Managing Multiple Customer Requests

If you are receiving traceability, compliance, or data-sharing requests from multiple customers, Wholechain can help you understand the request and choose the best way to respond.


1. Start by identifying what each customer is asking for

Customer requests may look similar, but they can require different types of data or different ways of sharing it. Before taking action, confirm what your customer needs.


Common request types include:


FSMA 204 Ship Event data

Your customer may only need ship event related Key Data Elements for covered foods under the FDA Food Traceability Rule. In Wholechain, this is often completed through a Ship Event Form for each shipment to your customer.


Full GDST traceability data

Your customer may need more complete upstream traceability data, such as harvest, production, transformation, shipping, and receiving events. This typically requires a traceability system that can capture and share GDST-aligned data.


Data entry into another customer system

Some customers may ask you to provide data through systems such as iFoodDS, FoodLogiQ, or ReposiTrak. Wholechain has integrations that help reduce duplicate work.


EDI, labeling, or other data-sharing needs

Some requests may involve EDI, product labeling, QR codes, or other ways to share product and traceability information.


2. Understand your options

If you are only sending traceability data to one customer using Wholechain, a free (Lite) account may be sufficient.


If you need to:


  • Send traceability data to multiple customers using Wholechain
  • Send traceability data to customers using a variety of other platforms (e.g., iFoodDS, FoodLogiQ, Repositrak, other GDST systems like Trace Register, etc.)
  • Automate data sharing processes
  • Integrate your internal ERP/MES/WMS
  • Incorporate labeling requirements
  • Collect and ingest data from your own suppliers
  • Involve cold storage, co-packers, brokers, freight providers, or other supply chain partners

...then you may need a more robust system and level of support.


3. If you already have a Wholechain account

If you receive a new invitation from a customer and you already use Wholechain (Essentials, Premium, or Enterprise):


  1. Open the new customer invitation and click View.
  2. In the Supplier Portal, click Use Wholechain.
  3. Sign in using your authorized email address.
  4. Go to Connection Invites.
  5. Accept the new trade partner invite.
  6. Select the Wholechain account you want to connect.
  7. Confirm the connection.

Once connected, you will be able to share the required traceability data with that customer, based on your account plan and the type of request.


4. If you use another traceability system

If your company already uses a GDST, EPCIS, or other traceability system, you may be able to connect that system to Wholechain rather than entering data manually.


In the Supplier Portal:


  1. Click Connect Your System.
  2. Select the option to link another EPCIS/GDST system.
  3. Follow the instructions to provide the required system details.
  4. Contact your traceability system provider if you need help obtaining your API key, company URN, or digital link information.

5. Not sure which option applies?

If you are receiving multiple requests and are not sure whether you need a form, a system connection, or an integration, contact us.


Wholechain can help you determine the most efficient way to respond to each customer request without duplicating unnecessary work.