Untitled - Ministerstwo Rozwoju Regionalnego

and consist of defining information interchange standards (EDIFACT, XML), encoding
channels (such as HTTPS, SFTP), all the way to user help-desk solutions
and 24/7 assistance 3 . The role of IT support does not end at the moment of completing
successful integration of the systems of chain/network participants. It is
also necessary to maintain the efficiency of the system. It turns out that in a crisis
situation it is the close co-operation between all system users that proves to
be most effective. This also applies to having a combined negotiating power in
relations with a company, e.g., telecom operator, which is not part of the
chain/network, allowing for having breakdowns repaired quickly. The operational
effectiveness of such a system is measured thorough KPI (Key Performance
Indicator). This can be done, among others, with the use of Internet available
tools, which can, to a certain degree, be configured to customer's expectations
and then generated and e-mailed automatically 4 .
It is worth pointing out that this type of integration service is relatively recent
and indicates developmental direction of logistic providers' product range.
Owing to the substantial increase in the role of IT, it is also included as part of
provider's core competences.
9.4. Security of information
Access to information and its quality are key factors of effective management of
an integrated supply chain. Logistics provider, acting as the link between individual
parts of the chain should ensure flow of credible and detailed information
between all chain participants. The bases of this process are formed by internally
created company procedures which ensure appropriate level of security.
This can be done by establishing clear Information Security Policy (ISP) and
setting up of job posts which will safeguard its proper functioning. If “security”
is of key importance to a company, the Security System Administrator, who acts
independently of the IT team, reports directly to the Board. In accordance with
the ISP, every critically important IT system should have defined security requirements
in the area of access, confidentiality and integrity, which from the
business perspective are seen as quality requirements of these systems.
The analysis of IT hazards and their impact determines the degree of IT system
availability of business processes for logistic operators. Based on the recommendations
of such analysis, a decision on back-up processing units and WAN
3 Setting of various service levels usually takes place depending on customer expectations regarding
time of response to reported breakdowns and the time of repair.
4 In case of the global logistics provider Schenker, these are among others: Advanced Tracking, Econnect
or Lopass.
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