Technology helps in allieviating the concerns of a distribution manager. One of the key concerns of the distribution manager includes the fate of a consignment after it has left the base. Some of the prominent technologies that can be used in logistics include Global Positioning System (GPS), Swipe Cards, Bar Codes, Radio Frequency Identification. Of these technologies RFID holds a great potential in transforming logistics management for Indian corporate.

1. Chapter-12
• Use of Technologies In Logistics

2. Concern of Distribution
Manager
• Fate of a consignment after it has left
base and the scheduled time of arrival
• Follow up with the transport agents
• Distribution manager needs technology to
track the cargo
Ch-12 Use of Technology in Logistics

3. Global Positioning System-GPS
• It is a mobile vehicle tracking system
modular in design having two parts a
mobile vehicle unit and a fixed base
station the mobile vehicle unit attached to
the vehicle will have a GPS module
through which the vehicle’s position will be
monitored via satellite and GSM
technology will be used to transmit that
information to the base station
Ch-12 Use of Technology in Logistics

4. Global Positioning System-GPS
• The fixed base station will have a GSM
module and a web serve.
• The base station allows the client to view
his vehicle on a geographic map.
• Multilayer in-depth maps of cities are also
available and position of the vehicle is
displayed one these maps
Ch-12 Use of Technology in Logistics

5. Swipe Cards
• Swipe card is similar to credit card in physical
nature
• Driver required to swipe card at pre determined
specified kiosks
• On swiping a slips gets generated which the
driver is supposed to retain as proof of reporting
• The venture has established network over 200
swipe station on major national and state
highways at intervals of app 150 to 200 kms.
Ch-12 Use of Technology in Logistics

6. Swipe Cards
• The data is made available on a web
site which cab be accessed by
registered users
• Maruti Udyod Ltd, Hero Honda,
Samsung are some of the large
companies who are subscribers to this
project.
• The cost is lower at app. Rs. 1500 per
month
Ch-12 Use of Technology in Logistics

7. Bar Codes
• Bar Coe gives information of the batch
number, date and time of manufacture,
source and similar other details
• Bar code scanners are used for reading
bar codes
• The can scan the bard codes, decode the
information and transmit the same to a
computer.
Ch-12 Use of Technology in Logistics

8. Bar Codes
• At factor exists, store exits as well as
entry points, fixed mount scanner can
be placed.
• Handheld scanners cab be used when
picking materials for deliveries to
upgrade records.
• Oldest packed first out inventory
management cab be will managed
through this Ch-12 Use of Technology in Logistics

9. Radio Frequency Identification-
RFID
• Three part technology, comprising a
reader, a Trans receiver with a decoder,
and a transponder (rf tag)
• Is a wireless system
• The reader emits a radio signal, that
activate the tag and reads and writes data
to it.
• A
Ch-12 Use of Technology in Logistics

10. Radio Frequency Identification-
RFID
• As products are shipped, received or stored the
information encoded on a bar code like tag cab
be read and received by the reader which is
attached to a computer.
• RFID us an electronic product code (EPC)
which is an unique number that identifies a
specific item in the supply chain.
• Wail-Mart is deploying RFID in its stores
Ch-12 Use of Technology in Logistics

11. Operational issues with supply
chain
• Quantity of goods to be produced
• When to produce
• When to ship
• What is the location of the current
inventory and by deploying RFID the
manufacturing process can move from just
in time production to real time production
Ch-12 Use of Technology in Logistics

12. Future of RFID
• Great use potential in pharmaceutical
industry
• Less customer waiting at retail counter
• Pantaloons, and shoppers stop have
started pilot projects to test the concept
• Infosys, Wipro, are also gearing up to
meet the needs with system support
initiatives.
Ch-12 Use of Technology in Logistics

13. Summary
• Biggest concern of distribution manager is
to track movement of materials
• GPS, Swipe Cards, Bar Codes, RFID are
the technologies which are very useful
• RFID is having great use potential
Ch-12 Use of Technology in Logistics