Sustainable Solutions for SCM

7.4 The assessment of the need for the implementation of telematics The implementation of ITS system allows for greater flexibility and transparency in the supply chain, optimisation and acceleration and minimisation of costs of many processes and procedures, but it also: • Enables an advantage in economies of scale in supply, production and distribution, which results in the reduction in the cost of products and services. • Provides interoperability of elements, even if they are produced by different manufacturers, which is especially beneficial for small and medium-sized businesses. • Provides an adequate level of technological independence and easy implementation of new technologies. It should be noted that today the ability to ensure a smooth and efficient transport of people and goods, which is prepared to carry out the tasks in conditions of interference is an essential requirement. One of the ways to guarantee such possibility is the introduction and extensive use of telematics solutions in the supply chain. The delay in the implementation or the lack of such solutions may result in the loss or reduction of competitiveness and will generate the unsustainable use of logistics infrastructure. The use of telematics in the transport sector has different appearances and concerns different modes. In the first phase, one may distinguish the provision and use of information by means of telecommunication to trip-makers in order to increase the efficiency and reliability of transport operations. Electronic data interchange (EDI) in the freight transport sector is a good example. The same holds for automatic debiting systems for parking or road pricing. In this case, telematics does not necessarily affect transport behaviour (in terms of route choice, trip scheduling, departure time), but it serves to increase the performance of transportation.This is more or less an a-spatial use of telematics in the transport sector. Next, we may mention various telematics technologies that may have an immediate day-by-day consequence for transportation behaviour. Examples are route guidance, variable message signs or radio data information. Such uses of telematics influence spatial behaviour of trip-makers, not only for car users and truck drivers but also for users of public transport. And finally we may distinguish telematics applications which have a structuring impact on mobility behaviour. This may be found in tele-working, tele- commuting, teleconferencing, tele-shopping etc., where trip-making (e.g., home-to-work) is influenced in terms of changes in commuting or shopping patterns. Another example concerns tele-centres, which is a decentralised concentration of teleworking or tele- commuting. In most cases the latter type of telematics use has a substituting impact on transport behaviour of individuals, and the beneficial impacts may therefore be relatively large in comparison with the former two types of telematics use. Recent research shows that the potential of teleworking is considerable in terms of reduced trips and impacts on the environment. It is clear that the adoption of telematics technologies is a multi-faceted phenomenon, in which time preferences, individual motives, labour flexibility, financial sacrifices and many other driving forces play an important role. This also means that one • Ensures consistency of information provided to end users. • Encourages investment in applications and telematics solutions.

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