Logistics Information Technology Research Articles

IT in Manufacturing and Logistics for SCM and OP in SMEs

This analysis focusses on the effects of Information Technology (IT) and how it significantly affects the Supply Chain Management (SCM) in logistics and manufacturing-Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs). Apart from that, our purpose is to evaluate how IT affects the Organizational Performance (OP) in the enterprises. Irrespective of the fact that IT cannot be applied in every enterprise, the findings in this research are based on the statistical analysis which shows that a wide-range of workforce in the modern age has adopted the initiative considering the complexities of SCM and mostly to maximize OP in the enterprises. This research was done based on the analysis of SMEs in logistics and manufacturing sector in India. The sample used to conduct this research makes it valid to draw assumptions that managers and CEOs are responsible for coordinating enterprise operations in SMEs. The evaluation in this research shows that the workforce is obliged to formulate strategies to allow employees to enhance their competency of IT. In that regard, the findings are essential for the enhancement of the decision-making process, SCM and OP.

The Application of Blockchain to Intelligent Port Logistics——Taking Hainan Free Trade Port as an Example

Blockchain technology promised a secured and trusted way to trade, and empowered traditional industries, such as the logistics industries. This paper first analyzed the researchers’ thought and real-world application of blockchain technology to the logistics industry, and then introduced the current development of information technology in intelligent port logistics in Hainan, an island that was transformed in to a free trade zone and was granted much more autonomy than that given to the other FTZs in China. Based on a case study of the possible application of blockchain in the lintelligent port logistics hubs of Hainan FTZ, this paper came to the suggestions that can be workable for the construction of ports alike in Hainan FTZ.

Green logistics as an element of sustainable development

The article deals with the concept, essence and objectives of “green” logistics as a new scientific direction based on the use of knowledge in the field of economics, ecology, sociology, management, and other areas on the application of logistics information technologies to reduce environmental harm while increasing the efficiency of the use of certain resources. The idea, essence and objectives of the concept of “sustainable development” are considered. A number of intersections of “green” logistics and the ideas of sustainable development are noted. It is proposed to consider “green” logistics as an element of sustainable development, which will allow us to use an integrated approach to study this design, to identify and develop their relationships. Certain options for improving the effectiveness of these two institutions through the development of interaction mechanisms are proposed. The importance and significance of scientific support and human resources for the effective solution to the tasks set for “green” logistics as an element of sustainable development are noted.

The Impact of Hospital Supplier Integration on Hospital Performance in Pakistan

The aim of this research is to analyze the Supplier Integration on performance of Hospitals within Pakistan. Four factors of supplier integration are identified as Logistics Integration (LI), Information Technology (IT), Cost Reduction (CR) and Information Sharing (IS) which have been analyzed using Smart PLS. Sample of 299 workers of hospitals is obtained using structured questionnaire comprising of 21 questions where the responses were measured on Likert Scale. Data was studied using SEM (Structural Equation Modelling). It was concluded that information sharing, information technology and cost reduction have significant impact on hospital performance while logistics integration has less significant impact on the hospital performance in Pakistan. The scope of this research is to conclude the factors involved in enhancing the performance of Hospitals by bringing about supplier integration.

Research on Optimization of Tracking Equipment Based on In-transit Materials

As an important link in the transportation of materials, material tracking management is becoming more and more important.In-transit material tracking management is to carry out relevant decision management on the basis of obtaining material information in-transit, so as to achieve the purpose of improving logistics transportation service level, improving customer service satisfaction, maintaining customer loyalty, and further realizing the sustainable development of logistics enterprises. In this paper, through tracking a series of materials in transit, to achieve the goal of optimization, and using related logistics information technology and geographic information technology such as GPS, GIS, GSM to develop optimization management plan and do a good job in tracking management can improve management service level and product quality and quality.

The effect of logistics strategy, organizational Structure and logistics information technology on organization performance in manufacturing firm

The effect of logistics strategy, organizational Structure and logistics information technology on organization performance in manufacturing firm

Information technologies and product-service innovation: The moderating role of service R&D team structure

Drawing on the ambidexterity and organizational design theoretical lenses this article analyzes the interplay between R&D team structure, firm’s Information Technology (IT) processes deployment and innovation outcomes. The evidence presented herein upholds the importance of IT and R&D team structure for strategic decisions and to better exploiting firm’s innovation capabilities. Concretely, we argue that R&D team structure (centralized vs formalized vs autonomous) moderates the relationship between IT processes and innovation because it influences the way in which IT is utilized. Considering these facts, we focus on a specific type of innovation, Product-Service Innovation (PSI), largely underexplored despite being increasingly important in modern manufacturing companies. PSI differs from other technological innovations in that it involves continuous engagement with customers and logistics. Through estimation of a Multiple-Indicators Multiple-Causes (MIMIC) model with a unique sample of 352 Manufacturing Multinational Enterprises (MMNEs), we find that customer and logistics IT processes are positively linked to higher levels of PSI and that, as hypothesized, service R&D team structure moderates this relationship. In firms with autonomous R&D teams, customer-based IT processes lead to higher PSI levels, whereas in firms with formalized R&D teams, logistics-based IT processes is conducive to higher PSI levels. IT processes are not an input of PSI in centralized service R&D teams.

