Method for tracking components

A method for tracking components, comprising the steps of:

• separating a metal strip to form individual metal blanks;
• providing each of the individual metal blanks with a respective individual part number;
• recording the individual part numbers in an information technology system;
• capturing the individual metal blanks by a capturing device by reading the individual part numbers before the individual metal blanks run through a press device;
• running the individual metal blanks through the press device, wherein the individual metal blanks are shaped by a shaping press of the press device to form respective individual components and outputting the individual components on an outflow conveyor belt;
• removing the individual components from the outflow conveyor belt and arranging each of the individual components in one of a plurality of containers wherein each of the plurality of containers has a respective container identifier;
• capturing a movement of the individual components from being output on the outflow conveyor belt until being arranged in the one of the plurality of containers by a camera system;
• creating a link between respective individual part numbers and respective individual container identifiers;
• and
• storing the link in a database.