Model and SOA solutions for traceability in logistic chains

This paper addresses the problem of traceability in the context of a complex supply chain by proposing a model that captures the main elements necessary to follow a product throughout its lifecycle, from manufacturing to the end consumer. The model is general enough to be applied for several types of supply chains and focuses on external traceability, but also enables the retrieval of internal traceability data. We also present a broker-based service oriented architecture that provides logistics and traceability support according to the model. The traceability operations are performed on the products that travel along supply chains. The architecture targets a distributed environment, with the broker gathering and processing traceability data stored at different sites. We describe two approaches for traceability data retrieval, one for the logistic chains created and managed by the broker, and another one for the supply chains discovered in the EPCglobal Network.