This paper examines key topics in logistics information management, including the role of smartphones in improving logistics communication, the importance of timely and accurate information in logistics information systems, and the advantages and disadvantages of cloud computing. It also explores whether corporate culture is relevant to designing a logistics measurement system and outlines key considerations — such as asset management, cost, productivity, customer service, and quality — that logistics managers should address when implementing such systems.
Among advances in telecommunications technology, the smartphone stands out as the most beneficial to logistics management because of its wide-ranging features and functionality. A smartphone makes communication easier and more readily accessible, allowing users to receive, read, and send emails from virtually anywhere. Logistics management applications can be installed on a smartphone, enabling easy data transmission and real-time coordination across the supply chain.
Timely information ensures that a logistics information system remains up-to-date with the current status of items being transported. With timely information, a manager can see what is happening in real time and make informed decisions based on the data received (Lusch, Vargo, & Fisher, 2014).
Equally important is accuracy. Accurate information ensures that the system always displays and disseminates correct data. It is vital because decision-makers can fully rely on the information retrieved from the system to reflect the correct status of a particular consignment (Murphy, Knemeyer, Wood, & Education, 2014). Together, timeliness and accuracy form the foundation of a reliable logistics information system.
Cloud computing offers several notable advantages, including usability, accessibility, disaster recovery, and cost savings. Usability allows for ease of use, as an individual only needs to access a link to reach the information they require. Accessibility ensures that information can be retrieved from anywhere, provided the user has an internet connection. In the event of a disaster, files used by the business are easier to recover, supporting business continuity. Cost savings are achieved because cloud computing is generally cheaper to implement and maintain compared to traditional storage solutions that require individually managed company servers.
Despite these benefits, cloud computing also carries disadvantages related to bandwidth, data security, and accessibility. Cloud service providers typically allocate a specified amount of bandwidth each month; if an organization exceeds this allocation, additional charges may apply, which can become costly. Data security may be compromised if company servers are breached, potentially exposing sensitive organizational information. Finally, accessibility is limited to times when an active internet connection is available, which can restrict employees who are frequently on the move.
Corporate culture refers to the behaviors and beliefs that shape how an organization's management and employees interact with each other and with external business partners. There is a recurring theme within logistics research indicating that an organization's logistics capabilities should be directly connected to the objectives of its performance measures. Logistics managers need to continuously communicate how logistics capabilities add value and support the organization's corporate strategy and overall success (Globerson & Wolbrum, 2014).
"Linking corporate culture to logistics performance measurement"
"Core factors managers weigh when building measurement systems"
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