Internet of Perishable Logistics: Building Smart Fresh Food Supply Chain Networks

Abstract

Computer networks and logistics systems are two very rich fields of study that have grown almost entirely separately since they deal with entirely different entities–information packets versus packages. However, driven by extensive automation and infusion of information technology into distribution logistics and need to improve the efficiency and sustainability of the operations, the logistics have attempted to adopt the cyber Internet principles. In this paper, we specifically consider the distribution of perishable commodities, such as fresh food, perishable pharmaceuticals, blood, and so on, in this context and thereby introduce the notion of the Internet of Perishable Logistics (IoPL). We propose a layered architecture model for IoPL modeled after the cyber Internet and show how it can be useful in systematic and hierarchical modeling of perishable logistics operations, which are extremely complex. We also show the synergies between IoPL and the cyber Internet and discuss a number of research issues inspired by such synergies. We also show how the layered model can be exploited to construct a simplified analytical framework for studying some basic tradeoffs between the delivered quality of the perishable product, transportation efficiency (in terms of unused carrier space), and the number of active carriers (which translates into cost and carbon footprint of the transportation service). This paper also points out a number of future research challenges and directions for a smarter IoPL.