Developing a smartphone app to enhance Oxfam's supply chain visibility
Authors: Cherrett, T., Shingleton, D., Norton, B., McLeod, F., Forey, C., Dickinson, J., Winstanley, C., Davies, N., Speed, C. and Norgate, S.
Journal: International Journal of Logistics Research and Applications
Volume: 18
Issue: 2
Pages: 155-167
eISSN: 1469-848X
ISSN: 1367-5567
DOI: 10.1080/13675567.2014.980794
Abstract:This paper reports on the development of a smartphone app designed to give drivers and managers in a charity organisation greater visibility of transport, donation bank and shop stock in time and space. Trials of the app with samples of drivers and shop managers across three counties in the UK showed that users' understanding of vehicle activity and how time was utilised in the business was enhanced. The app also informed their decision-making, aided some collaboration and helped in their understanding of donation bank and shop performance, with one region altering their collection schedules. The quality of 3G signal was an issue in certain areas which impeded performance and the rules by which the messaging platform should be used in such a tool need careful consideration.
Source: Scopus