Design and development of logistics workflow systems for demand management with RFID

Abstract

a b s t r a c tThis paper discusses demand and supply chain management and examines how artificial intelligence techniques and RFID technology can enhance the responsiveness of the logistics workflow. This proposed system is expected to have a significant impact on the performance of logistics networks by virtue of its capabilities to adapt unexpected supply and demand changes in the volatile marketplace with the unique feature of responsiveness with the advanced technology, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). Recent studies have found that RFID and artificial intelligence techniques drive the development of total solution in logistics industry. Apart from tracking the movement of the goods, RFID is able to play an important role to reflect the inventory level of various distribution areas. In today's globalized industrial environment, the physical logistics operations and the associated flow of information are the essential elements for companies to realize an efficient logistics workflow scenario. Basically, a flexible logistics workflow, which is characterized by its fast responsiveness in dealing with customer requirements through the integration of various value chain activities, is fundamental to leverage business performance of enterprises. The significance of this research is the demonstration of the synergy of using a combination of advanced technologies to form an integrated system that helps achieve lean and agile logistics workflow.

Acquiring logistics process intelligence: Methodology and an application for a Chinese bulk port

“…The topic of constructing logistics intelligence has received a lot of attention recently (Jedermann & Lang, 2008). Various intelligent technologies such as radio frequency identification (RFID) (Chow et al, 2007;Klein & Thomas, 2009;Lee, Ho, Ho, & Lau, 2011;Wen, 2010) and multi-agent techniques (Chow et al, 2007;Davidsson, Henesey, Ramstedt, Törnquist, & Wernstedt, 2005;Gallay & Hongler, 2009) are widely applied in logistics systems to provide real-time knowledge support for the logisticians (Siror, Huanye, & Dong, 2011). As an intangible strategic resource, knowledge can be exploited towards superior logistics performance and competitive advantages enabling logistics intelligence (Hult, Ketchen, Cavusgil, & Calantone, 2006;Law & Ngai, 2008).…”

Management optimisation based on dynamic SKU for RFID-enabled warehouse management in the steel supply chain

“…An adaptive inventory management model, which was founded on a forecasting algorithm that utilised RFID-based state and event data in a manufacturing facility, was presented by Mills-Harris, Soylemezoglu, and Saygin (2005). Lee et al (2011) made contributions to achieve lean and agile logistics workflow that helped to determine the correct replenishment strategy by automatically classifying the distribution patterns within the complex demand and supply chain. A substantial amount of the literatures tried to develop an efficient localisation scheme for resource management.…”

“…Logistics management has received special attention in RFID applications. Lee et al (2011) pointed out artificial intelligence techniques and RFID technology could enhance the responsiveness of the logistics workflow. A superiority search and optimisation algorithm has been developed by Kumar and Chan (2011) to solve RFID and an environmental factor embedded closed loop logistics model with the view of minimising manufacturing cost associated with virgin parts and returned products from the final user.…”

A SCADA oriented middleware for RFID technology

“…This is particularly true in heterogeneous environments, including multiple readers, applications instances, supply chain management, complex process and sophisticated business semantics [16,17,18,19].…”