Research into Logistics Informatics

The economy is sometimes strong or weak, competition is fierce; changes come faster in this tough business environment [Bossidy, L. & Charan, R., 2003]. The business process model gets more dynamic and complex. However, one has to manage it so the efficiency of business processes are maximised. Workflow modelling offers methods and techniques to achieve this and allow a company to deliver its promises. As the workflow paradigm continues to infiltrate organisations that need to cope with complex and growing business operations, the workflow system will become a fundamental building block. Therefore, workflow modelling tools and method are of the utmost importance for leaders of the company in the design and re-design of administrative processes, operational processes and management processes and the development of systems to support these processes.

This research aims to develop the modelling approach for handling business rules and dynamic business processes (dynamic in this context means flexible to change), exceptions and to develop prototype workflow management tools that enable business strategy to be captured vigorously and simultaneously allowing changes to be handled. Often we see that the business processes are composed of several parts, structured and unstructured, or they could be composed of semi-structured parts with some given and some unknown details. This situation raises problems in workflow design and workflow systems. One of the problems with current workflow systems is that it cannot deal with unpredictable situations and changes. Unpredictable situations may occur as a result of changes by the management, change of organisational structure, change of business structure and change of IT structure. The inability to deal with various changes greatly limits the applicability of workflow systems in real industrial and commercial operations.The workflow modelling methods are needed to model the business processes efficiently and rigorously while allowing business' users to maintain control and flexibility when dealing with changes, and the systems to be dynamic.

The general field of Logistic Informatics deals with Information Systems to ensure that the right quantity of goods are delivered to the right place at the right time. Among the classes of systems that are investigated here are: Warehousing Information Systems,Web Based e-Warehousing Systems, Warehouse Automation, Transport Scheduling, Third Party Contractors, Container and Goods Track and Trace, Fleet Routing, Truck Location Determination using Global Positioning Systems, Order Capture and Placement, Order Fulfilment, Invoicing, Payment Systems, Virtual Logistics Systems. When viewed along a different dimension they include: Procurement System, Sell-side Distribution system, Virtual markets, Electronically Integrated Supply chains.

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