Title: Development of an integrated logistics information system for third party logistics facilitators

Authors: K.L. Choy, Stuart C.K. So, Henry C.W. Lau, S.K. Kwok, Felix T.S. Chan

Addresses: Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hunghom, Hong Kong. ' Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hunghom, Hong Kong. ' Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hunghom, Hong Kong. ' Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hunghom, Hong Kong. ' Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong

Abstract: Third Party Logistics (3PL) service is one of the core logistics services in the local logistics industry nowadays. However, the business operation among the small and medium-sized 3PL facilitators and their trading partners is still manual-based which is inefficient. Hence, there is a need to develop new approach for them. In this paper, a comprehensive logistics information management platform called Integrated Logistics Information Management System (ILIMS) is proposed to suit this need. It aims to integrate the internal and external logistics| operations and the information flow of 3PL facilitators providing them a systematic mean of doing business. Moreover, it provides an effective channel for them to communicate with different trading partners without geographical restriction at low operating cost. A case study of a local 3PL facilitator is discussed to demonstrate the application of ILIMS. By using this generic system, the performance of both the 3PL facilitator and their suppliers are improved significantly.

Keywords: logistics service facilitators; web-enabled information management system; performance measurement; third party logistics; 3PL; integrated logistics information; information systems; integrated information; SMEs; information flow; performance management; logistics management; Hong Kong.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBPM.2006.009035

International Journal of Business Performance Management, 2006 Vol.8 No.2/3, pp.170 - 193

Published online: 16 Feb 2006 *

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