Optimize Energy Efficiency in the Supply Chain of FMCGs with the Use of Semantic Web Technologies

Abstract

Supply Chain Management is a critical domain for Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCGs). This domain is known for its complexity. New standards and regulations regarding Energy Efficiency and Environmental Aspects in general, as well as customer demand, make the analysis, modeling and design of the Supply Chain more and more complicated. Partners involved in these processes are numerous and of diverse background. To help solving this problem, common understanding of the domain and exchange of information among partners involved in the Supply Chain is of high importance. An ontology capturing the knowledge of the domain was created. To achieve maximum efficiency of the domain operations in terms of cost, quality of service and environmental impact, concept definitions from multiple sources were gathered. An advanced software solution that leverages semantic web technologies, enables users to link data from multiple Excel spreadsheets and relational databases together in real-time for data collection, collaboration, and reporting. In this framework, a new way for collaboration throughout the supply chain with the use of an underlying ontology, semantic technologies and visualization technics is introduced. The proposed approach is applied in the context of the FP7 European project e-SAVE.