Auto ID based control systems-an overview

Provides a rationale for developing control systems based on the availability of automated identification (Auto ID) information provision. Much of the Auto ID research has to date focused on developing the essential infrastructure for dynamically extracting, networking and storing product data. These developments will help to revolutionise the accuracy, quality and timeliness of data acquired by business information systems and should lead to major cost savings and performance improvements as a result. The paper introduces an additional phase of Auto ID research and development in which the nature of control system decisions is reconsidered in the light of the availability of ubiquitous, unique, item-level information. The paper: (i) indicates why the availability of ubiquitous, unique, item-level data can enable enhanced and fundamentally different control approaches and highlight potential benefits from control systems incorporating this Auto ID data; (ii) demonstrates what is required to develop control systems based around the availability of Auto ID data; and (iii) outlines the research challenges in determining how such systems will be developed.