Delft University of Technology
Faculty Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering
Transport Technology / Logistic Engineering



A.A. Buizer Agile logistics in the new economy.
Literature survey, Report 2000.LT.5390, Transport Technology, Logistic Engineering.


The last few decades, fundamental changes in economic, social and legislative factors have occurred, affecting the markets. Technologies such as the Internet are beginning to transform businesses. The way organisations operate and inter-operate with other enterprises is becoming increasingly important. The first chapter discusses some conventional logistic systems and emphasises the need for other new techniques driven by the changes in the economy.

The second chapter argues the need for and the demands regarding agility, or agile logistics. Important in acquiring this agility are for example co-operation and the ability to respond quickly and successfully to change. A key enabling strategy in agility is to allow organisations to integrate across boundaries to share information through computer networks.

The available technologies to create business integration are discussed in chapter three. Various integration enabling protocols and standards like XML, Business-to-Business Protocol Framework and Trading-Partner Agreements are examined. The conclusion can be found in the last chapter.


Reports on Logistic Engineering (in Dutch)
Modified: 2000.09.21; logistics@3mE.tudelft.nl , TU Delft / 3mE / TT / LT.