Orchestrating Inter-organisational Logistics Workflows on the Cloud

Abstract

Cloud computing has made it possible to virtualise not only computing resources, but also whole business processes. A business process workflow that involves multiple participants can now be orchestrated on the Cloud using methods such as service virtualisation, message queues and dynamic message routing. This paper proposes a Cloud architecture for orchestrating inter-organisational logistics processes. The approach allows transport operators to streamline their processes by automating their workflow and to fulfill their reporting obligations to authorities. We illustrate this approach with a scenario of executing a export license application workflow on the Cloud.