informed decisions for supply chain management. Some of the general benefits of
inventory visibility, all facilitated by the LIS, are: order statuses, minimization of order
error and backorders, accurate and timely requirement relay, and enhanced response to
delays and stockouts (Coyle and others, 2003:211). Simchi-Levi and others recommend
aggregating very detailed data into representative groups that can simplify distribution
planning based on geography, customer type, or product type (Simchi-Levi and others,
2003:27). This enables more accurate forecasts due to the likelihood that high demand in
one subset of the group will be offset by low demand in another (Simchi-Levi and others,
2003:66).
A robust logistics information system enables forecasting techniques based on
frequency and intensity of past disasters and help limit the unpredictability experienced in
humanitarian missions. Long and Wood write “the management of information during a
crisis is the single greatest determinant of success. Forecasts allow regions at risk to
prepare themselves, and for relief agencies to prepare their efforts” (1995:218).
Historical data and a contingency plan prepared in advance can drastically cut down
response time. “By reviewing information from past operations and implementing
regional strategy based on flexible, readily deployable mechanisms, logistics can be
transformed from an activity that is almost exclusively reactive to one based on
preparedness and experience-based action” (Thomas, 2003:12).
Logistics information systems also set the stage for identifying strengths and
weaknesses of the supply chain. Quantifiable performance measures can be reviewed
and used as a gauge for adjusting policies and practices. For example “some indicators of
logistics system functioning are: actual lead time compared with expected lead time