Towards a decision support framework for technologies used in cold supply chain traceability

Abstract

In recent years, a need for product traceability in the cold supply chain has emerged. The purpose of this study was to identify and map out different kinds of identification technologies and techniques used for cold supply chain traceability. This was done by looking into what traceability solutions are available right now through literature review. The results from this review were then further analyzed to obtain a basis for the current state of knowledge, technical solutions and to identify possible traceability structures in the cold chain. A decision support framework was constructed for choosing a suitable technical solution. It consists of a table listing different functions and attributes of technologies and a decision-tree. The decision support framework created from this work will help the user to identify what kind of traceability technology and structure best suits his products. This is important, as it can often be difficult for the user to decide which technology is most beneficial for his company. That is why this decision support framework will enable him to decide what is technologically feasible, practical, economical, can sustain reputation, quality and safety of the products. Finally, I would like to thank Smart-Fish for the financial support that enabled me to visit Oulu University of Applied Science. I would also like to thank the hardworking scientists who took time out of their work to educate me on their research.

Leveraging the Internet of Things and Blockchain Technology in Supply Chain Management

“…For example, the food supply chain is particularly sensitive to environmental conditions during transportation and storage, such as light, humidity and temperature [13]. In the cold chain, time-temperature measurements with sensor devices connected to a wireless sensor network (WSN) can help to preserve the quality and safety of a food product and reduce the risk of spoilage [14]. WSNs represent a network or system of connected sensors which communicate to a base station through mobile networks such as 4G or GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) and informs supply chain exchange partners in real-time [14].…”

“…In the cold chain, time-temperature measurements with sensor devices connected to a wireless sensor network (WSN) can help to preserve the quality and safety of a food product and reduce the risk of spoilage [14]. WSNs represent a network or system of connected sensors which communicate to a base station through mobile networks such as 4G or GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) and informs supply chain exchange partners in real-time [14]. When the information is received, it can trigger an acceptance or rejection of the shipment based on the temperature parameters preset in a smart contract, which in turn can trigger payment if accepted.…”

Sensor Applications in Agrifood Systems: Current Trends and Opportunities for Water Stewardship

“…In addition, the perishable nature of food products, along with the variability of preservation, packaging and transportation conditions, impacts the products' remaining shelf life [22], further highlighting the catalytic role of sensor applications for the monitoring of food attributes and environmental conditions. To that end, sensors can be used not only to enable visibility during agricultural production, but also to provide end-to-end traceability in food supply chains, particularly in the case of cold chains [23]. The retrieved data and information could inform efficient and responsive supply chain management interventions to mitigate food safety risks, improve inventory management, reduce waste and losses, as well as allow for dynamic pricing systems [24].…”

“…Ruiz-Garcia et al [27] provided a review of sensor technologies applicable to the agriculture and food industry. Notwithstanding the enabling role of sensors towards sustainable food networks, their adoption and implementation by end-to-end food supply chains requires a robust decision-making process; Óskarsdóttir and Oddsson [23] provide a detailed decision-support framework for guiding stakeholders in cold food chains to identify appropriate traceability technology.…”

A 0.0014 mm2 150 nW CMOS Temperature Sensor with Nonlinearity Characterization and Calibration for the −60 to +40 °C Measurement Range

“…Low power consumption is another key requirement, since in many cold chain applications, the temperature monitoring function is incorporated into the extremely power-constrained wireless telemetry circuit powered by a miniature battery or a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag based on wireless power transfer [5]. In addition, cold chain applications need temperature monitoring for every truck and even every small product package, and such applications are usually cost sensitive [5,6,7,8]. In general, there is a great need to investigate low-cost, low-power, wide-range, and high-accuracy temperature sensors for cold chain applications [9].…”