Modeling and implementation of the vegetable supply chain traceability system

In a traceability system, a large and dynamic group of participants must be identified. The identification of information to be recorded represents the most important requirement for developing an effective traceability system. The information identified during the transport and processing of vegetables is often lost and inaccurate. In this paper, a system approach is used in order to develop a methodology for the implementation of the vegetable supply chain traceability. First of all, the main discussed issues emerge at various abstraction levels throughout the elaboration of traceability systems. Secondly, a Unified Modeling Language model is introduced for traceability along with a set of suitable patterns. A series of Unified Modeling Language class diagrams is developed in order to conceive a method for modeling the product, process, and quality information in the vegetable supply chain. Then will be discussed the adequate technological standards for setting out, registering, as well as for enabling the business collaborations. Finally, a traceability system implementation will be shown through a case study on vegetable supply chains and a comparison with European Union's General Food Law. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.