IoT Platform Assessment methodology for COVID-19 Vaccine Logistics and Transportation: A Multi Methods Decision-Making Model

Abstract

Abstract The supply chain management (SCM) of COVID-19 vaccine is the most daunting task for logistics and supply managers due to temperature sensitivity and complex logistics process. Therefore, several technologies have been applied but, the complexity of COVID-19 vaccine makes the Internet of Things (IoT) a strong use case due to its multiple features support like excursion notification, data sharing, connectivity management, secure shipping, real-time tracking and monitoring etc. All these features can only feasible through choosing the right IoT platform. However, selection of right IoT platform is also a major concern due to lack of experience and technical knowledge of supply chain managers and diversified landscape of IoT platforms. Therefore, we introduce a decision making model for evaluation and decision making of IoT platforms that fits for logistics and transportation process of COVD-19 vaccine. This study identifies the major challenges addressed during the supply chain management of COVID-19 vaccine and then provides reasonable solution by presenting the assessment model for selection of rational IoT platform. The proposed model applies hybrid multi criteria decision making (MCDM) approach for evaluation. It also uses Estimation-talk-Estimation (ETE) approach for response collection and taxonomy of features. As, this is first kind of model so the proposed model is validated and tested by conducting a survey with experts. The results of the proposed decision making model are also verified by Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) technique.