been widely used by SMB contractors and subcontractors, in order to
achieve compatibility and to make a gradual adoption of the new
technology.
2) Cloud-computing—since our targeted users are SMB contractors and
subcontractors, the systems needs to be developed with affordable
yet reliable techniques. Recently, cloud-computing technology
such as Microsoft Azure has been gaining popularity as a cost-
effective solution with ubiquitous access across platforms yet requir-
ing minimal maintenance effort.
3) Web—a website can be developed and deployed on the cloud to
provide tracking data and relevant documents; also, it can provide
customized services such as RFID system management and data
aggregation/visualization for further analyses.
4.1. System requirements
The proposed system is implemented as an end-to-end material
tracking system with the aforementioned technologies. The tracking
system hardware is to be implemented using a combination of new
RFID scanning technologies integrated with a legacy barcode scanning
application. Although RFID can considerably reduce the time and effort
for scanning, the barcoding system is also integrated since it is highly in-
grained into the existing workflow in the company. It would be highly
disruptive to try to either create a parallel system or to replace the
existing system. This integration will enable the company to make
gradual progress in retrofitting their workflow. Once scanned by RFID
or barcode readers, the raw data will be immediately uploaded to the
database (DB) on the cloud after being converted into a formatted
form that will enable tracking products both through the manufacturing
process and through post-delivery activities.
The raw data at the fabrication site are collected whenever products
pass through a checkpoint or the shipping dock area, where RFID
readers are stationed and read the data stored in the tag attached to
each product. This system employs UHF and passive type RFID readers
and tags because their transmission range is appropriate for this appli-
cation. The raw data are transmitted over Wi-Fi to a client interface
which converts the data to an appropriate form and upload them on
the cloud DB. The data could work around the client and be passed di-
rectly to the cloud if the RFID reader supports necessary API to develop
web applications (some vendors provide web API with extra charges).
At the remote construction site, the delivered products pass through
the RFID readers stationed at the entrance where the tag data are gath-
ered. Similarly, the raw data are uploaded on the cloud through a client
interface. The Internet connectivity at the construction site can be
obtained via the Air Cards that the constructor has been using. Another
option is to use cellular networks, which are feasible since the data
requirement is small (usually textual data less than a total of 10 MB
per day at each construction site).
Once stored on the cloud, the tracking data will be ubiquitously
accessible to all involved users including managers, designers,
manufacturing/production engineers, delivery personnel, and installers.
In addition to the tracking data, a web site will be set up at the cloud to
provide ubiquitous access to production information such as design
documents, BOM documents, and product specifications, as well as
analysis/visualization tools.
The purpose of using a cloud-based solution is to reduce the cost
related to computing infrastructure, software licensing, hardware, and
their operation and maintenance, which is not affordable for SMB
contractors and subcontractors with limited resources to invest in IT
solutions. The ubiquitous access to the cloud will allow for real-time
updates and communication between on-site personnel, manufac-
turers, and management regardless of their location. This grants the
ability to update product specifications, follow delivery status, reduce
erroneous deliveries, and reduce wasted work due to outdated
information.
4.2. Functional requirements
After analyzing the company's existing workflow and resources, the
following components were determined as the major deliverables:
1) an optimized DB schema with a friendly web interface developed
on the cloud; 2) a customized thin client (or web applications) integrat-
ed with RFID tag scanning functionality; and 3) the capability of
synchronizing barcode data to the DB to maintain compatibility.
Below are the main features required in the system:
1) Web interface
- Users are able to log into the system with different roles and perform
operations with respect to his/her credential
o Designer
▪ Manipulate existing spool information for their projects
▪ Upload PDF of plans for new/existing spools
o Engineer
▪ Access spool information
▪ Update process/p