In the processes of building logistics models, information technologies play an important role related to improving the quality of the organizational and management infrastructure of an enterprise. In practice, they allow you to more effectively work out alternative planning schemes, as well as expand your understanding of the possibilities of existing solutions. The advantages of information technology in logistics do not end there, but it is worth looking into other features of using this concept in more detail.
Concepts of information and information flow in logistics
In order to improve the efficiency of logistics schemes, information tools are used, which include hardware, equipment, devices for processing and storing data. Taskdevelopers of a design solution for the integration of information technologies - to provide the consumer with the opportunity to systematically obtain accurate, accessible, reliable and timely information. For the convenience of modeling, the terms of reference use the concept of information flow, which reflects the concept of using information technology in logistics. Briefly, this term can be expressed as a flow of messages corresponding to material or service channels in the considered logistics model. It can be said that this is an information network, superimposed or developed in parallel for a specific logistics project, which is intended for the implementation of control actions.
As for the form of messages in the information flow, its appearance depends on the specific conditions of use. Both traditional paper media and electronic representation can be used. Of course, for a more flexible use of streaming data, the implementation of information technologies in logistics is carried out on a digital basis, which is more convenient in terms of processing and storing large amounts of data. At the same time, full electronization of network flows is far from always possible due to the low level of information support; therefore, paper waybills, telephone messages, physical diagrams, etc. are still used. In any case, the content of the information flow itself is much more significant. In general, what is information in a logistics model in principle? Even a small enterprise can work with huge amounts of information, includingwhich data on suppliers, production capacities, assortments, warehouse parameters, market dynamics, financial costs, regulatory requirements, etc.
Characteristics of the information flow
Information support, provided stable operation, does not necessarily increase the efficiency of enterprises. The same information in flows that is created, stored and circulated through the logistics network can only be useful if this information is actually integrated and used in supply chain processes. But the very fact of its relevance for production is not enough to recognize the model as useful, since the positive factors of its application may not correspond to the investments and resources spent on supporting the work of information flows. To evaluate the effectiveness and justification of the use of a particular information technology system in logistics, you can use the following characteristics:
- Reliability and validity of data sources.
- Degree of security of messaging channels with up-to-date information.
- Messaging rate.
- Channel bandwidth (volumes of information passing and processed per unit of time).
- Energy efficiency of common infrastructure. In this case, we can talk about the rationality of information flow schemes, taking into account the possibilities of optimizing them to speed up the circulation of messages and reduce the resources spent on maintaining the network.
To successfully implement the logistics modelmanagement with information support, the following prerequisites and factors are also required:
- Adequacy of formalization and systematization of the management process.
- Sufficient informational and organizational parameters to sustain the process.
- Initially developed effective methodology for managing enterprise logistics outside the information support function.
- It is possible to reduce the time for feedback in critical situations - including the use of backup communication channels.
Information technology in the logistics structure
Any logistic model provides for a wide group of links that form an operating structure that provides part of the control functions in a particular production. An employee's workplace, a personnel unit or a production procedure can be considered as such links. What place will information technology take in this structure? In logistics, these are directly means of communication, which in practice are organized in the following technical means:
- Computerization of control processes. At the basic level, equipping the same workplaces or dispatching (operator) consoles with computers.
- Software. Application software systems are being introduced to maintain databases, track the movement of goods, and automate the processes of decision-making, planning, monitoring and forecasting.
- Introduction or modernization of data transmission facilities. First of all, standards are developed and requirements for the same information flows are formulated, after which a set of tools is determined by which the network will function.
Subject to the implementation of the above points, information technology in the logistics of a particular enterprise will provide the ability to control all stages of production with the movement of raw materials and products. As practice shows, already in the first time after the informatization of production processes, management personnel manage to detect errors and losses in material flows that worked according to the old schemes.
Principles of building a logistics information model
The conditions for the effective functioning of the information system are laid down at the stage of setting the task and developing an enterprise informatization project. In both cases, when planning, it is necessary to focus on the following principles:
- Redundancy. Preserving the ability to expand the range of tasks in the future on the current information support platform.
- Hierarchy. The system must be strictly subordinated to a certain range of tasks at different levels, taking into account the specific expenditure of resources to achieve them.
- Data aggregation. Possibility of multi-level accounting of requests.
- Optimization and rationalization. The information technology system introduced into the logistics of the management structure must be carefully calculated in terms of energy efficiency and profitability.
- Consistency. Developeda special system of indicators that excludes the possibility of displaying incorrect data or inconsistent actions.
- Open system. Required to complete initial information.
- Adaptive to changing working conditions and new requests.
The significance of different principles may vary depending on the conditions of application of the logistic model. In one case, the requirements for reliability and security may come to the fore, in another - for optimization and consistency, and in the third - for interactivity and functionality.
Logistics planning using information technology
Without planning based on the full amount of input data, it is impossible to implement information support for enterprise logistics. Moreover, mistakes made during the development of the plan, even in the form of minor inaccuracies, can lead to production failures, delays and violations in individual processes. This is due to the increased dependence between the links of the working chains. For this reason, new technological programs are being introduced specifically for the planning of this area. For example, information technology, which is engaged in logistics in terms of drawing up plans for the consumption of resource materials for production, is based on the concept of MRP (Material Requirements Plan). This is a system for developing a production plan and purchases necessary for the manufacture and further release of products. The MRP documentation defines the scope, characteristics, application, and other nomenclatureindicators of materials and parts required at a particular production stage.
