Wireless Sensor Networks and Beyond: A Case Study on Transport and Logistics

Abstract

Wireless Sensor Networks provide opportunities even outside their usual application domain of environmental monitoring. In this paper we present a case study on the use of Wireless Sensor Networks for the control and management of transport and logistics processes. In this study nodes will track all activities, and check for errors that might occur in the process of handling and distributing goods. The nodes will be programmed to warn when errors occur, and keep an activity record of the entire process. An overview of the current situation, and the errors that occur therein, is given. A system architecture is described that can solve or reduce the current problems by incorporating a Wireless Sensor Network in the process.