GIS Applications in Logistics: A Literature Review

Fierce competition in today’s global markets, the introduction of products with shorter and shorter design and life cycles, and heightened expectation of customers have forced business enterprises to invest in, and focus much attention on their supply chains. This, coupled with advances and evolution in the fields of information systems, communication and transportation technologies (for example, mobile communication, internet, and overnight deliveries), has motivated the continuous improvement of management of supply chains and logistics networks. The term logistics originated in the military which was concerned with the movement of personnel and materials during times of emergency. It was later adopted by businesses and became a part of commonly used terminology in professional societies and academic programs. According to the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP), logistics management is that “part of supply chain management that plans, implements, and controls the efficient, effective forward and reverse flow and storage of goods, services and related information between