An RFID based multi-batch supply chain systems

Application of RFID tags had provided a great convenience in supply chain systems. In this paper, an improved version of Cai et al. protocol which was specifically designed for supply chains application is proposed. The Cai et al. RFID system architecture is modified that includes a batch identifier and a path configuration features in order to accommodate multi-batch operation requirements in supply chain systems. Other important requirements in supply chain systems which had been found in relevant articles are also summarized. In addition, requirements of mutual authentication, missing tag identification, and multi-batch operation ability are investigated. We summarize the vulnerabilities of former protocol and propose a newprotocol,which employs an RFID verification scheme, for supply chain systems. Two protocols are presented which included the tags reading protocol with mutual authentication between tags and reader/partner, and the updating protocol (renewing the related secrets). We also modified the handover process and made it more reasonable. The proposed protocol satisfies most of the requirements of supply chain systems and allows multi-batch operation of products. Other merits of our solutions are: collision-free, missing tag identification, and high efficiency. Hence, the overall performance and security of supply chain systems are improved.