The business profile shaping and the logistics information systems of 2PL, 3PL, 4PL operators

This study is the result of research on selected aspects of business development and logistics information system of operators. The research period is September-November 2011. The general objectives of this study was to gather information on: the impact that logistics operators may potentially have on the functioning of the information exchange field; the type of data available in the logistics information systems; identifying the types of IT and telecommunication tools used by a certain operator. Specific objectives of the study were associated with determining whether there are barriers associated with the development of logistics operators and what areas they relate. The focus was on the barriers connected with the operation of information systems supported with IT technology. An attempt was taken to identify how the operators evaluate the aspects related to the functioning of their information systems and what is the knowledge on the impact of information systems on optimising the submission and execution of orders and estimating the costs of the operator. The study was conducted on the basis of the case study method. Case study was also supported by direct interview with the specialists employed by the operators and by the analysis of operators’ websites. Questions and answers sheet was used in order to standardize the research material gathered from provided responses.