Document Management System in Logistics Business
In this article we look at the specific benefits of a good document management system in the logistics business. We look at the business of logistics. We also look at the kinds of documents generated by the business. Finally, we look at how a logistics business could benefit from using a good document management system.What Is Logistics?When you bought that cheap pencil made in China, did you wonder how it reached you all the way from some factory located in a remote part of China? The answer is: Logistics. It was logistics that made the pencil available at the store near you. Logistics has been defined as the art and science of managing and controlling the flow of goods, energy, information and other resources like products, services and people, from the source of production to the marketplace. More specifically, it involves having the right item in the right quantity at the right time at the right place for the right price.
Project Management
Logistics management does not simply involve assembling all the requirements. You cannot just get these from wherever available and dump them all at the site. The following additional tasks are key to good logistics management:Sequencing and scheduling the requirements to identify when the requirements for each item would arise, Locating the right quality of items that would ensure a successful commissioning and subsequent operations of the project, ocuring these and transporting to site at the best available prices and other terms, and arranging for the proper storage of items delivered at site until needed to prevent damage or loss.A large number of documents would typically be generated during the above processes. These include:
List of project requirements and/or purchase requests.Time schedules indicating required dates.Specifications and cost estimates.Tender documents where bids are invited.Supplier and transporter quotations and comparison statements
Reports on quality and performance evaluations.Correspondence with suppliers and transporters.Purchase order copies
Inspection and compliance reports
Invoices received from suppliers and transporters
Inventory records relating to receipts, issues and balances
Item movement records (internal transport to final consumption.
Accounts payables
Document Management: Up to the second information.A good Web-based tracking system could keep constant track of each item on its way from point of origin to point of consumption. You would then become aware of any bottlenecks and could take immediate action (most likely a Web-based action) to tackle these.Each shipment is assigned a tracking code and all the nodes on its path would use this code to update its receipt and dispatch. The updating would be done to relevant documents at a central server. By accessing updated documents, concerned persons would be able to monitor the shipment’s progress.
Logistic Functions
In the following functions, good document and information management is essential for effective performance.Inventory: Documents generated would include Goods Received Notes, Material Requisitions from consuming departments, Materials Issue Acknowledgments, Accounting records, Bin Cards, Inventory verification reports, List of reorder points and Goods replenishment requests. A centralized computer-based system could eliminate the need for many paper documents and could speed up transactions. Such a system would also enable concerned persons to verify current availability of needed materials.
Purchasing: Documents would include Suppliers lists, Purchase requests, Invitations to quote or bid, Quotes and bids received, Comparison reports, Correspondence and negotiation records, Supplier assessment reports, Purchase order copies and Inspection reports. A Web-based system could make locating and communicating with prospective suppliers, even if they were located at the other end of the world, far easier. All communications could be put on record without difficulty. This system could be integrated with the internal inventory system for error-free synchronization.
Transport: In these days of tracking numbers and worldwide shipments, it is absolutely essential to have Web access to track all shipments. When integrated with purchasing and sales systems, the status of each purchase or sale order could be tracked from commencement to completion. Pending overdue orders could then be flagged for immediate attention.
Warehousing: Similar to inventory, a centralized system could not only speed up transactions but also enable availability verifications. Considering that the warehouses could be located at geographically spread locations, true logistic planning operations could be carried out to deliver merchandise to different markets in an optimized manner. Times and costs could thus be minimized.
Planning & Organizing: Information is the key input for effective planning and organizing. With the kind of centralized and up-to-date information availability ensured through the systems outlined above, it would be far easier to assess requirements, explore alternatives, collect information, communicate with suppliers, transporters and distributors, and continuously monitor performance.
The Document Management System
A Web-based system integrated with internal systems could transform conventional logistics management beyond recognition. It would now be possible to manage operations of a global scale even more easily than those within a small geographical area.A Web-based system means that much of the information would be stored on a server accessible over the Internet. As a result, outside persons could access up-to-date information from wherever they are. The only requirements would be that they should have an Internet connection and should be authorized to access the document.
