Autumn 2007

An E-logistics Forum has been set up by the European Enterprise Platform to review all aspects of electronic commerce in logistics and suggest ways to improve efficiency and effectiveness in Europe.

Chaired by Colum Joyce, head of KBOR Research in Brussels, the forum will examine a number of issues affecting logistics - physical infrastructure, product design, communication and tracking technologies, including broadband provision to home consumers, and shipping technologies.

'We want to join the dots in logistics,' Joyce explains. 'We need to see how communications technology allows logistics to be more efficient and effective.'

Joyce suggests that RFID tags could be incorporated in the product design of all goods, particularly consumer goods. 'If the product can speak to the supplier, support organisations such as third-party logistics companies and disposal organisations, it can inform people about the status and needs of the product.'

 

RFID tags could, for example, alert the 3PL and other relevant parties that the item is ready for collection, or tell the retailer it is on its way, simply by passing by an RFID reader.

Route efficiency, frequency of deliveries and efficient loading and use of vehicles will also be addressed by the E-logistics Forum. 'All of these are operating below their potential efficiency,' Joyce insists.