Enhancing Visibility in EPCIS Governing Agri-Food Supply Chains via Linked Pedigrees

Data integration for the purposes of tracking, tracing and transparency are important challenges in the agri-food supply chain. The Electronic Product Code Information Services (EPCIS) is an event-oriented GS1 standard that aims to enable tracking and tracing of products through the sharing of event-based datasets that encapsulate the Electronic Product Code (EPC). In this paper, the authors propose a framework that utilises events and EPCs in the generation of “linked pedigrees” - linked datasets that enable the sharing of traceability information about products as they move along the supply chain. The authors exploit two ontology based information models, EEM and CBVVocab within a distributed and decentralised framework that consumes real time EPCIS events as linked data to generate the linked pedigrees. The authors exemplify the usage of linked pedigrees within the fresh fruit and vegetables supply chain in the agri-food sector.

Implementation of radio frequency identification middleware with database

This paper introduces the principle of a radio frequency identification (RFID) middleware, including its characteristics, problems and implementation in relation to Electronic Product Code (EPC). The targeted users are small and medium-sized domestic enterprises (SMEs), who need flexible and convenient solutions. This paper provides a framework and construction solutions of this simple RFID middleware, and discusses EPC concepts, solutions and advantages. It has been found that the best solution is to construct a simple and convenient platform and continuously add new common reader adapters based on the actual needs and extend special applications, which will become the basic functions of the RFID middleware, so that SMEs can conveniently use and extend these functions according to their needs. This study shows that the simple RFID middleware is suitable for SMEs to use and the open source can be easily applied to make a platform based on the RFID middleware.

Enhancing Visibility in EPCIS Governing Agri-Food Supply Chains via Linked Pedigrees

Data integration for the purposes of tracking, tracing and transparency are important challenges in the agri-food supply chain. The Electronic Product Code Information Services (EPCIS) is an event-oriented GS1 standard that aims to enable tracking and tracing of products through the sharing of event-based datasets that encapsulate the Electronic Product Code (EPC). In this paper, the authors propose a framework that utilises events and EPCs in the generation of “linked pedigrees” - linked datasets that enable the sharing of traceability information about products as they move along the supply chain. The authors exploit two ontology based information models, EEM and CBVVocab within a distributed and decentralised framework that consumes real time EPCIS events as linked data to generate the linked pedigrees. The authors exemplify the usage of linked pedigrees within the fresh fruit and vegetables supply chain in the agri-food sector.

CONDITIONS OF INVESTMENT DECISION-MAKING IN AREA OF RFID TECHNOLOGY

The application of the electronic product code (EPC) in an enterprise may turn out to be one of the choices in the future. The subject of this article is an analysis preceding decisive conditions in an investment process of its implementation. These reflections are preceded by the research in Polish enterprises, aiming at an estimation of the possibility of the RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) transponder commercialisation (market potential) being consistent with the EPC requirements. Conducting such research in the future will lead to a decrease in the decision gap among managers within the scope of the possibility of implementing the innovative solution described, as well as the anticipated business results. Methods of analysis and synthesis have been applied, within the theory of decision-making and telecommunications. An interdisciplinary approach to the issue in question constitutes the added value of this article. The conclusion comprises a synthesis of the article contents—crucial decisive areas that require monitoring and simultaneous estimation (now and in the future) regarding implementation of the electronic product code in an organization. In general, these areas are macro environment, competitive environment, strategic potential of an organization, and managers’ decisiveness.

Security of EPC Class-1

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a common technology for identifying objects, animals, or people. The main form of barcode-type RFID device is known as an Electronic Product Code (EPC) and the most popular standard for passive RFID tags is Class-1 Generation-2. In this technology, the information transmitted between devices is through the air, therefore adversaries can eavesdrop these messages passed on the insecure radio channel and finally, the security of the system can be compromised. In this chapter, the authors analyze the security of EPC Class-1 Generation-2 standard, showing its security weaknesses and presenting some possible countermeasures.

Information System Costs of Utilizing Electronic Product Codes in Achieving Global Data Synchronization within the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Network

Numerous benefits of implementation of global data synchronization (GDSN) in the pharmaceutical supply chain have been identified, including reduced counterfeiting, decreased medication errors, increased supply chain efficiency, and standardized regulatory evolution. For this study, a complete GDSN supply chain framework was developed as a model for the industry to achieve Global Standard (GS1) standards. Each supply chain member must have a strong enterprise resource planning (ERP) information system to accommodate the initial electronic product code information services (EPCIS). A web-based Datapool—which connects the manufacturer, distributor, and retailer—will assist in reaching the data synchronization stage. The most important step is to have an open standard of GS1 global registry to enable the Epedigree to be traced through the supply chain system. When combined with EPCIS, as well as electronic product code global (EPCglobal) standardization and GS1 Global Registry, the supply chain can achieve global data synchronization and traceability. The comprehensive GDSN framework provided in this study provides the pharmaceutical industry an estimate of the total costs of attaining a global data synchronization network.