Benefits of IT

The rise of online business models is increasing demand for logistics

and supply chain services, with many online retailers outsourcing
their supply chain to third party logistics providers. Customer
expectations are on the increase and the trend toward customised
solutions in logistics is expected to continue, with Transport and
Logistics operations becoming increasingly complex and global in
focus. Technology and automation are being incorporated into
logistics and supply chain organisations to manage these new
complexities as well as to improve efficiency and profitability, and
the industry skills profile is changing accordingly.
The traditional image of transport roles as requiring physical
strength and few qualifications is a decreasing reality. As an
example, traditional stevedoring functions are changing as a result
of increased automation in the ports sector, with a tendency
towards increased skill specialisation among employees. The
industrys increasingly complex operations are seeing a
corresponding increase in demand for higher-order skills. The supply
of larger numbers of more highly-skilled employees into this growing
industry will represent a challenge, particularly in a workforce where
skills shortages are already a feature.
Link for the above mentioned paragraphs for referencing :
http://www.education.vic.gov.au/Documents/training/employers/indu
stry/transport2013.pdf
Nearly all the large strategic and all the day-to-day operational
issues the industries face highlight the need for integrated
information technology which can support the e-business process
today and in the future. Data, applications, people, infrastructure
all working in harmony, all driving towards serving the customer and
delivering value to stakeholders. Some common themes emerge
across all sectors:
improving efficiency
controlling costs while increasing the ability to respond proactively to commercial challenges
optimizing operations and leveraging customer-focused
opportunities seamlessly integrating the enterprise across diverse
activities
collaborating effectively with collaborators or alliances and third
parties
providing information visibility throughout the supply chain thus
improving service delivery
leveraging assets
achieving rapid return on investment (ROI) on technology spend
improving the customer experience

 ensuring corporate governance and compliance standards

Link for above mentioned points:
http://www.oracle.com/us/industries/traveltransportation/046491.pdf
Some statistics :
http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Lookup/by
%20Subject/1301.0~2012~Main%20Features~Use%20of
%20information%20technology~174
http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Lookup/by
%20Subject/1301.0~2012~Main%20Features~How%20Australia
%20accesses%20and%20uses%20the%20Internet~175 - chart
25.11
Challenges:
The travel and transportation industries face major challenges. This
stage of the economic cycle will see many parts of the industries
changing significantly. The pressure to cut costs has never been
greater. The need to relate more effectively to customers is more
pressing than ever. Consolidation and alliances up and down the
supply chain are even more vital. More effective human resource
and asset management is also key. And corporate governance
issues provide a sizeable new challenge.
Link for above para for referencing:
http://www.oracle.com/us/industries/traveltransportation/046491.pdf
Link for logistics in general if needed:
http://www.logisticstc.asn.au/wpcontent/uploads/2013/08/Postal.pdf?4523fe