A distributed communication system for integration with logistics software

Abstract

Truckage companies need continuous and up-to-date information about their business processes in order to respond quickly to customers' needs and problems emerging during transport processes. Therefore a reliable and user-friendly communication system is required, which improves the relationship between drivers and dispatchers. The project "Mobile Spedition im Web (SpiW)**" presented here, develops a mobile communication system, which focuses on the driver/dispatcher interaction. The main goals are integration with legacy logistics software and the possible use of new telematics and communication techniques. To achieve these goals, a component based architecture allows the later change and extension of components, making it possible to add new features to the system as they become available. A distributed workflow server supports the adjustment of business processes to individual needs. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2003.