Consistent Identification and Traceability of Objects as an Enabler for Automation in the Steel Processing Industry

Automation and digitalization of processes requires an extensive redesign of all interrelated material flow and information flow processes. A major obstacle to effective logistics management is the problem of inconsistent identification and therefore limited traceability. Derived from a steel industry case study and based on a systematic literature review, the authors will investigate potential identification of technologies for consistent identification and traceability of products along the supply chain. This includes an analysis of existing information and communication technology (ICT) approaches to identification in logistics flows, and the discussion of evaluation criteria related to small-and medium-sized enterprises (SME), development of an evaluation methodology, and finally assessment of their major potentials and suitability in SME logistics.