Introduction
A geographic information system or Geographical Information System (GIS) is a system for creating, storing, analyzing and managing spatial data and associated attributes. In the strictest sense, it is a computer system capable of integrating, storing, editing, analyzing, sharing and displaying geographically referenced information. In a more generic sense, GIS is a tool that allows users to create interactive queries, analyze the spatial information and edit data (Sutcliffe, A. 2003).
GIS can be used for scientific investigations, resource management, asset management, development planning, cartography and route planning (Sutcliffe, A. 2003). GIS might allow emergency planners to easily calculate emergency response times in the event of a natural disaster, or GIS might be used to find wetlands that need protection from pollution. For this paper, GIS will be used in handling logistic and supply chain of business organization. The GIS data requirements will be presented in the next section.
GIS Data Requirements Outline
Basically, there are numerous GIS software specialized for certain use. For this paper, GIS software will be used to enhance the supply chain and logistics processes of a certain business. Here are the requirements of the system needed:
System: Microsoft Windows 95/98/2000/NT 4.0/XP.
Memory: Memory requirements depend on the operating system. See examples below for minimum and recommended RAM.
OS Minimum Recommended
Windows 95 16 MB 48 MB or higher
Windows 98 32 MB 64 MB or higher
Windows 2000 48 MB 104 MB or higher
Windows XP 80 MB 168 MB or higher
Processor: The program will run on a 486 processor, although we recommend a 100 MHz or faster processor.
Hard disk space: The program requires approximately 300 megabytes of hard disk space.
With regards to GIS data layers, it must have the following: (i) the maps must be in raster format; (ii) all layers must be alphanumerical; (iii) all must describe the area with the same precision ; (iv) coverage of all maps must be identical (the corners of the rectangular area described by all maps should be the same); (v) the number of columns must be the same for each row; (vi) the “cells” (i.e., locations given a value by the map) must be arranged in a square (not hexagonal) format; (vii) the maximum number of rows and columns depend on the available memory, but each cannot exceed 16000. The formats supported are:
The spatial data GIS product range consists of:
- Roads/addresses, showing the communication connections and other assets at street address level
- Subscriber/Customer areas, currently served by the business unit
- Supply Chain definition matrix Geography of customers/market channel Product
- Basic city maps, showing cadastral information, topography and the network and areas of interest to the firm as well as the government
- Business areas, maps indicating areas of interest, transmission lines and other assets such as substations
- Demand side management data consisting of transmission lines, distribution networks and assets.
Suggested Workflow for GIS
Apparently, the suggested logistic workflow and job duties are composed of 5 steps i.e.:
- Step 1: Receive the order from customer (Issue PO to factory and sales confirmation)
- Step 2: Deliver the material and consigned parts from factories (Check the inventory of consigned parts and issue material PO to vendor)
- Step 3: Production (Arrange Quality Controller for inspection)
- Step 4: (Arrange shipment from factory in a certain location to destination)
- Step 5: Payment collection (Handle I/E shipping document)
Reference:
Sutcliffe, A. (2003). Multimedia and Virtual Reality: Designing Multisensory User Interfaces. Mahwah, New Jersey, USA: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com
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