Strategic Planning for Improving Nongreen Impact Factors of Traditional Coal Logistics in China

Based on the nongreen impact factors of coal logistics and traditional coal companies, this study aims to understand the role of such factors in coal supply, production, distribution, recycling, and waste logistics. Porter’s five forces model is used to analyze the potential competitors, peer competitors, substitutes, and coal buyers and suppliers in traditional coal logistics enterprises in order to find the key problems in nongreen impact factors affecting traditional coal logistics. Then, Teoriya Resheniya Izobretatelskikh Zadatch (TRIZ) is used to formulate the corresponding six strategies for key problems. Lastly, the interpretative structural model is used to analyze and establish a systematic process for the development of a strategy. Analysis results show that when traditional coal enterprises improve their problems under the influence of nongreen impact factors, they should first establish strategic partnerships with nodes in the supply chain to exchange problems in coal production and coal enterprise operations and help each other achieve mutual benefits. After establishing a cooperative relationship with other enterprises, they can use advanced logistics information technology to establish a logistics system and external communication channels with other cooperative enterprises, thereby helping their own enterprises improve in terms of green production, green scale, and green transportation. Meanwhile, traditional coal enterprises should strengthen product quality supervision, increase production transparency, and improve the quality of coal production. Furthermore, the relationship with suppliers must be maintained for a long time. Market research must also be conducted to understand the needs of the coal market, ensure the development of new products, and maintain the advantages of traditional coal companies in the market competition.

Course Construction of Logistics Information Technology Based on OBE

In order to improve the cultivation quality of students in Logistics Engineering major of Beijing Union University, course construction of Logistics Information Technology based on Outcome-based Education (OBE) concept is explored in this paper. Three learning outcomes of this course are defined and their relationships with the teaching purposes of the major cultivation scheme are also presented. Then the teaching methods and assessment methods corresponding to the learning outcomes are designed. This study could present one example for the course construction of Logistics Engineering major based on the OBE concept.

Современные тенденции развития информационных технологий в логистике

Современные тенденции развития информационных технологий в логистике

The Mechanism and Empirical Study of Intelligent Logistics Technology Improving the Efficiency of Logistics Industry ——Taking the “Core Area” of the Silk Road Economic Belt as example

Using the Grey-correlation model to measure the integration degree between the intelligent technology and the logistics industry, we find the developmental level of intelligent logistics technology in the “core area” of the Silk Road Economic Belt (the spatial range of the five Central Asian countries and the five provinces in northwest China) during 2007-2016 showed a “U” shape and it is higher in the five provinces in northwest China than the five Central Asian countries. Secondly, applying SFA to calculate the logistics efficiency in the“core area”, we conclude that the overall annual average of logistics efficiency is between 0.47 and 0.72 and shows an ascending tendency from 2007 to 2016, which in accords with the World Bank LPI ranking to a large extent. Thirdly, following the three-stage maximum likelihood regression to calculate the influence of logistics information technology on logistics efficiency, we shows that the effect is positively significant at level 10%. According to the above research findings, this paper offers some corresponding suggestions, such as encouraging intelligent technological innovation and application, accelerating the construction of intelligent logistics parks, improving the level of opening and enhancing the learning effect.