Business Benefits
The following specific benefits would result from a Web-based and integrated logistics management system.Better control over logistic operations making it possible to achieve desired goals and performance standards.Speedier business transactions and internal operations leading to higher business volumes.Possibility of getting requirements from the best sources worldwide at lower costs and better quality leading to enhanced profitability and customer satisfaction
Questions and Answers
Top Ten SEO Software, Top Ten SEO Software, Search Engine Optimziation Software In accordance to most Search engine optimisation program critiques, of all the Seo software package obtainable in the market place now, World wide web Organization Promoter or IBP as it is popularly regarded is leading the pack. This device automates check...
The field of computer software engineering can be a difficult one to break into for the average graduate. While many graduates leaving university have a high knowledge of computers and software design, there is a need for creativity, comprehensive knowledge, and practical experience that is often lacking in young professionals.
A computer software engineer resume must highlight your technical skills. This article gives you some ideas of the sort of information
We have the opportunity to discover what you need, how to reduce costs and increase your ROI. Everything we do must be a streamlined process that allows us to offer serious marketing tools at an affordable price.
An growing variety of computer software developers have introduced comparable kinds of software package into the net market. Just like the entrepreneurs that they've targeted as customers, they too have employed the very same approaches and methods in Search engine marketing to sell their goods.
In the event you ended up being to contemplate the leading a few variables which assists for making a web based business enterprise productive, it will typically arrive along to web page talents, marketing and advertising effectiveness and look for engine optimization. Your internet site represents the foundation of your corporation and failure on this regard could usually prove for being the demise of your corporation efforts.
An in depth look at the new MMORPG from Blizzard Entertainment known as Diablo III, a long awaited release for Diablo fans.
Most small businesses take advantage of computer technology, and it certainly can make things a lot easier for everyone within the business when you do so properly. Unfortunately, there are also a number of different problems that can occur as a result of the technology that you are using.
Copying ipod to computer is easy. For more information on how read this article.
Online training software has found its place in almost all the offices and organizations. It can be used to train employees over the net
According to leading research carried out by Gartner, the number of PCs distributed throughout the first quarter of 2012 went up by 1.9% which was better than analysts predicted.
Years ago before embarking on my spiritual path I believed that I would and should have a career that would last until my retirement. But since then and after many years questioning such beliefs and programming I have come to realize that it is not in the nature of fluid beings of light to be doing anything for an extended period of time. Yes I do agree that there are some folks who find something they adore and stick with it for their lifetime but they are not in the majority. Perhaps we can sa
Bill Parcels AKA The Big Tuna” in football is regarded as one of the best NFL coaches of all-time. He has coached in 3 Super Bowl games in which he has a record of 1-2, two with the New York Giants and one with the New England Patriots. One of the two-loss came after his kicked missed a 47-yard field goal as time expired.A parcel is known for his ability to turnaround a struggling franchise. With the Giants it took him two seasons to coach them to a winning record and just one with the Patriots
With the range of refinancing options out there, it is easy to get cynical. However, a home loan refinance can really help you get out of debt and pay off the mortgage. Reduction in Monthly payments With a home loan refinance, you get to actively lower the monthly payment on the mortgage. You could look for a mortgage plan that offers a lower interest rate or just extend the tenure of payment in order to reduce the monthly payment. You will be surprised that even with a minor difference of rate;
One of the better ways of creating a house surroundings that is uplifting and relaxing is with aromatherapy soy candles. An aromatherapy candle made of soya is too made with vital oils inside of it. As the candle burns, the oils are heated scatter throughout the atmosphere. These soy candles are accessible in all types of shapes and sizes, as easily as filled with a kind of distinct vital oils. Basically, as the candle burns, the oil gets warm and releases its aroma throughout the room. The cura
At last... A challenge to all back pain sufferers in Singapore who think that it is impossible to cure back pain! Here is an advanced physical therapy treatment that the physiotherapists in The Pain Relief Practice are helping many devastated back pain sufferers reduced their pain and avoid a back surgery. Thanks to this new physical therapy technology called Non Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy, which is another alternative to medications, surgery, physiotherapy, chiropractor, acupuncturi
Discuss this Article
