Application of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Based Mobile Tracking to Improve the Geo-traceability of Mango Supply Chain: A Case Study

Abstract

Purpose: Location tracing of agricultural supply chains is vital to ensure food safety. Mango supply chain in Sri Lanka involves many intermediaries and lacks traceability. GNSS based mobile tracking is a potential technique to assure quality of fresh produce through improved geo-traceability. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the feasibility of mobile tracking to enhance the geo-traceability of ‘Karthakolomban’ mango. Research Method: Supply chains were chosen based on mango collectors in Kurunegala District. Movements of mango were traced by real-time tracking of supply chain actors using the software developed to obtain GPS location of mobile phones. Feasibility for mobile tracking was assessed using, location data, origin, route, speed, unnecessary delays and movements. Findings: Omaragolla mango supply chain was highly dynamic, where most of the actors, routes and origins were varied without pre-planning. Only 67% of considered supply chains were successfully tracked. Rest was unsuccessful due to lack of technical knowhow of supply chain actors and signal failures. Unnecessary movements yielding 13% of additional distance and cost were observed in 25% of the supply chains. Mobile tracking enabled the identification of movements of mango, where it can be used for pre-planning, monitoring of the routes of actors and ultimately to ensure the geo-traceability. Research limitation: Even though geo-traceability improves the traceability of the fruit supply chain, there are other methods to ensure the traceability. Therefore, should be tested separately as well as coupled with the current approach. Originality/value: Findings of the case study can be guided to implement mobile tacking for any fixed fruits and vegetables supply chain to improve the geo-traceability aiming the food safety of the country.