Using multiagent systems in transport logis-tics

The rapid development and diffusion of new technologies implies the need for new high-quality software. including automation of business processes in logistics. In the market of automation of logistics in 2017-2018, there are more and more requests for ERP, TMS, FMS and WMS systems, the demand for robotization, Data Science technology, augmented reality and IoT has increased. To improve the efficiency of business in the field of transport logistics, a detailed study of material (goods and goods) and information flows (data on orders and deliveries, financial data, etc.) is necessary. According to analysts, logistics can be up to 40% of the cost of production. Methods to minimize the cost of logistics are different. The use of information technology in logistics will solve a number of such as: saving time; maximum simplification of work; visualization of work results and identification of weak points in the scheme; reduction of costs. The main task of automation in the field of transport logistics is the calculation of optimal routes, taking into account the set of unequal criteria. The savings are achieved not only due to the reduction of transportation costs, but also due to the optimization of the carrier’s work schedule, which allows avoiding downtime and underloading. The scenario of the decision support system considered in this article will include several types of artificial agents such as transport agents and transport service user agents. Each agent-user of transport services receives data on the geography of transportation, composition of the cargo and financial conditions into the general information space, and periodically requests a proposal (services for transportation) from all agents-carriers known to it. When the offer is received, the transport service user agent accepts it and issues a freight order. If several transport agents provide transport service offers to the user agent, it accepts the best of them. Each carrier agent continuously listens to requests from transport service user agents. Upon receipt of a request for transportation, carrier agents check their orders and, based on a general list of orders, can form the best route for transportation. If the conditions for the implementation of a specific order do not meet the requirements, then the order is rejected. After completing the order for transportation, it is removed from the general list. Goal: Determination of the system architecture, analysis of modern software environments for the development of multi-agent systems, description of the behavior of artificial agents. Methodology: To solve the problem in this article it is proposed to use the technology of multi-agent systems. This approach is based on the use of special autonomous individuals (agents), united in the system. The agent here is a program that is offline capable of performing independent actions in accordance with a given goal. Result: The article analyzes the approach to creating a system for the exchange of information between participants in the transport process in the field of freight traffic using a multi-agent approach. Analyzed tools for building agent systems. Issues related to the peculiarity of the organization of interaction between intelligent agents are considered. Originality: the use of agent-based approach to solve the problem of information interaction of participants in the transport process. Practical value: the possibility of developing a software product to solve problems of the organization of transportation of goods.Keywords: artificial agent; transportation; transport logistics decision support systems.

Analysis on Consumers’ Purchase and Shopping Well-Being in Online Shopping Carnivals with Two Motivational Dimensions

The development of online shopping carnivals (OSCs) is in full bloom due to the support of logistics industry and information technology. More and more people are keen to participate in them. This study contributes to literature by exploring the role of motivational factors (based on utilitarian and hedonic shopping values dimension) of the intention to participate in the actual purchase behavior of consumers and their shopping well-being in OSC. A model is developed and tested to explain consumers’ shopping process in the context of OSC. Results show that hedonic shopping values are primarily influenced by entertainment construct, and utilitarian shopping values are positively related to monetary saving, selection, and convenience. Furthermore, the correlation between hedonic shopping value and intention to participate is higher than that between utilitarian shopping value and intention to participate. The findings indicate that intention to participate in OSC exerts a stronger influence on shopping well-being than the effect on actual purchases.

Review of Literature on the Study of Information and Communication Technology in Logistics Industry

The aim of this article is to review the research previously carried out by various researchers in the topic of Information and communication technology in Logistics Industry. This review includes the various study carried over from books, research journals, and thesis available through internet and research journals. This covers the various influence and impact of Information and communication technology in Logistics and related industries. This work includes various major studies based on impact and linkages between Information technology and Logistics operation. This literature review has helped in understanding that various information and communication technology have a very good positive influence or impact on operational and financial performance of the organization. Along with that it has also improved the professional way of handling all logistics function. This also provides a lot research gap to be filled in this area of field, which are to be addressed in future. The scope of this review is more as this area of research conducted in India is very few and needed more studies in future.

Revisiting the resource-based view on logistics performance in the shipping industry

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate empirically the impact of intrafirm resources, interfirm relationships, and logistics service capabilities on logistics performance (LP) in the context of container logistics.Design/methodology/approachFactor analysis was employed to identify the key intrafirm resources (i.e. tangible assets and intangible assets), interfirm relationships (i.e. communication (COM) and long-term relationships), logistics service capabilities (i.e. service efficiency, service reliability, service flexibility, and value-added service), and LP dimensions. Data were collected from a survey of container shipping service providers, and were analyzed by a structural equation model to test the research hypotheses.FindingsThe findings show that interfirm relationships and logistics service capabilities act as mediator variables between intrafirm resources and LP.Research limitations/implicationsThe results of this research support the application of the general theory on firm-level performance and the resource-based view (RBV) as a lens through which LP can be achieved via logistics service capabilities. In addition, the findings lend empirical support to the capability-building view, which asserts the importance of resource investment and relationship maintenance, and the development of distinctive capabilities to enhance performance.Practical implicationsContainer logistics operators should not view their intrafirm resources (including logistics information technology and teamwork organizational culture) or interfirm relationships (including informal COM with key stakeholders and evergreen relationship with key stakeholders) separately; instead, a systems approach should be used.Originality/valueThis research updates the RBV theory by clearly indicating that the overall performance of shipping firms cannot be decided solely by the firm’s own resources. Interfirm relationships and logistics service capabilities are found to be powerful moderators which help shipping firms allocate their resources effectively and thus improve their LP.

