4. Requirement analysis
This study aims at developing a cost-effective cloud-based system with ubiquitous access that tracks and monitors products in a construction supply chain from their inception to distribution and installation.
Tracking information including item, location, and time needs to be automatically updated in the system in real time when the item enters or leaves a site in the supply chain using the RFID technology.
The system will also integrate the data stored in isolated legacy applications that have been used by the mechanical contractor. The users should be able to access this information remotely any time using their own de-
vices.
The main components in the proposed tracking system are as follows:
1) Barcode/RFID—for automatic updates of tracking data, products will be tagged with passive RFID tags and tracked by RFID readers; however, the system will also integrate barcode systems, which have