Supply Chain & Logistics: Real-Time Shipment Tracking

Use Case Diagram

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Description

Use case diagram modeling the complex interactions between different business entities in a modern supply chain, focusing on visibility and event-driven notifications for real-time shipment tracking.

Supply Chain & Logistics: Real-Time Shipment Tracking

This use case diagram illustrates the complex interactions within a modern supply chain management system, focusing on real-time shipment tracking and the coordinated efforts of multiple business entities to ensure efficient logistics operations.

Actors and Their Roles:

Manufacturer

The originating entity that produces goods and initiates the shipping process. The manufacturer is responsible for preparing products for shipment and monitoring their progress through the supply chain.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Creating shipments with detailed product information
  • Monitoring shipment progress throughout the delivery lifecycle
  • Coordinating with carriers and retailers for smooth operations
  • Managing inventory and production schedules based on shipping data

Logistics Carrier

The transportation company responsible for physically moving goods from origin to destination. Carriers provide real-time updates and handle the operational aspects of shipment delivery.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Updating shipment status at key milestones
  • Recording GPS locations and tracking data
  • Scanning packages at checkpoints and facilities
  • Handling exceptions, delays, and delivery issues
  • Maintaining fleet operations and driver coordination

Retailer

The destination entity that receives goods and serves as the final point in the supply chain. Retailers monitor incoming shipments and confirm successful deliveries.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Tracking incoming shipments for inventory planning
  • Confirming delivery receipt and condition of goods
  • Managing warehouse operations and stock levels
  • Coordinating with customers for final delivery (if applicable)

Tracking System

The central technology platform that orchestrates the entire shipment tracking process, providing visibility and coordination between all stakeholders.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Assigning shipments to optimal carriers
  • Generating unique tracking numbers and identifiers
  • Calculating estimated time of arrival (ETA)
  • Archiving completed shipments for historical analysis
  • Managing system integrations and data flows

Core Use Cases and Functionality:

Shipment Initiation Process:

Create Shipment (UC1)

  • Description: Manufacturer initiates a new shipment request with product details, destination, and delivery requirements
  • Actors: Manufacturer (primary)
  • Includes: Automatic generation of tracking number
  • Data Elements: Product SKUs, quantities, dimensions, weight, destination address, delivery preferences
  • Business Value: Establishes shipment record and begins tracking lifecycle

Generate Tracking Number (UC7)

  • Description: System creates unique identifier for shipment tracking and reference
  • Actors: Tracking System (primary)
  • Relationship: Included within shipment creation process
  • Format: Alphanumeric codes following industry standards
  • Integration: Links to carrier systems and customer notifications

Carrier Assignment and Routing:

Assign to Carrier (UC2)

  • Description: System automatically selects optimal carrier based on capacity, routes, cost, and service requirements
  • Actors: Tracking System (primary)
  • Includes: ETA calculation for delivery planning
  • Decision Factors: Carrier capacity, geographic coverage, cost optimization, service level agreements
  • Business Value: Optimizes shipping costs and delivery times

Calculate ETA (UC10)

  • Description: System computes estimated delivery time based on distance, carrier performance, and historical data
  • Actors: Tracking System (primary)
  • Relationship: Included within carrier assignment process
  • Algorithms: Route optimization, traffic patterns, carrier performance metrics
  • Updates: Continuously refined based on actual progress and conditions

Real-Time Tracking and Updates:

Update Shipment Status (UC3)

  • Description: Carrier provides status updates at key milestones throughout the delivery journey
  • Actors: Logistics Carrier (primary)
  • Includes: GPS location recording and package scanning
  • Status Types: Picked up, in transit, customs cleared, out for delivery, delivered
  • Frequency: Event-driven updates and scheduled check-ins

Record GPS Location (UC8)

  • Description: Carrier records real-time geographic position of shipment for precise tracking
  • Actors: Logistics Carrier (primary)
  • Relationship: Included within status update process
  • Technology: GPS devices, mobile apps, telematics systems
  • Precision: Latitude/longitude coordinates with timestamp data

Scan Package (UC9)

  • Description: Carrier scans package barcodes or RFID tags at various checkpoints and facilities
  • Actors: Logistics Carrier (primary)
  • Relationship: Included within status update process
  • Scan Points: Pickup, sorting facilities, customs, delivery vehicles, final delivery
  • Data Capture: Timestamp, location, handler identification, package condition

