Analyzing current trends related to the development of ICT tools supporting logistics, 6 desirable software features common to all users – supply chain participants – can be identified. These are currently being intensively developed by system providers in the broadly defined area of logistics.
Uninterrupted data exchange
The efficiency and reliability of logistics processes of supply, production, distribution, and transport largely depend on the speed and effectiveness of information processing, which in modern times is determined primarily by the performance of computer technology. Effective data exchange between supply chain partners is currently the foundation of solutions provided by IT tool developers. At the same time, the great diversity of programs supporting logistics operations necessitates the introduction of effective communication between systems at all stages of the process. Therefore, it is essential to use advanced information technologies operating within the standards of electronic data interchange.
Integrity
Integration is the next step in data exchange between partners within logistics processes. During the flow of goods in the supply chain, information is very often processed multiple times. Integration enables real-time data exchange, which influences the increase in the efficiency of the entire supply chain. Integration of internal processes in enterprises is currently becoming a standard; many companies use ERP or SCM class systems, which is a starting point for consolidation within the entire distribution network. Therefore, in line with current trends, companies are interested not only in internal process integration, but integration between partners within the entire supply chain is gaining more and more importance.
In the dynamic, complex environment of logistics, EDI integration between contractors is still popular, but it is increasingly giving way to other solutions, such as communication platforms. This is due to the fact that many partners (customers, suppliers, LSPs) often cooperate within one network, and full integration with them would be time-consuming and costly. Therefore, a better option is to use an external EDI platform that ensures uninterrupted data flow for all players through a single connection standard.
Cloud availability
Cloud computing is a service whose main advantage is the provision of IT services and solutions via the Internet. It is a very popular form of IT outsourcing, and its main value is that there is no need to invest in one’s own infrastructure and software. Cloud data processing allows for renting resources and making them available to many users.
The advantage of cloud solutions is their flexibility and security. It is a set of IT tools that allows for increasing work efficiency while significantly reducing costs. Cloud data processing also means increased data security and full availability, regardless of where the user is located. All that is needed is access to the network and a computer. The provider of this solution ensures full support for all system users, quick implementation, and flexibility in adapting to the growing number of users of the solution. The advantage of cloud solutions is access to all online applications using any web browser. Among the most common applications of cloud solutions are: website hosting, data security services – backups, CRM, e-commerce services, accounting, settlements with contractors, and many others.
In the offer of many companies such as SAP, Oracle, Inttra, or Comarch, which offer standard solutions implemented on the client’s server, solutions in the Software as a Service (Cloud computing) model are also available. Among the products available in the cloud are software supporting both logistics and financial-accounting processes.
Comprehensiveness
The modern market is becoming increasingly demanding. Growing consumer expectations and strong competition are factors prompting entrepreneurs to look for new technological solutions offering fully comprehensive solutions. Among IT systems supporting organizational management, especially among integrated systems (e.g., ERP, SCM class), standard software packages dominate. They usually have built-in customization mechanisms that allow for adapting the system to the needs of a specific client.
Increasingly, in addition to standard system configuration for existing processes, entrepreneurs require that specialized systems also support the development of the enterprise through easy integration with partners, enable work in the cloud, and provide mobile applications. Taking this into account, IT solution providers are developing their products in such a way that when a client buys a selected tool, they receive software that comprehensively handles many processes on as many devices as possible, ensuring remote access.
Ease of use
“User-friendly” is a subjective term, therefore, several common criteria used in interfaces favorable to recipients are presented below:
– Simple to install – installation is the first point of contact for users, so it should be a friendly process. It does not matter whether it is an operating system or a single-client application, the installation should be simple and properly described in the manual.
– Easy to update – as in the case of installation, the application update process should be easy. Updates must be simple enough to ensure that users continue to use the software without problems. When users do not update, and thus do not reveal problems, the software becomes less and less reliable and secure.
– Intuitive – to be user-friendly, the interface must be understandable to the average user and should require as short an instruction manual as possible.
– Efficient – not only should the software work as expected, but it should also be efficient. It should be optimized for a specific architecture, should be connected to all memory leaks, and should work seamlessly with underlying structures and subsystems. From the user’s point of view, the software should be an effective means of performing their tasks.
– Transparent – a good user interface is properly organized so that various tools and necessary options can be easily located.
– Reliable – a property of the system that provides information on whether it works correctly (fulfills all functions and activities entrusted to it) for the required time and under specified operating conditions, which directly affects user satisfaction.
Mobile access
Due to constantly developing mobile technology, which enables quick and easy access to information or tools, more and more IT tool providers are also offering a mobile version of the software. Mobile applications support software regardless of its basic functionality; it can be an ERP system, as well as an SAP system or a freight exchange, for example, TimoCom or Trans.eu. Mobile devices are everywhere, making supercomputers available at any time – often as services and applications in the cloud – and a high level of security is standard in this mobile environment. While this mobile trend offers huge opportunities, it also increases the pressure on IT providers who are improving their products and services in the cloud. Many companies are currently extending a subset of existing applications to mobile devices. In many cases, these are micro-applications that offer a subset of the features available in desktop applications.