CoBIs

Collaborative Business Items (CoBIs) is an EC funded project which bridges the gap between enterprise systems and networked embedded systems. Project partners are: SAP, Infineon, BP, TecO, Lancaster University, University of Twente and Ambient System. CoBIs researches the integration of sensor networks in business processes. Our approach is to cut-off certain parts of a business process and move the execution of these parts directly on sensor networks. Collaboration among the sensor nodes enables the execution of complex tasks and re-integrates the results in backend systems. In TecO we are working on a service-oriented architecture and implementation for sensor nodes. This approach results in an overarching concept since CoBIs employs not only one platform but many different. Apart from Particle Computer from TecO, the other platforms are Infineon's Sindrion platform and Ambient Systems µNodes. CoBIs can be applied in various scenarios. We especially investigate safety scenarios from BP involving storage of chemicals and worker safety. The approach can also be applied to electronic seals.
The following figures depicts an example of a CoBIs scenario. Chemical drums are represented by dummies. The CoBIs nodes detect whether the storage limit is exceeded or not. Hereby, no backend interaction is necessary. The CoBIs nodes on the drum replacements execute business logic and decide collaboratively about hazardous situation.

CoBIs - storage limit ok
CoBIs - storage limit exceeded

Fig. Storage limit achieved (condition green)

Fig. Storage limit exceeded (condition red)

Technology

 

CoBIs relies heavily on collaborating sensor nodes. In general, the CoBIs nodes should fulfil the following requirements:

Sufficient computing power: To execute business logic on the items.

Wireless communication capabilities: Enables collaboration between business items, Bi-directional communication is required to organise distributed tasks.

Sensing capabilities: CoBIs domains are safety and item-to-item proximity aware applications, Business logic requires environmental data as input through sensing.

Remote update: Service deployment, i.e. moving business logic on the items
Update and service reorganisation.

Storage: For services, but also for intermediate results, sensor data, tracking data, Logging information for CoBIs management.

A possible instance of a CoBIs node is the DigiClip. The following pictures depict the technicals and architectural characteristic of this node.

CoBIs node technical view
Fig. CoBIs Node (DigiClip) - technical view (click to enlarge)

Further Readings

 

CoBIs demonstrators were successfully presented on SAPPHIRE 2005 in Copenhagen and Bosten and on DKOM 2005. The project was presented in detail in various SAP and BP magazines. CoBIs passed successfully the first review meeting March 2005.