In recent years, companies have been striving for increased visibility and transparency of activities performed in supply chains. Supply chain tracking systems can provide visibility, traceability, and associated information across different stages of a supply chain, which enables competitive advantages. The efficiency and effectiveness of a tracking system are mainly supported by identification, communication, and information technologies in the supply chain. A better understanding of the various tracking technologies is important due to the fact that there is no single technology that completely covers the entire spectrum of needs and operations in the supply chain. However, there are various relevant technologies available in the market for information registration, capturing, and exchange; and in addition, some technologies have different standards to fit into specific industry sector and operation environments. These technologies complement each other in many ways; for example, some are suitable for outer environments while others work seamlessly inside facilities; and some identify objects while others capture information. It is the intent of this article to understand the main characteristics of different technologies, which play a key role in implementing the tracking system in an effective way. We introduce concepts of tracking system architecture and review most relevant identification, communication, and information technologies. Ultimately, we want to provide an overview of tracking technologies in order to assist decision makers in the processes of evaluation and selection of adequate technology for a design of a tracking system.
Keywords:
supply chain;
tracking technologies;
identification;
communication;
information