Responses

Week 1 response

 IT in logistics versus IT in other areas of business can be utilized in many different ways. In my opinion, however, IT in logistics is as advanced as the IT used in other areas of business. IT in logistics can be composed in a number of different ways, from barcodes scanning to machines used for packaging. IT used in logistics can improve many different factors such as security and overall reliability. Security because it allows for products to be accounted for a tracked with more ease and precision. More reliability because it allows for accurate data, which leads to more accurate predictions for the company as a whole (Harder, 2011).

            Technology, especially wireless technology, can also lead to better data collection and analyzation throughout an organization because there are different technologies and software that are utilized in a way where there are fewer errors and less room for human-made mistakes. Because of fewer errors there is room left for more efficient and effective work and processes. In other areas of business IT is utilized mostly through computers as a way to share data across different departments and platforms, as well as process data. IT in logistics, however, is used in the same capacity, but it also involves machines used for loading and unloading packages, tracking items, storing items, and a copious number of other processes. It seems as though IT utilization in other areas of business often only have one or two uses, whereas IT used in logistics links many different processes between different stages and departments within the logistics of a company.

 

Reference:

Harder, P. (2011). A Guide to Wireless Technologies. ASHRAE Journal, 53(2), 44-46,48. https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy2016.trident.edu/scholarly-journals/guide-wireless-technologies/docview/887994734/se-2?accountid=28844

Week 2 Response

     Intermodal logistics involves the transportation of goods using multiple modes of transportation, such as train to truck or cargo ship to train to truck. One of the main disadvantages of intermodal logistics parks is the lack of reliability. Since there are a number of different modes that are utilized to transport a good, there are also many different modes that must be tracked and relied on for delivery. There are many different factors that go into the movement and coordination of goods. Some factors might include weather. For example, if there is a particular shipment coming by cargo ship and there is severe weather, there might be a delay with that shipment, which in turn causes a delay of continuing the shipment through its next mode of transportation, such as a train or truck.

            Intermodal logistics parks may also have high infrastructure costs due to its need to house and operate these different modes of transportation. The upkeep can become very expensive. Handling and labor costs must also be considered when it comes it intermodal logistics parks. There must be laborers to move shipments between one mode to the next and also specialized machinery that will be able to move shipments from one mode to the next.

Reference:

            Allen, R. (2017, September 26). The Difference Between Container Shipping and Break Bulk. Bizfluent. https://bizfluent.com/facts-7302355-difference-container-shipping-break-bulk.html.