An RFID-Based Tracing and Tracking System for the Fresh Vegetables Supply Chain. (7th July 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mainetti, Luca; Mele, Francesca; Patrono, Luigi; Simone, Francesco; Stefanizzi, Maria Laura; Vergallo, Roberto
• Other Names: Cuiñas Iñigo Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: International journal of antennas and propagation. Volume 2013(2013)
• Publication Date: 2013-07-07
• Subjects: Electronic apparatus and appliances -- Periodicals; Antennas (Electronics) -- Periodicals; Radio wave propagation -- Periodicals; Antennes (Électronique); Ondes radioélectriques -- Propagation; Antennas (Electronics); Electronic apparatus and appliances; Radio wave propagation; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 621.382405
• DOI: 10.1155/2013/531364
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1687-5869

Abstract

Abstract : The paper presents an innovative gapless traceability system able to improve the main business processes of the fresh vegetables supply chain. The performed analysis highlighted some critical aspects in the management of the whole supply chain, from the land to the table of the end consumer, and allowed us to reengineer the most important processes. In particular, the first steps of the supply chain, which include cultivation in greenhouses and manufacturing of packaged vegetables, were analyzed. The re-engineered model was designed by exploiting the potentialities derived from the combined use of innovative Radio Frequency technologies, such as RFID and NFC, and important international standards, such as EPCglobal. The proposed tracing and tracking system allows the end consumer to know the complete history of the purchased product. Furthermore, in order to evaluate the potential benefits of the reengineered processes in a real supply chain, a pilot project was implemented in an Italian food company, which produces ready-to-eat vegetables, known as IV gamma products. Finally, some important metrics have been chosen to carry out the analysis of the potential benefits derived from the use of the re-engineered model.