1 Introduction
1.1 Nature of the Problem and Objective
The role of international trade has been redefined by the emergence and high pace of
globalization. The effects are among other things that routes of transportation become
longer, product life cycles shorten, and the requisite for the availability of goods and
services increases (Christopher, 2005, pp. 207). Keeping this in mind, the logistics industry
is one of the fastest growing industries world-wide and benefitted in particular of
this shift towards a globalized world. Even though logistics as such has prevailed over a
long time, it has been only recently that the industry has received an enormous boost
due to the global adherence and new technical developments. It was mainly because of
the standardized container that this accretion, and globalization itself, could happen. But
also the ‘New Economy’ accelerated this growth to a significant extent by introducing
computers and telecommunication media, and thereby established a dynamic, high
competitive and world-spanning market. At the same time, companies demand more
and more premium solutions from logistic service providers1 in order to cope with the
competitive environment. The importance of the innovative and crucial factor of telecommunication
technology (TT) in this specific sector can therefore not be denied.
More importantly, it is of significant matter to have an understanding, as well as knowing
how to implement and take advantage of these technologies, in order to gain or
maintain a competitive edge over rivaling companies. (Christopher, 2005, p. 9).
The objective of this paper is therefore to describe the impact which modern and innovative
TTs can have on the logistics sector. In order to pursue this goal, it is important
to focus on three points: the understanding of several TTs which are of use for commercial
usage, their effects on logistic issues, and the linkage of these two points to practical
examples as they can be found today. Due to the fact that the area of logistics spans a
lot of different modalities and areas, like passenger logistics or document logistics, the
focus will lie on container cargo shipment, exemplary for the drivers of this industry. In
addition, particularly this field of logistics makes already, and has great potential to
make, use of TTs for improvements in its field of activity.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Nature of the Problem and Objective
- Structure
- Foundations
- Innovative Technologies
- Telecommunication
- Logistics Chain
- Innovative Telecommunication Technologies in the Logistics Chain
- Telecommunication via Satellite
- Global Positioning System
- Universal Mobile Telecommunications System
- Radio Frequency Identification
- Impact of Innovative Telecommunication Technologies
- Efficiency and Effectiveness
- Costs
- Accuracy
- Safety and Security
- Competitive Advantage
- Business Insights
- Secure Trade Lane
- Philips Semiconductors
- Conclusion and Outlook
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to describe the impact of modern and innovative telecommunication technologies (TTs) on the logistics sector. It focuses on understanding commercially-useful TTs, their effects on logistics, and practical examples of their implementation. The analysis centers on container cargo shipment as a key example within the broader logistics industry.
- The definition and characteristics of innovative technologies within a business context.
- The role and application of various TTs in the logistics chain, particularly for container cargo.
- The impact of TTs on efficiency, costs, accuracy, safety, security, and competitive advantage within the logistics industry.
- Real-world examples of TT implementation in companies like IBM.
- The overall effect of TT on the changing landscape of global logistics in a rapidly globalizing world.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This chapter introduces the paper's objective: to analyze the impact of innovative telecommunication technologies on the logistics sector, focusing on container cargo shipment. It highlights the growing importance of logistics in a globalized world and the increasing demand for premium solutions from logistics service providers. The chapter establishes the need for understanding and implementing these technologies to maintain a competitive edge.
Foundations: This section lays the groundwork by defining "innovative technology," differentiating it from mere invention, and emphasizing its economic and technological implications. It introduces key concepts related to telecommunications and the logistics chain, providing a framework for understanding the interaction between these elements. The chapter then describes the significance of globalization and the increasingly complex nature of international trade.
Innovative Telecommunication Technologies in the Logistics Chain: This chapter details specific telecommunication technologies used in logistics, such as satellite-based communication (GPS and UMTS) and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). It examines their applications within the logistics chain, highlighting how these technologies can be integrated to enhance various aspects of the supply chain. The chapter focuses on the technical aspects and potential of these technologies.
Impact of Innovative Telecommunication Technologies: This chapter explores the effects of these technologies on key business aspects of the logistics industry. This includes analyzing improvements in efficiency and effectiveness, cost reductions, increased accuracy, enhanced safety and security measures, and the development of a competitive advantage. It provides a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted impact of TT on logistics operations.
Business Insights: This chapter applies the preceding theoretical discussions to real-world examples, specifically focusing on case studies from IBM. It likely showcases the practical implementation of the discussed technologies, highlighting successes and challenges encountered in real-world applications. The chapter links the theoretical framework to concrete business scenarios.
Keywords
Telecommunication technologies, logistics, globalization, supply chain, efficiency, cost reduction, accuracy, safety, security, competitive advantage, GPS, UMTS, RFID, container cargo, international trade, innovative technology, IBM.
Frequently Asked Questions: Impact of Innovative Telecommunication Technologies on the Logistics Sector
What is the main focus of this paper?
This paper analyzes the impact of modern and innovative telecommunication technologies (TTs) on the logistics sector, specifically focusing on container cargo shipment and its effects on efficiency, costs, accuracy, safety, security, and competitive advantage.
What are the key objectives of the study?
The study aims to define innovative technologies within a business context, explore the application of various TTs in the logistics chain (particularly for container cargo), assess the impact of TTs on key business aspects, and provide real-world examples of TT implementation.
What telecommunication technologies are discussed?
The paper discusses several key technologies including satellite-based communication (GPS and UMTS), and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). It details their applications within the logistics chain and how their integration enhances supply chain operations.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include the definition and characteristics of innovative technologies, the role of TTs in the logistics chain, the impact of TTs on efficiency, costs, accuracy, safety, and security, real-world examples of implementation (including a focus on IBM), and the overall effect of TT on the changing landscape of global logistics.
What is the structure of the paper?
The paper is structured into several chapters: Introduction (defining the problem and objective), Foundations (laying the groundwork on innovative technologies and logistics), Innovative Telecommunication Technologies in the Logistics Chain (detailing specific technologies), Impact of Innovative Telecommunication Technologies (analyzing the effects on business aspects), Business Insights (providing real-world examples, including IBM), and Conclusion and Outlook.
What are the chapter summaries?
Each chapter provides a detailed analysis of its specific topic, building upon the previous chapters to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject. The introduction establishes the context and the need for the study, while subsequent chapters delve into the theoretical foundations, specific technologies, their impact on various business aspects, and real-world case studies.
What are the key takeaways regarding the impact of TTs on the logistics sector?
The paper concludes that innovative telecommunication technologies significantly impact the logistics industry by improving efficiency and effectiveness, reducing costs, increasing accuracy, enhancing safety and security measures, and fostering a competitive advantage. The integration of these technologies is crucial for success in the globalized logistics market.
What real-world examples are used to illustrate the concepts?
The paper uses real-world examples, particularly focusing on case studies from IBM, to illustrate the practical implementation of the discussed technologies and their impact on business operations. These examples highlight both the successes and challenges encountered in real-world applications.
What are the key words associated with this paper?
Key words include: Telecommunication technologies, logistics, globalization, supply chain, efficiency, cost reduction, accuracy, safety, security, competitive advantage, GPS, UMTS, RFID, container cargo, international trade, innovative technology, IBM.
- Citar trabajo
- Niklas Jeschke (Autor), 2007, The impact of innovative telecommunication technologies on the logistics sector, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/89186
