Potential application of GIS system in supply chain management: analysis of usage areas

Abstract

The paper presents the posibilities of using GIS (Geographic Information System) in order to improve effieciency in the supply chain. The authors draw attention to the difficulties of controling and optimazing increasingly complex ligistics processes. The history of the creation and development of systems is describe, as well as two extentions of ArcGIS software, which can be useful in the process of planning and optimazing Logistics. The aim of using the ArcGIS Network Analyst and Spatial Analyst extentions is presented, which allow, among other things, for the optimization of delivery routes, taking into account factors such as travel time, terrain, transport costs and identyfing the best locations for warehouses and distribution centres. Using available literature and information provided by Esri Polska, the most important issues related to the supply chain and the scope of the systems are described. The main observation is the wide range of applications of these systems, which allows many separete industries to benefit from tchem. However, to fully utilize the potntial of GIS systems, it is necessary to design the system properly and provide appropriate traning for employees.