The execution of tasks in the field of modern logistics is largely supported by the use of information technology. The dynamics and intensity of processes occurring in logistics chains require the possession and use of comprehensive, certain, and reliable information at every stage, enabling the making of quick and rational decisions that streamline specific operations. The main features that determine the success of using IT solutions in logistics management focus on ensuring that the information transmitted through them is: reliable (a specific degree of truthfulness and accuracy), relevant (comprehensive), accessible (no additional requirements for transforming its form), available (in the right place, to the right users), simple to convey (fully understandable content), confidential in access (among other things, through: encryption, authorization, and restricted access), and secure in the event of system failure (among other things, through the duplication of critical solution elements).
In practice, there are many different solutions that meet the aforementioned requirements, contributing to the shaping of company competitiveness strategies. The article presents IT solutions used in the field of freight forwarding in the process of cooperation between the Armed Forces of the Republic of Poland (SZ RP) and an external company.
Changes occurring in the field of military logistics, related to the professionalization of the SZ RP and the dynamics of changes in the economic market, force the search for new, effective solutions for the implementation of the logistics support process for military units and subunits. Economic calculation, which currently plays one of the priority roles in the functioning of the SZ RP, argues for increasing the involvement of external entities in the implementation of tasks not strictly related to combat and operational activities. One such solution is the attempt to transfer tasks previously carried out by soldiers to specialized external companies on an outsourcing basis, in accordance with the “Concept for implementing a system of contracting services outside the SZ RP in the Ministry of National Defense” developed in 2008. Actions taken in this area concern tasks that can be carried out by specialized external entities at the level required by the SZ RP at lower costs. An example of such ventures is the signing in 2009 of a 4-year contract between the Ministry of National Defense (MON) and Cargoforte Sp. z o.o. for customs and forwarding services for imported and exported armaments and military equipment (UiSW), dual-use goods, dangerous goods, and less-than-truckload and courier shipments in land, sea, and air transport.
Based on the experience of the UTi Worldwide Company group, to which Cargoforte Sp. z o.o. belongs, modern solutions have been implemented in the Polish army to optimize ventures within the scope covered by the contract. This is possible thanks to the use of the experience of the specialized unit of UTi Worldwide Company, namely UTi/SLI Tacisa, which deals with the comprehensive handling of military shipments worldwide, also organizing shipments to/from conflict zones in which NATO or the UN participate (for example, Afghanistan, Iraq, Chad). Developed and proven methods and tools, previously used in countries such as Spain, Portugal, and Chile, have been fully transferred to Polish soil. Solutions in the field of freight forwarding and customs handling of shipments with armaments and the arrangement of dedicated transport solutions (air and sea charters for the transport of goods not accepted in regular transport) have directly influenced the increase in the efficiency of the implemented ventures.
The scale of the ventures and the fulfillment of specific client requirements, which the armed forces undoubtedly are, force the widespread use of specialized IT tools in the mutual contacts of the contract parties. The SILO IT platform – Sistema de Informacion Logistico y de Operaciones – is used to serve clients from the defense sector.
The article comes from the magazine “Logistyka” 2/2010.