Title: Tracking and tracing: principles and practice

Authors: Gunnar Stefansson, Bernhard Tilanus

Addresses: Center for Transport and Traffic, Chalmers University of Technology, and Gothenburg University, S-412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden. Center for Transport and Traffic, Chalmers University of Technology, and Gothenburg University, S-412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden

Abstract: The meaning of the concepts of tracking and tracing is clarified, trying to avoid overlap and making them a complementary pair. Tracking and tracing systems are classified using eight attributes. Seven applications of tracking and tracing systems are analysed using these attributes. It is seen that most existing tracking and tracing systems are of a relatively simple type, but current plans and designs lead one to expect more advanced systems in the near future.

Keywords: tracking; tracing; goods flows; external logistics; transportation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSTM.2001.001599

International Journal of Services Technology and Management, 2001 Vol.2 No.3/4, pp.187-206

Published online: 10 Jul 2003 *

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