Multidimensional Analysis of RFID Data in Logistics

In the domain of logistics, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) promises a plethora of benefits due to an enhanced efficiency, accuracy, and preciseness of object identification. Many of the far-reaching solutions proposed in the literature are based on data exchange, integration, and analysis. However, the respective applications have so far not been thoroughly scrutinized regarding relevance and design. This paper specifically explores options for modeling and utilizing multidimensional data sets for analytical applications as known from the realm of "Business Intelligence" (BI). Based on case studies, analysis scenarios are derived and discussed with respect to characteristic requirements for the purposeful utilization of BI tools. This is the foundation for the design of a multidimensional data model and for the construction of a prototype based on Online Analytical Processing (OLAP). The prototype not only visualizes possible applications and their business potential, its construction also leads to findings regarding the gathering and integration of RFID data.