LOGU: Service-oriented Architecture and Radio Frequency Identification for steering a model Railway (SARFIR)

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Service-oriented Architecture and Radio Frequency Identification for steering a model Railway (SARFIR)

Over the past years, the subject of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) in container logistics has been heavily discussed in business and science. Apart the lack of standards, which was a subject in the beginning of the technological use of RFID, today’s focus is on necessary modifications of processes (adjustments and extensions) as well as software of involved supply chain participants.

Since 2006, the Institute of Business Logistics and General Management explores the various effects that an implementation RFID in container logistics has on processes and software systems. Because of the enormous complexity, the detected and explored changes can hardly be reproduced or visualized in a real-life demonstrator. Thus, starting in December 2009, the Institute of Business Logistics and General Management has – within the SARFIR project – worked on a proof of concept using an industrial prototype.

Under the leadership of the Institute of Business Logistics and General Management and in cooperation with the two industrial partners Software AG (University Relations) and Loxx (Miniatur Welten Berlin), a physical miniature prototype has been developed. The prototype mapped an exemplary supply chain for containers, featuring three different modes of transport: ship, truck and rail. The main task of this prototype is to illustrate – on an area of about 1.7 by 2.0 meters – changes and advantages resulting from RFID implementation along this specific supply chain. In addition to transport scenarios the prototype also considers transshipment processes, which take place at a container terminal. For controlling the prototype, as well as processing RFID data, the Institute of Business Logistics and General Management uses Software AG’s webMethods-Suite.