Logistic chain modelling is a decisive factor in
the effective use of the above mentioned opportunities.
Until recently, the role of Operations
Research in modelling logistic chains was limited
to the analysis of local performance of logistic
sub-chains and processes, like vehicle scheduling
and capacity allocation. In most cases, however,
improving the performance of the total logistic
chain requires redesign of the logistic processes.
At present one can distinguish the first wave of
integrating and re-engineering business processes,
leading to organizational changes and
benefiting from the opportunities offered by information
technology (Cypress, 1994). In the near
future the second wave of re-engineering will
arrive, attacking business processes which have a
larger scope and are more difficult to integrate. It
is believed that to support this managerial process,
models and tools from Operations Research
are indispensable, as OR provides many methods
and techniques to analyse the consequences of
integration and use of new technologies before
their introduction.