The report examines the possibilities for and barriers to developing efficient and environmentally-friendly freight transport systems and management strategies through integrated advanced logistics. In a global and multimodal context, the study reviews logistics innovations and the application of information and telecommunication technologies in the road freight sector. The critical issues are identified, highlighted barriers, opportunities, and missed opportunities. The study is a follow-up activity of the OECD report on "Advanced Logistics and Road Freight Transport" (see C 1048 S) published in 1992 which presents the development in logistics operations in response to changing production and distribution requirements. The report consists of five Chapters. The introduction presents the background of the study, the needs and priorities, business/logistics relations and the governmental role in this sector. Chapter II examines the globalisation of business and the evolving integration of production and distribution parallel to developments in product and marketing strategy. Chapter III examines the roles and uses of information technology from a systems perspective. Chapter IV develops a framework for evaluating logistics and information systems strategies. Chapter V presents conclusions, including recommendations for a future research and programme of tri-lateral co-operation. The Annexes focus on standardisation in information systems for freight transport, a national case study on the global intermodal context and city/green logistics; the implications of logistics on human resources management are also reviewed.
Samenvatting