Title: Current and future uses of IT in Europe and the Far East: achieving competitive advantage with 3PL

Authors: Peter J. Hosie; Ming K. Lim; Albert Wee Kwan Tan; Yong Keong Yu

Addresses: Curtin Business School, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia 6845, Australia; Faculty of Business and Management, University of Wollongong in Dubai, Dubai, UAE ' Engineering Systems and Management, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK ' Malaysia Institute of Supply Chain Innovation, No. 2A, Persiaran Tebar Layar, Seksyen U8, Bukit Jelutong, Shah Alam, 40150 Selangor, Malaysia ' Century Total Logistics Ltd., APO Box 93, 42008 Port Klang, Selangor, Malaysia

Abstract: Current and future IT applications effecting supply chains in Europe and Pacific Asia are investigated. 3PL providers increasingly use IT systems for logistics, to enhance supply chain collaboration with business partners. Advanced systems are not always immediately profitable. Most companies already implement IT systems for processing transactions but motivations vary and barriers remain since 3PL providers incompletely understand clients' IT requirements. Long-term productivity gains require sophisticated IT systems to streamline cycles and improve supply chain visibility to facilitate, plan and make decisions. RFID and advanced integration systems, including Business Process Management, are probably the next trend in IT logistics systems.

Keywords: information technology; Europe; Far East; third party logistics; 3PL; BPM; business process management; SCM; supply chain management; competitive advantage; supply chain collaboration.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLSM.2012.048674

International Journal of Logistics Systems and Management, 2012 Vol.13 No.1, pp.112 - 137

Published online: 10 Dec 2014 *

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