A New Framework for the Management of Returnable "Containers" Within Open Supply Networks

New logistics models – physical internet, pooling, control towers, reusable containers management – require an item-level traceability of physical shipping units that is independent of the partners involved in the supply chains. Current information systems architectures match this need by interfacing heterogeneous systems with each other. Such architecture can’t meet the challenges brought by new and shared logistics models. We demonstrate here how the recent EPCglobal® standards and related technologies are settled in a multi-firm open network, applied to the management of reusable pallets, taken here as demonstrators of Open Tracing Containers (OTC). Material and methods for capturing data and structuring information are proposed and implemented in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods flows. Results illustrate the reach of that “Intranet of things” prototype, leading to interoperable logistic services, throughout various levels: from identifier tag level up to the piloting of each partner’s logistics networks. We highlight limits and perspectives in terms of technical track and trace solutions and assets management in this environment.