For any logistics operation to be effective, it has to share information with the back-end systems that run most businesses. That is true for companies who run their own logistics, and for those who hire third-party logistics providers (3PLs) to manage some, or all, of their supply chains. But information-sharing takes commitment and seamless integration between multiple IT systems in geographically different locations. The good news is that 3PLs have begun implementing the necessary technology to share information—often in real-time—with their customers; and Web-based tools used by both the 3PLs and user organizations have made the systems integration much easier. Read more...