THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN LOGISTICS PROCESS

 In logistic information, there several  types of system is use in order to smooth the logistics operation which is firstly RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is involved in packaging, handling, storage, and transportation. RFID is an automatic identification method, relying heavily on storing and remotely retrieving data using devices called RFID tags or transponders. An RFID tag is a small object that can be attached to or incorporated into object, person or any appropriate design logistic item. There are several forms of identification, but the most common is to store a serial number that identifies the person or objects, and perhaps other information, on a microchip that is attached to an antenna (the chip and antenna together are called an RFID transponder or an RFID tags).The antenna enables the chip to transmit the identification data to a reader. The reader converts the radio waves reflected back from RFID tag into digital information that can then be transmitted to computers that can make use of it.

          The purpose of an RFID system is to enable data to be transmitted by a mobile device, called a tag which is read by an RFID reader and processed according to the requirements of the specific application. The data transmitted by the tag may provide identification or location information, or other specific about the item tagged, such as price, colour, and dates of purchase. The utilization of RFID in logistics has expanded dramatically because its ability to track objects moving within the logistics infrastructure. Besides, the Electronic Commerce. It is the term used to describe the wide range of tools and techniques utilized to conduct business in a paperless environment. Electronic commerce therefore includes electronic data interchange, e-mail, electronic fund transfers, electronic publishing, image processing, electronic bulletin boards, shared databases and magnetic or optical data capture. Companies are able to automate the process of moving documents electronically between suppliers and customers.

          Next, Electronic Data Interchange. Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) refers to computer-to-computer exchange of business documents in a standard format. EDI describe both the capability and practice of communicating information between two organizations electronically instead of traditional form of mail, courier, and fax. The benefits of EDI are:

1. Quick process to information.
2. Better customer service.
3. Reduced paper work.
4. Increased productivity.
5. Improved tracing and expediting.
6. Cost efficiency.
7. Competitive advantage.
8. Improved billing.

          Though the use of EDI supply chain partners can overcome the distortions and exaggeration in supply and demand information by improving technologies to facilitate real time sharing of actual demand and supply information. Another information technology is a Bar coding and Scanner. Bar code scanners are most visible in the checkout counter of super market.  This code specifies name of product and its manufacturer. Other applications are tracking the moving items such as components in PC assembly operations, automobiles in assembly plants. Data warehouse is a consolidated database maintained separately from an organization’s production system database. Many organizations have multiple databases. A data warehouse is organized around informational subjects rather than specific business processes. Data held in data warehouses are time dependent, historical data may also be aggregated.

          Next is Enterprise Resource planning (ERP) tools. Many companies now view ERP system for example Baan, SAP, People soft as the core of their IT infrastructure. ERP system have become enterprise wide transaction processing tools which capture the data and reduce the manual activities and task associated with processing financial, inventory and customer order information. ERP system achieve a high level of integration by utilizing a single data model, developing a common understanding of what the shared data represents and establishing a set of rules for accessing data.