Information Needs of Logistics Service Providers

Information Needs of Logistics Service Providers

Ulla Tapaninen (Dr. Tech., Finland), Hennariina Pulli (M.Sc, Finland) and Antti Posti (M.Sc, Finland)
Copyright: © 2010 |Pages: 15
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-61520-603-2.ch006

Abstract

This chapter explores supply chains, all the way from the manufacturing point to the customer site. The concentration is on logistics service providers (LSPs). In terms of overall quality, the information infrastructure in Finland has constantly ranked among top 10 positions in international comparisons regarding information society development (e.g. WEF 2008). The purpose of the chapter is to point out the current level of information sharing in supply chains focusing on the information needs of logistics companies, particularly from the LSP’s point of view. A study conducted by the University of Turku revealed that there is a lack of logistics information in the supply chain (Pulli & al. 2008). The information distribution should be intensified when aiming at achieving a more efficient supply chain.
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2 Importance Of Information In Supply Chain Management

Information is an essential part of logistics and supply chains. In other words, without information sharing the flow of products could decelerate. The flow of information consists of data that is needed to launch the flows of material and capital and to steer them. The achieving of an efficient supply chain requires sharing of adequate amount of information between all possible partners at the right time. If logistics information is at the right time shared between the actors of the supply chain, it produces smooth flow of material. Smooth flow means that products move steadily in the chain and with as few and short stops as possible.

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