In more in-depth schemes, the DRP (Distribution Requirements Planning) planning concept is also used, in accordance with which an internal scheme of resource and commodity circulation is formed. In distribution logistics, information technology based on DRP is also used to organize more efficient inventory control, taking into account reorder points, transportation organization schemes, production links, distribution channels, etc. Companies that apply strategies for gradually increasing production capacities, based on DRP technology, are implementing and principles of total product quality management.
Features of operational planning
Not only are production performance improved through the introduction of logistics models, but also the efficiency of the planning process itself. Recently, many enterprises have moved from traditional boards with plans and network diagrams to computer-aided design technologies for monitoring and managing resources and capacities. With regard to the information support of logistics, it is worth highlighting the method of synchronous operational planning of technological processes, which focuses on the introduction of links with supply chains, taking into account the limitations and characteristics of a particular production.
What is the fundamental difference between the new planning tools? Firstly, the flexibility of applying logistics in each specific case increases. That is, there is a rejectionsimilar simple models of the same movement of raw materials or products, for example, from a conveyor to a warehouse. The vision of the task is expanded by including indirect factors due to the nuances and specifics of the release of a particular product. Secondly, the use of information technology in logistics with operational planning methods provides for the observance of the principle of synchronism of different production processes and parameters. This means that, for example, when making purchases or loading conveyors, resource and capacity restrictions are taken into account, respectively. This feature just increases the degree of optimization of production without reducing its nominal efficiency. In the most advanced synchronous planning algorithms, the production and supply support schemes are structurally separated from the scheduling models of technological processes as a whole.
Logistics simulation
Informatization today rarely does without simulation modeling, which allows you to solve important problems of effective resource planning, project control and forecasting of the enterprise. The practice of applying information technology in logistics today demonstrates the successful development of two concepts of simulation modeling:
- Isomorphic. In this case, the model is developed taking into account all the parameters and characteristics of the target object, which can be understood as both information flows and goods with personnel and production sites. The wider and deeper the layer of initial data, the more accurate the model.
- Homomorphic. Models of thistypes are based on partial information about the logistics object. The limited use of initial information may be due to the lack of a physical possibility of obtaining it, or the impossibility of simulating specific properties and characteristics.
The next step is to build specific models. Again, the information technologies that are used in logistics mainly involve digital and computerized tools, but the physical creation of material imitation objects is not excluded. These categories of modeling include reduced layouts. The most promising areas can be considered the development of systems that combine the principles of analytics and mathematical calculation with reflection in virtual reality - this is how, in particular, the modern concept of e-Manufacturing works.
Modern information technologies in logistics
The main trend, which would generally reflect the features of the evolution of modern logistics in the context of the introduction of information systems, is the combination of computer calculation, design and simulation with reality. The most promising area of research in this direction is augmented reality (AR concept), that is, a model completely generated by a computer, but reflecting certain processes of reality. In production logistics, AR-based information technologies are used to solve positioning and reflection problems. Implemented systemallows you to track an object in 3D graphics, recording its movements in real time with a full list of characteristics that reflect its current state.
An equally popular area in the development of information systems to support logistics tasks is the formation of accounting software systems. These are powerful computing platforms capable of processing hundreds and thousands of performance indicators, also taking into account the influence of dynamic links between individual parameters. In logistics, modern information technologies of this group are focused on the optimization and generalization of key indicators. At the same time, processing is carried out in relation to a large amount of information, which also includes the production schedule, service schedules, product manufacturing dates, etc. The possibility of diagnostics with correction of calculation algorithms in full automation mode without operator involvement is also of fundamental importance.
The importance of information technology in logistics
Even with the initial technological level of introduction of informatization elements into logistics, the quality of processes for managing various kinds of flows in the enterprise increases. Moreover, in addition to improving individual indicators, fundamentally new features are added:
- Expeditious remote transfer of information for various purposes.
- Automation of the processes of tracking goods movement and production indicators.
- Complex or partial flow monitoring inreal time.
- Prompt processing of information about both the internal work processes of the enterprise and the state of the market.
- Application of "paperless" technologies, including electronic signature, electronic payments, digital document management, etc.
- Switching to e-commerce systems.
Ultimately, the role of information technology in logistics is reflected in the goals of companies applying such methods in practice:
- Ensuring survival in today's competitive environment.
- Providing employees of the enterprise with operational information, which increases the efficiency of their work.
- Increased accuracy in the design of logistics models, which reduces production costs.
- Expanding the functions of the organizational and administrative complex.
- Flexibility to change production tactics in a dynamic market.
Conclusion
Efficient logistics is one of the key components of the success of modern companies. Even with ideally built models for conducting business operations, a low level of management and control over the movement of goods will not allow the company to be capable in a highly competitive environment. In turn, information technology not only improves the quality of logistics, but is a necessity in the modern world, also expanding the organizational and communication capabilities of market participants at different levels. Theoretically, these advantagesconfirmed by books about information technology in logistics:
- Tikhonov A. Supply chain management information systems.
- Schreibfeder J. Effective Inventory Management.
- Vernikov G. "Basic principles, philosophy and evolution of MRP".
If we talk about the practical benefits of informatization in logistics, then it is confirmed by the desire of even small companies to switch to digital commodity flow management systems. At a higher corporate level, the mass introduction of computer technology is accompanied by the use of local area networks and high-speed telecommunication systems. The emergence of new interactive technologies also marks a new evolutionary stage in logistics.
