Smart objects system: A generic system for enhancing operational control

Abstract

Many companies are making considerable investments in tracking technology, such as GPS and RFID. Although tracking technology captures vast amounts of information about the ongoing operations, companies struggle to effectively apply this captured information for enhancing their operational control. In order to contribute in solving this problem, this paper presents a generic system for enhancing operational control, which applies the captured information in a more effective way. The proposed system is based on the approach of intelligent products. The intelligent products represent physical objects, and are capable of autonomously performing some of the repetitive tasks required for operational control. The usefulness of the system is demonstrated by presenting the results of several applications of the system. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.