Wireless communication, identification and sensing technologies enabling integrated logistics: a study in the harbor environment

In the last decade, integrated logistics has become an important challenge in the development of wireless communication, identification and sensing technology, due to the growing complexity of logistics processes and the increasing demand for adapting systems to new requirements. The advancement of wireless technology provides a wide range of options for the maritime container terminals. Electronic devices employed in container terminals reduce the manual effort, facilitating timely information flow and enhancing control and quality of service and decision made. In this paper, we examine the technology that can be used to support integration in harbor's logistics. In the literature, most systems have been developed to address specific needs of particular harbors, but a systematic study is missing. The purpose is to provide an overview to the reader about which technology of integrated logistics can be implemented and what remains to be addressed in the future

Review. Monitoring the intermodal, refrigerated transport of fruit using sensor networks

Most of the fruit in Europe is transported by road, but the saturation of the major arteries, the increased demand for freight transport, and environmental concerns all indicate there is a need to change this means of transport. A combination of transport modes using universal containers is one of the solutions proposed: this is known as intermodal transport. Tracking the transport of fruit in reefer containers along the supply chain is the means by which product quality can be guaranteed. The integration of emerging information technologies can now provide real-time status updates. This paper reviews the literature and the latest technologies in this area as part of a national project. Particular emphasis is placed on multiplexed digital communication technologies and wireless sensor networks

Bangladesh and Regional Connectivity : Best Practices from Global Experiences

South Asia, economic integration, Bangladesh, transport costs

An overview of research programmes and prospective technology in the development of more secure supply chains: The Case of Shipping Containers

The development of new, more secure, container systems should consider the main techno-economic items and devise a solution that, not only provides increased tamper-resistance, but also contains economically beneficial buy-in features that will motivate the adoption of new container models by the shipping trade. This report provides an overview of these aspects within the context of EU policy and R&D programmes in this area.JRC.G.5-European laboratory for structural assessmen

Electronic Seals and their Influence on the Dynamics of Container Logistics

After events 9/11 the unpredictable changes have affected the global container flows in international affairs. In order to define and explore the trade-off between international security requirements and reasonably practicable measures for business, the analysis of one of the application of e-seal technology, promising to improve container transportation processes, have been evaluated in this doctoral research. The intent of this research is to investigate the impact of container detection intrusion technology on dynamics of container logistics processes at container terminals and on the complete network. In this study a model for container transhipment between two continents through several see ports consisting of several maritime terminals and customs gates is developed. In this scenario we compare transhipment processes for three different types of container seals. One type is when containers are equipped with conventional mechanical seals, the next one is an e-seal without decision making, and the last one is an e-seal with a possibility to make routing decisions. These three cases are compared and the difference in dynamics of the transport processes is investigated. First we apply the methods of queuing theory as a most suitable mathematical tool for the analysis of the dynamics. We show that this theory works effectively in case of small number of nodes. However it turns out that we arrive at its limitations when the number of nodes becomes large. For this reason we continue our investigations with help of simulation technique by means of MATLAB that has been applied to a generic container logistic network. Further we also have estimated the economical effectiveness of investments in new container secure devices. It is evaluated whether the electronic seals bring more security for container flows. As well we have investigated their influence on the business efficiency for private sector. The evaluation and analysis of modifications in dynamics of physical container flows have been accomplished through the global container supply network in the first part of the thesis. In the second main part of the doctoral research the cost-benefit analysis shows the possible costs and benefits through the implementation and use of secure container electronic seals in global container network. In this work we have determined the most feasible advantages of application of e-seals technology and the framework of its application. The influence of different types of e-seals on the dynamics of container logistics flows has been investigated, simulated and modelled analytically in the global network; various scenarios have been developed and considered to include the most happened situations in the practical cases. An evaluation model based on the cost-benefit analysis has been proposed and approved by different business cases for adoption of different types of e-seals in container system. The returns on investment index have been calculated to compare the investments in security electronic devices under different initial conditions

Impact of Trade Facilitation on Export Competitiveness: a Regional Perspective

The present study, based on the experiences of China Customs, aims to identify good practices in enhancing export competitiveness through customs modernization. The paper examines the link between customs operations and export competitiveness, reviews overall principles and patterns for customs modernization, and proposes relevant models. It then examines the modernization of China Customs, including its objective, strategy, major initiatives and measures, as well as the overall impact of a modernized customs on export expansion.Customs, Export, Competitiveness, China

State of Alaska Election Security Project Phase 2 Report

A laska’s election system is among the most secure in the country, and it has a number of safeguards other states are now adopting. But the technology Alaska uses to record and count votes could be improved— and the state’s huge size, limited road system, and scattered communities also create special challenges for insuring the integrity of the vote. In this second phase of an ongoing study of Alaska’s election security, we recommend ways of strengthening the system—not only the technology but also the election procedures. The lieutenant governor and the Division of Elections asked the University of Alaska Anchorage to do this evaluation, which began in September 2007.Lieutenant Governor Sean Parnell. State of Alaska Division of Elections.List of Appendices / Glossary / Study Team / Acknowledgments / Introduction / Summary of Recommendations / Part 1 Defense in Depth / Part 2 Fortification of Systems / Part 3 Confidence in Outcomes / Conclusions / Proposed Statement of Work for Phase 3: Implementation / Reference

Empirical Evidence of RFID Impacts on Supply Chain Performance

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to investigate the actual benefits of radio frequency identification (RFID) on supply chain performance through the empirical evidence. Design/methodology/approach - The research reviews and classifies the existing quantitative empirical evidence of RFID on supply chain performance. The evidence is classified by process (operational or managerial) and for each process by effect (automational, informational, and transformational). Findings - The empirical evidence shows that the major effects from the implementation of RFID are automational effects on operational processes followed by informational effects on managerial processes. The RFID implementation has not reached transformational level on either operational or managerial processes. RFID has an automational effect on operational processes through inventory control and efficiency improvements. An informational effect for managerial processes is observed for improved decision quality, production control and the effectiveness of retail sales and promotions coordination. In addition, a three-stage model is proposed to explain the effects of RFID on the supply chain. Research limitations/implications - Limitations of this research include the use of secondary sources and the lack of consistency in performance measure definitions. Future research could focus on detailed case studies that investigate cross-functional applications across the organization and the supply chain. Practical implications - For managers, the empirical evidence presented can help them identify implementation areas where RFID can have the greatest impact. The data can be used to build the business case for RFID and therefore better estimate ROI and the payback period. Originality/value - This research fills a void in the literature by providing practitioners and researchers with a better understanding of the quantitative benefits of RFID in the supply chain