Monitoring and Visibility:

Monitor Shipment (UC4)

  • Description: Stakeholders access real-time shipment information and tracking data
  • Actors: Manufacturer, Retailer (primary)
  • Extensions: May trigger status alerts for important events
  • Interface: Web portals, mobile apps, API integrations, email notifications
  • Information: Current location, status, ETA, delivery history, exception alerts

Event-Driven Notifications:

Send Status Alert (UC5)

  • Description: System sends automated notifications for significant events, delays, or delivery confirmations
  • Actors: Tracking System (primary)
  • Triggers: Extended from status updates, monitoring activities, and exception handling
  • Alert Types: Delivery confirmation, delay notification, exception alert, milestone reached
  • Channels: Email, SMS, push notifications, API webhooks

Exception Management:

Handle Exception (UC11)

  • Description: Carrier manages unexpected events, delays, damages, or delivery failures
  • Actors: Logistics Carrier (primary)
  • Extensions: Triggers status alerts to notify stakeholders
  • Exception Types: Weather delays, customs issues, address problems, damage reports, delivery failures
  • Resolution: Alternative routing, customer communication, damage claims, redelivery scheduling

Delivery Completion:

Confirm Delivery (UC6)

  • Description: Retailer acknowledges receipt of goods and confirms successful delivery
  • Actors: Retailer (primary)
  • Extensions: May trigger shipment archival for completed deliveries
  • Verification: Package condition, quantity verification, delivery documentation
  • Business Impact: Triggers billing processes, inventory updates, customer notifications

Archive Shipment (UC12)

  • Description: System moves completed shipment data to historical records for reporting and analysis
  • Actors: Tracking System (primary)
  • Relationship: Extended from delivery confirmation
  • Data Retention: Performance metrics, cost analysis, carrier evaluation, customer satisfaction
  • Analytics: Delivery time analysis, cost optimization, carrier performance benchmarking

Relationship Patterns and Dependencies:

Include Relationships (Mandatory Components):

  • UC1 includes UC7: Shipment creation must generate tracking number
  • UC2 includes UC10: Carrier assignment requires ETA calculation
  • UC3 includes UC8: Status updates include GPS location data
  • UC3 includes UC9: Status updates include package scanning

Extend Relationships (Conditional Enhancements):

  • UC3 extends UC5: Status updates may trigger alerts
  • UC4 extends UC5: Monitoring may trigger notifications
  • UC11 extends UC5: Exceptions trigger alert notifications
  • UC6 extends UC12: Delivery confirmation may trigger archival

Precedence Dependencies (Sequential Flow):

  • UC2 precedes UC1: Assignment follows shipment creation
  • UC3 precedes UC2: Updates follow carrier assignment
  • UC6 precedes UC3: Delivery follows status updates

Technical Implementation Architecture:

System Integration:

  • EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) for B2B communications
  • API integrations with carrier tracking systems
  • Real-time data streaming for live updates
  • Mobile applications for field operations

Data Management:

  • Central shipment database with distributed access
  • Event-driven architecture for status updates
  • Data warehousing for historical analytics
  • Master data management for consistent identifiers

Communication Infrastructure:

  • Multi-channel notification systems
  • Real-time messaging for urgent alerts
  • Batch processing for routine updates
  • Integration with customer communication platforms

Business Value and Performance Metrics:

Operational Efficiency:

  • Reduced manual tracking and status inquiries
  • Automated exception handling and resolution
  • Optimized carrier selection and routing
  • Streamlined delivery confirmation processes

Customer Experience:

  • Real-time visibility into shipment progress
  • Proactive notifications for delays or issues
  • Accurate delivery time predictions
  • Seamless multi-party coordination

Supply Chain Optimization:

  • Data-driven carrier performance evaluation
  • Route optimization and cost reduction
  • Inventory planning based on delivery predictions
  • Exception pattern analysis for process improvement

Key Performance Indicators:

  • On-time delivery rates and accuracy
  • Shipment visibility and tracking adoption
  • Exception resolution time and effectiveness
  • Customer satisfaction with tracking experience
  • Cost per shipment and carrier performance metrics

This use case diagram effectively demonstrates how modern supply chain management systems coordinate multiple stakeholders, integrate diverse technologies, and provide comprehensive visibility throughout the logistics process, enabling efficient and reliable goods movement in today's global economy.