Information and communication technology in green logistics: status quo and research gaps

The purpose of this paper is to determine the status quo of research on applications of information and communication technology (ICT) in green logistics (GL) and offer recommendations for future research. We determine that research about political interaction is needed to design new standards and regulations for GL. We also recommend that this work be extended by behavioural research to both identify factors that influence society’s sustainable behaviour and determine whether the current digitisation of society leads to more sustainable transport. In addition, this paper provides an overview of types of software applications that may be beneficial to GL. These benefits usually relate to the strategic management of freight transport and supply chains and the provision of software for executing or monitoring passenger transport. As such, further research on sustainability measures is also needed to identify important sustainable indicators in transport. Existing reviews mostly concentrate on either a specific logistics area or supply chain management; as far as we are aware, no studies focus on the use of ICT in GL at a superordinate level. This paper’s holistic evaluation of the state of research in this underexplored area and its propositions for future research help to fill this gap in the literature.

Information technology for competitive advantage within logistics and supply chains: A review

This paper offers a systematic review of the literature on the use of information technology (IT) in logistics and supply chain management to achieve competitive advantage. While IT has revolutionized traditional logistics and supply chains to achieve numerous benefits such as increased efficiency and responsiveness, it is not still clear to what extend IT has contributed to competitive advantage within logistics and supply chains. This paper contributes to this debate by: (i) reporting the literature on the role of IT in achieving competitive advantage within logistics and supply chains based on the linkages between ‘adaptation’, ‘alignment’, and ‘agility’, (triple A’s) (Lee, 2004), and (ii) discussing managerial implications and identifying future research directions.

Vendor Managed Inventory Integration on Pharmaceutical Third-party Logistics

VMI can integrate logistics resource more systematically and more efficiently, but pharmaceutical logistics companies rarely consider VMI in inventory management as in the process of implementation, the degree of logistics specialization, information sharing, information technology, and benefit distribution have all become restrict factors of VMI. important role Based on the pharmaceutical logistics theory and logistics system integration theory, the research analyses the pharmaceutical logistics system in China. Aiming at the problem of high inventory, the study uses the method of Vendor Managed Inventory to establish inventory integration model, makes corresponded case study and the sensitivity analysis. The conclusion turns out some important that VMI is advantageous in pharmaceutical inventory integration. The study explores the active role of VMI in pharmaceutical logistics integration theoretically.

Predicting technology integration and performance in transition economies: insights from Russia

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to examine a traditional information technology (IT) integration-performance framework in the transition economy of Russia, which has undergone significant and tumultuous institutional shifts. The research incorporates variables not previously utilized in the supply chain literature but underscore significant roles in the context of the Russian institutional environment to examine the drivers of IT integration.Design/methodology/approach– The Moscow-based, Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) was contracted to collect data from Russia manufacturing firms with 100 or more employees, and the effort resulted in 769 responses from Russian private sector firms. This primary survey data were combined with two secondary data sets to test the model using structural equation modeling.Findings– Overall, the results indicate that firms in developed economies must pay special attention to specific contextual nuances in transition economy firms that can affect their ability to successfully navigate this significantly different supply chain environment. Specifically, the results show that spatial distance from Moscow hampers a firm’s ability to integrate its logistics IT capabilities, suggesting that “modern” logistics IT (and possibly supply chain practice in general) initiate from the Moscow core and spread outward. Further, results find that growth in the number of foreign competitors in a firm’s primary industry over the prior five-year period associates with greater integrated logistics IT. It appears that increasing foreign competition creates a sense of urgency for managers within Russian firms to focus on cost reduction and improvements in logistics efficiencies by way of greater IT integration.Originality/value– A significant portion of research related to supply chain management and firm performance takes place in the economically developed West, but there are questions about whether these findings are applicable in transition economies that have a significantly different set of institutional dynamics. This research highlights how the unique contexts in transition economies such as Russia can present challenges for firms as they adapt to the realities of global market dynamics.

Moderating Role of Logistics Information Technology on the Logistics Relationships and Logistics Service Quality

An amount of research has shown that the adoption of technological innovations is the most important tool for enterprises to keep their competitive advantage. Recently, a body of evidence shows that logistics companies can increase their performance by employing new technologies. Many logistics companies began to improve their operation efficiency by continuous implementation of information or automation technologies according to their business characteristics. Logistics companies should employed new information technologies to raise their service capability in the e-commerce age. The main purpose of this study was to examine the impact of logistics relationships on logistics service quality with logistics information technology as moderator. A total of 109 feedbacks received from the 250 questionnaires distributed. Analysis was done to determine the most significant domain influencing logistics service quality. Results revealed that trust, commitment, communication and satisfactions influence the service quality except for bonding which showed no influence on the logistics service quality. The logistics information technology had no moderate effects on the relationship between logistics relationships and logistics service quality; however, the existence of trust and communication has made the moderation effect viable. The present study makes contribution to the logistics practitioners in practicing harmonized business strategy and suggestion for future studies. This study explore the relationships marketing in developing new construct for relationships dimension, which to explain the significant influence to the logistics industry and also to look for empirical evidence, on the relationships constructs, and contribution to the logistics industry.