Information technologies in integrated logistics

The rapid development of the Internet and the use of new possibilities which the digital technologies have brought about, have made significant changes in all the areas of business, including logistics. The question of whether the advantages of information technology should be used in integrated logistics is no longer posed, rather a new question arises - 'How to exploit the advantages of the modern electronic business?'. This work attempts at answering this broad & complex question. All the subsystems of integrated logistics, such as warehousing, order processing and supply, must be integrated in one unique system via IT. A well established information; system may improve the company's attempts to satisfy the customer's needs, thus improving the aim of the integrated logistics. The practice of successful companies has shown that the elements of integrated logistics, such as low stock levels, just in time delivery, the possibility of replacement of goods depend on timely and accurate flow of information. The application of IT enables faster processing of information, which influences the logistics systems management significantly. Nowadays, the most widely used IT in logistics are: DSS, EDI, barcode technology, RFID. The efficient consumer service policies will soon be inconceivable without the use of these technologies, which is the reason, why they are explored with special attention in this part of the paper. The final part of the paper will show a practical example of the usage of RFID technology for the reduction of fresh food waste in retail. RFID technology enables the optimization of the entire logistics system, since it monitors the stock continually regardless of whether the products are in the process of manufacturing, distribution center, a retail store or in transport.