Modelling of 3rd Party Logistics Provider Using Unified Modelling Language

Abstract

Transportation is a vital driver in logistics management. Third party logistics (3PL) involves a company outsourcing logistics services to other companies. Third party logistics aids in facilitating and optimizing transportation by aggregating demand for trucks and drivers. This paper proposes a model of a transportation 3PL System. The system under study is modelled using the Unified Modelling Language 2.0 (UML 2.0) through an analysis of 3PL provider located in Egypt. The system is analyzed and identified with Integrated Definition for Function Modeling Diagram (IDEF0) & context diagram. Functional, structural and behavioral models are formulated to represent the system, using UML 2.0. The system consists of multiple main players: The client, driver, trip operator and the finance department. Since 3PL providers are complex systems requiring accurate analysis and representation, the developed models serve as a visualization tool for better understanding and management of the 3PL provider.