The purpose of this paper is to understand the specific components of effective information logistics.
A total of 44 interviews were carried out with executives responsible for information logistics‐related issues such as IT/IS, knowledge/information management, R&D, purchasing/supply chain management, operations management and market research.
The journey towards successful information logistics can be divided into phases, the main phases and steps of which are outlined in the article. The research indicates ten key tasks which the survey companies tended to do effectively, and which – in combination – represent the building blocks of excellence in information logistics.
A selection has been made of 20 companies who enjoy a reputation for excellence in information logistics. Consequently, the results of the study do not represent a large statistically valid sample, but should be considered as interpretations and considered opinions.
Information logistics helps to improve processes, promote employee learning, improve the speed and quality of services to customers, underpin new forms of commercial activity, and, can go even further by generating entirely new value propositions for customers. Companies such as Goldman Sachs, Merck, HSBC and Bain & Company thrive through successful information logistics strategies.
In today's fast changing markets, the key to “better” is to bring the full force of an organization's information to bear on the effort. Information logistics as a new management technique helps integrate, coordinate and distribute information to where it can best be applied.
