An efficiently operating information system in an enterprise is one of the key factors influencing the ability to gain a lasting competitive advantage in the market. The functioning of an enterprise and its development opportunities depend to a large extent on the ICT solutions it possesses. Current research in the field of logistics is related to the search for system solutions and their implementation into existing enterprise management support systems. In this article, the authors attempt to determine the direction of development of information systems used in logistics. At the same time, they are aware that the signaled issues, due to their scope, require broader interdisciplinary research.
Logistics information system – basic assumptions
The concept of a logistics information system means a set of interrelated elements: people, equipment, and procedures, providing the logistics management bodies of an enterprise with appropriate information necessary for planning, executing, and controlling logistics activities. The presented definition draws attention to the purposefulness of combining people, data, processes, communication methods, and devices that make up the system architecture. These elements interact with each other, determining the way the enterprise functions. An information system can be defined as a set of processing procedures, databases, and processing devices, forming a formal, fully defined whole used for storing and processing information. It fulfills the role of an information system in an enterprise thanks to IT technical infrastructure. In many cases, it is one of the components of an information system, which may consist of a larger number of information systems. It is worth adding that an information system in an enterprise does not have to contain IT (information technology) infrastructure elements; however, the realities of modern management make such a situation increasingly rare. Information systems allow the user to utilize many functions supporting processes carried out in the enterprise, such as warehouse and materials management, production management, distribution, market demand forecasting, or management decision-making. The changes that the implementation of a new system can cause can, and in many cases do, affect the organization of work and the structure of information flow in the organization.
The article comes from the magazine “Logistyka” 6/2006.