Correlating distributed RFID-based event data for logistics process monitoring

Abstract

Decreasing sizes and a static decline in production costs are fostering the use of RFID tags and sensors in cross-company logistics networks. The EPCIS specification comprises interface standards for capturing and querying RFID based event data and its exchange in a standardized data format. Additionally, modern technologies for event processing enable novel event based applications whose potentials have not been precisely examined in this context so far. Our contribution covers this issue by exploring the utilization of the given technologies for the monitoring of complex inter-organizational logistics processes. The monitoring should detect contract violations, product shrinkage and counterfeiting. We introduce requirements for the monitoring of individual quality objectives and process constraints using distributed event data. In consideration of these, we propose a monitoring system architecture and argue that it can nearly seamlessly be integrated into existing EPCglobal compliant RFID infrastructures. Furthermore, we estimate the value of event processing technologies in addressing the given requirements and identify challenges in application design.