Architecture for improving terrestrial logistics based on the Web of Things

Area of Science:

• Logistics and Supply Chain Management
• Internet of Things (IoT)
• Embedded Systems

Background:

• Current supply chain technologies face challenges in tracking, tracing, and monitoring (TTM) goods, especially perishables requiring strict temperature control.
• European legislation mandates specific temperature ranges for transporting perishable goods to ensure consumer safety and product quality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and present an integrated system utilizing the Internet of Things (IoT) for advanced terrestrial logistics.
• To achieve item-level continuous monitoring and enhance the efficiency of supply chain management for goods in transit.

Main Methods:

• Integration of Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) for tracking and tracing within a distributed architecture for heavy goods vehicles.
• Utilization of SunSPOT platform sensors for real-time monitoring, leveraging the Internet of Things (IoT) concept.
• Optimization of Embedded Web Services based on RESTful principles (Web of Things) for accessible TTM services.

Main Results:

• A scalable and flexible architecture for improving terrestrial logistics and enabling item-level continuous monitoring.
• Extended monitoring patterns (observe, blockwise transfer) to support continuous conditional monitoring and inventory management.
• Demonstrated an evolution from basic TTM to exhaustive, item-level monitoring capabilities.

Conclusions:

• The proposed IoT-based system offers a significant advancement in supply chain TTM solutions, moving beyond trailer identification to comprehensive item-level oversight.
• Optimized Web of Things communication capabilities are crucial for achieving the required exhaustive monitoring for diverse use cases.
• The system provides a robust framework for ensuring the quality and safety of transported goods, particularly perishables.