Tracking and tracing containers through distributed sensor middleware

ABSTRACT

In a container transport system, wireless sensor networks (WSNs) can be used for monitoring products while they are being transported. To be commercially interesting, these WSNs must be integrated with enterprise systems of various actors in the supply chain. The need for interoperability between networks and partners, the heterogeneity of WSN technologies being used, and the mobility of sensor nodes make this integration far from trivial. This paper presents lessons learned from a research project in collaboration with industry in which we developed a prototype middleware solution for container transport. The prototype triggered valuable feedback which is highly relevant to consider when designing middleware for realistic sensor applications.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  C. Computer Systems Organization
  C.2 COMPUTER-COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
      C.2.4 Distributed Systems
          Subjects: Distributed applications

Additional Classification:
  D. Software
  D.2 SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
        D.2.11 Software Architectures
            Subjects: Domain-specific architectures

General Terms:
Design, Management

Keywords:
enterprise infrastructure, integration, middleware, supply chain management, wireless sensor networks