2.2 Critical control points for data capture

Critical Control Points (CCPs) for Data Capture in Agarwood Production

Ensuring Accuracy, Traceability & Value from Plantation to Market

Critical control points are stages in the agarwood supply chain where data must be captured accurately to ensure traceability, compliance, and quality assurance.

1. Plantation Establishment (Seedling Stage)

Purpose: Record the origin of the tree and initial investment.

Key Data to Capture:

  • Seedling provenance (species, source nursery)
  • Plantation registration & GPS coordinates
  • Tree ID assignment (unique QR or tag)
  • Planting date and farmer/plot owner details
  • Soil and site preparation notes

Why It Matters:

  • Establishes the tree’s legal identity and origin
  • Forms the foundation for all subsequent traceability

2. Inoculation Stage

Purpose: Track resin induction to ensure reproducibility and quality.

Key Data to Capture:

  • Inoculation date and method (biotic, abiotic, dual)
  • Inoculant type & batch number
  • Tree ID linkage
  • Photos or sensor logs for resin development
  • Post-inoculation monitoring notes (health, pest/disease checks)

Why It Matters:

  • Supports grade verification and product authenticity
  • Enables yield prediction and quality assurance

3. Growth & Maintenance Logs

Purpose: Document tree care to support sustainability and ESG claims.

Key Data to Capture:

  • Fertilization and pesticide application (type, dose, date)
  • Irrigation & pruning activities
  • Disease or pest incidents
  • Growth measurements (height, girth, canopy)

Why It Matters:

  • Demonstrates compliance with environmental and sustainable practices
  • Supports claims for carbon credits or ESG reporting

4. Harvest Stage

Purpose: Ensure legal, quality-compliant, and traceable collection.

Key Data to Capture:

  • Harvest date and batch number
  • Weight and grade of harvested chips/resin
  • Source tree IDs for each batch
  • Legal permit numbers (CITES, WCuP, CNC/ECC)
  • Photos or video verification

Why It Matters:

  • Confirms authenticity for buyers
  • Protects against fraud, substitution, and illegal sourcing

5. Processing Stage

Purpose: Maintain batch integrity and quality during transformation.

Key Data to Capture:

  • Processing type (chip, oil, powder)
  • Batch numbers linked to source trees
  • Weight before and after processing
  • Yield percentage and quality grade
  • Date, operator, and facility details

Why It Matters:

  • Ensures traceable product from tree to market-ready form
  • Supports premium pricing and compliance reporting

6. Packaging & Labeling

Purpose: Connect physical products with digital records.

Key Data to Capture:

  • Batch-linked QR code assignment
  • Packaging date and weight
  • Storage or shipment preparation notes
  • Sustainability or ESG tags (if applicable)

Why It Matters:

  • Allows instant verification by buyers
  • Minimizes risk of substitution or tampering

7. Export / Trade Stage

Purpose: Provide verifiable proof of origin, legality, and quality.

Key Data to Capture:

  • Export documentation (CITES, phytosanitary, permits)
  • Buyer details and purchase order numbers
  • QR / blockchain verification logs
  • Shipping date, carrier, and handling instructions

Why It Matters:

  • Reduces trade disputes and shipment rejection
  • Builds market credibility and repeat buyer trust

8. Continuous Data Principles

At every CCP:

  • Digital capture preferred: Use QR codes, AgriTrace, or ledger systems
  • Time-stamped entries: Ensure records are auditable
  • Link data to tree ID & batch: Never record in isolation
  • Photographic or sensor evidence: Supports claims and verification
  • Backup & blockchain logging: Protect against data tampering

Brand/Training Message

“Every critical control point is a step toward verified, traceable, and premium agarwood. Accurate data capture protects your product, ensures compliance, and unlocks higher market value.”