2. The research problem
The use of RFID has several benefits in a supply chain and it enables efficient terminal operations, including the use of cross-docking for example, in logistics centres. As the cost of implementation and the availability of infrastructure are hindering the use of RFID, this study was issued to see how an intelligent logistics centre can facilitate the use of RFID by offering common RFID services without obligatory user investments and taking infrastructure issues into account already in the planning phase. Also the logistics centre location decision-making process was studied and the influence of AutoID services in differentiating from other logistics centres was discussed.
The research question was to construct a service model where logistics operators of various sizes and representing various business models have an opportunity to connect their own ICT systems to the ICT systems of the chosen territorial RFID service provider. This research also forms and analyses various business concepts and earnings models for this kind of RFID service providers at the logistics area level. The second research question was to ascertain how such intelligent logistics centres affect the multimodal and effective transport system and what their role is in it.
3. The research work and results
3.1. Research projects and methods This paper is based on two separate research projects conducted 2010-2011. One project was based on the analysis of existing logistics centre projects in various development stages and approximately 200 logistics centres were analysed in southern Finland, where the main focus was on specifications, location, position in supply chains, development stage and infrastructure. Some logistics centres are in the planning and marketing process, some are already operational and some in-between. The research project sought to identify common characteristics and success factors in the development of logistics centres, which currently seems to be in some kind of high season. The investor perspective is a further key element in this research. This research serves as the background for the intelligent logistics area case study.
The other research project was a single case study of a logistics centre called “LogiCity” in the city of Turku in Southern Finland. LogiCity is very innovative in utilizing modern technologies and it is, for example, the first in Europe and probably in the world to focus on the needs and possibilities of RFID services already at the territorial level planning phase. This research examines the role of AutoID/RFID service provider in open access systems, which are aiming to increase the transparency, control and security of transport flows. The project also sought to analyse business and earning models of areal AutoID services.
According to Eisenhardt (1989) a case study focuses on understanding the dynamics present within single settings and can consist of single or multiple cases, several levels of analysis and can combine different methods of data collection. According to Yin (1994) a case study is an empirical inquiry that investigates a contemporary phenomenon within its real-life context, especially when the boundaries between phenomenon and context are not clearly evident. One result and strength of case study method is that it relies on multiple sources of evidence, which is valuable in a complex problem-setting. It also
benefits from the prior development of theoretical propositions to guide data collection and analysis