GLP GLP Technology & Digital Logistics 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is 'blockchain' technology's primary advantage when applied to global supply chain documentation?
- It speeds up physical cargo handling at ports
- It provides an immutable, shared ledger of transactions that increases transparency and reduces fraud in supply chain documentation (Correct answer)
- It replaces the need for customs brokers
- It eliminates the need for cargo insurance
Correct answer: It provides an immutable, shared ledger of transactions that increases transparency and reduces fraud in supply chain documentation
Blockchain creates a tamper-proof distributed record of supply chain events that all authorized parties can access, reducing document fraud, disputes, and information asymmetry.
Question 2: Which logistics technology platform integrates real-time data from carriers, suppliers, and customers to provide end-to-end supply chain visibility across all modes of transport?
- Order Management System (OMS)
- Supply Chain Visibility Platform (SCV) (Correct answer)
- Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system
- Demand planning software
Correct answer: Supply Chain Visibility Platform (SCV)
A Supply Chain Visibility Platform aggregates data from multiple sources to give shippers, 3PLs, and customers a unified, real-time view of shipment status across the entire network.
Question 3: In the context of logistics technology, what is 'predictive analytics' primarily used for?
- Generating freight invoices automatically
- Using historical data and machine learning to forecast demand, anticipate disruptions, and optimize inventory positioning (Correct answer)
- Designing warehouse floor layouts
- Creating carrier contracts
Correct answer: Using historical data and machine learning to forecast demand, anticipate disruptions, and optimize inventory positioning
Predictive analytics applies statistical models and machine learning to historical supply chain data to forecast future demand, identify potential bottlenecks, and reduce uncertainty.
Question 4: What does 'last-mile delivery technology' such as route optimization software primarily aim to reduce?
- Warehouse storage costs
- Driver hours, fuel consumption, and delivery costs while maximizing on-time delivery rates in the final delivery leg (Correct answer)
- International customs processing time
- Ocean freight booking complexity
Correct answer: Driver hours, fuel consumption, and delivery costs while maximizing on-time delivery rates in the final delivery leg
Route optimization software uses algorithms to calculate the most efficient delivery sequences and routes, cutting fuel costs and driver time in the costliest segment of logistics.
Question 5: Which standard electronic message, sent by a supplier to a buyer before a shipment arrives, provides advance details about shipment contents and expected delivery time?
- Purchase Order (EDI 850)
- Advance Ship Notice / ASN (EDI 856) (Correct answer)
- Invoice (EDI 810)
- Functional Acknowledgment (EDI 997)
Correct answer: Advance Ship Notice / ASN (EDI 856)
The ASN (EDI 856) is transmitted before cargo arrives, detailing shipment contents, packaging, carrier, and expected delivery, enabling the receiver to pre-plan dock appointments and put-away.
Question 6: What term describes the use of autonomous, unmanned aerial vehicles for delivering small parcels directly to customers, being piloted by several carriers and retailers in the US?
- Robotic fulfillment
- Drone delivery (Correct answer)
- Autonomous ground vehicle delivery
- Micro-fulfillment
Correct answer: Drone delivery
Drone delivery uses UAVs to transport lightweight parcels directly to customers, reducing last-mile cost and delivery time, with FAA Part 135 certification required for commercial operations in the US.
GLP GLP Technology & Digital Logistics 2
What is 'blockchain' technology's primary advantage when applied to global supply chain documentation?