infrastructure, particularly for small and mid-sized brands; however, their effectiveness is often constrained by digital readiness and uneven supplier participation. The meta-analysis concludes that traceability in apparel manufacturing is not merely a technical challenge but a deeply institutional and organizational endeavor. Effective traceability systems require alignment across governance frameworks, platform interoperability, and equitable stakeholder involvement to move beyond surface-level compliance and achieve meaningful transparency across the entire apparel value chain.