Virtualization in logistics has been discussed for many years. It is mainly associated with online stores or exchanges. However, the application of virtual logistics in industry is not common. Industrial enterprises usually implement an internal management (logistics) system of the ERP (Enterprise Resources Planning) type, and also meet the needs of customers by building ECR (Efficient Consumer Response) systems.
These systems are expensive, and their implementation takes several years. However, they allow for the automation of many operations in the purchasing, production, sales, and design processes that were previously performed by humans. Their application influences the reduction of inventory levels in the enterprise, as well as in the supply chain. By choosing a logistics system, an enterprise decides on a specific nature of relations with recipients and suppliers. In these relations, apart from the strictly logistical dimension, i.e., the coordinated flow of information and materials, an indispensable element of economic exchange is price.
These systems are expensive, and their implementation takes several years. However, they allow for the automation of many operations in the purchasing, production, sales, and design processes that were previously performed by humans. Their application influences the reduction of inventory levels in the enterprise, as well as in the supply chain. By choosing a logistics system, an enterprise decides on a specific nature of relations with recipients and suppliers. In these relations, apart from the strictly logistical dimension, i.e., the coordinated flow of information and materials, an indispensable element of economic exchange is price.
The article comes from the magazine “Logistyka” 2003/6.