Information Exchange Systems

• The unit aims to provide detailed knowledge about information and communication systems in international transport.
• Focus is on information exchange systems, goods traceability, route variation management, quality indicators, and reports/statistical graphs.

Information Exchange Systems

• Fax enables written or graphical document transmission via telephone.
• While less common due to newer technologies, it remains relevant for urgent documents (contracts, permits, invoices) in some transport sectors.
• Faxes enable businesses to transmit documents in minutes, though they have limitations in quality.
• Postal mail is an older method for sending documents or goods.
• It remains necessary for legal documents, permits, or when technology can’t apply.
• Postal mail is mainly used for transmitting customs documents and authorizations.
• Email has replaced many communication methods due to its speed and attachment capabilities.
• It is essential for international transport for contracts, invoices, reports, and coordination between parties.
• Mobile technology transforms how international transport actors communicate.
• Mobile communication enables instant communication, real-time information, and route management via mobile phones and apps.
• Mobile communication is especially useful in emergency situations.
• Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) are portable devices for organizing integrated with GPS, route management, and barcode scanning.
• PDAs allow real-time access to key information during transport for transporters and logistics operators.
• Global Positioning System (GPS) is a location system tracking vehicles or goods using satellites.
• GPS provides location and time information, optimizing routes, and improving safety.
• Galileo is another satellite navigation system, similar to GPS.
• Galileo has higher precision, with a 10-meter error margin.
• Galileo is useful for applications needing high accuracy, like transport of high-value goods/real-time fleet management.
• Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a technology using radio waves to identify and track objects.
• RFID tags are placed on goods for automatic tracking of location and condition during logistics.
• RFID improves traceability and inventory management efficiency,
• Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is for electronic exchange of documents (purchase orders, invoices) between companies.
• EDI reduces human intervention, lowers errors, and improves efficiency.

Goods Verification Points and Traceability

• Traceability allows tracking goods from origin to destination.
• Traceability is essential for cargo safety, regulatory compliance, and logistical efficiency.
• Information systems like GPS, RFID, and EDI are vital for traceability and real-time tracking.
• Verification points involve checking the condition of goods and regulations.
• Customs reviews export/import documents.
• Cargo terminals verify loading/unloading.
• Warehouses conduct inventory control and condition checks.
• Verification ensures goods arrive safely and comply with regulations.

Route Variations

• During international transport, several factors will require route adjustments, including:
• Weather with storms, snow, and hurricanes, causing delays.
• Accidents or road blockages lead to detours.
• Technical issues with transport vehicles or communication systems.
• Customs issues that cause unexpected delays.
• Technologies like GPS and mobile systems manage variations efficiently.

Quality Indicators and Corrective Measures

• Quality Indicators measure the performance of logistics/transport, with:
• Quality Ratio is the percentage of on-time deliveries.
• Reliability Ratio measures ability to meet commitments without errors.
• Load Factor relates goods transported to vehicle capacity.
• Transport Speed Ratio measures delivery speed based on planned times.
• Corrective measures are needed when quality indicators do not meet standards.
• Route changes to reduce delivery times.
• Improvement in inventory management to avoid losses or delays.
• Optimization of load to maximize vehicle capacity.

Purchasing, Sales, and Warehouse Reports

• Reports are essential for maintaining control over logistics, including:
• Purchasing Reports summarizing product and material acquisitions.
• Sales Reports detailing goods sent to customers.
• Warehouse Reports on control of the goods, their location, and condition.

Generation of Statistical Graphs

• Statistical graphs assist in data-driven decision-making.
• Graphs allow visualization of Quality, Load Factor, or Reliability Ratio, with:
• Bar Charts comparing performance across routes/vehicles.
• Line Graphs visualizing variations over time.
• Pie Charts showing load distribution.
• Graphs are essential for monitoring performance and informed decisions.

Explores information and communication systems within international transport, emphasizing information exchange, goods traceability, and route management. Covers fax, postal mail, and email for document transfer, contracts, and customs processes. Details the role of each in modern logistics.