Development of an intelligent logistics fleet management system : an integrated approach

摘要

For Small-and Medium-Sized Enterprise (SME) logistics service providers, delivery and transportation management is usually based on simple communication systems such as the use of fax, mobile phone, etc. This causes time delays to occur more frequently for SMEs than would be the case with an asset-based organisation. Moreover, the absence of well developed logistics management systems exacerbates the situation. In fact, the continuous increase in efficiency of delivery in Hong Kong and Pearl River Delta Region has driven many logistics service companies to integrate mobile technologies with their fleet management system for tracking orders in a real time situation. This paper describes an Intelligent Logistics Fleet Management System (ILFMS) for third party logistics providers using the integration of mobile technologies, the application of Global Positioning System (GPS) and a Rule-Based Expert System (RBES) for route optimisation. By applying ILFMS in Extrans International (HK) Limited, it is found that dispatching efficiency is greatly enhanced.