Reference-data modelling for tracking and tracing

Subject headings: supply chain, tracking and tracing, reference-data modelling

The thesis des­­cribes the deve­lop­ment and application of a general information-system blue­print for tracking and tracing: a reference-data model. The problem statement reads: How can we im­prove tracking and tracing (with the help of modern ICT means) in such a way that food safety is guaranteed to a larger extent than happens at this moment (2003)? The objective of the research is twofold: (1) establishing the tracking-and-tracing functionality within an object system, i.e., establishing the supply chain, and (2) represen­ting the functionality by data models so as to facilitate the develop­ment of information systems suitable for tracking and tracing. To obtain the research objective, the follo­wing five ques­tions are addre­s­s­ed: (1) which elements characterise tracking and tracing, in relation to (i) an enter­prise in the chain, (ii) its objective, and (iii) its admini­stra­­tion? (2)whichfunctionality and per­formance with regard to tracking and tracing is derived from the enter­prise in the chain? (3)whichdata models are fit for an adequate representation of the functionality? (4)whichreference-data model can be successfully construc­ted? (5)whatis the eva­lu­a­tion of the application of the reference model?