What is a LMIS?

A logistics management information system (LMIS) is a system of records and reports

whether paper-based or electronic used to aggregate, analyze, validate and display data (from all
levels of the logistics system) that can be used to make logistics decisions and manage the supply chain.
LMIS data elements include stock on hand, losses and adjustments, consumption, demand, issues,
shipment status, and information about the cost of commodities managed in the system.

LMIS in the supply chain Links the different levels in the system through information Provides
information each needs to perform their supply chain role.

Common challenges

Poor recordkeeping: incomplete or not updated stock and consumption records Poor reporting: late,
incomplete and poor quality reports Data not moving up or down the system: facilities not submitting
to districts, districts not sending reports to central, central not providing feedback to districts and
facilities Data not used for decision making.

What is Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)?

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is the electronic interchange of business information
using a standardized format; a process which allows one company to send information to
another company electronically rather than with paper. Business entities conducting
business electronically are called trading partners.

Many business documents can be exchanged using EDI, but the two most common are
purchase orders and invoices. At a minimum, EDI replaces the mail preparation and
handling associated with traditional business communication. However, the real power of
EDI is that it standardizes the information communicated in business documents, which
makes possible a "paperless" exchange.

The traditional invoice illustrates what this can mean. Most companies create invoices using
a computer system, print a paper copy of the invoice and mail it to the customer. Upon
receipt, the customer frequently marks up the invoice and enters it into its own computer
system. The entire process is nothing more than the transfer of information from the seller's
computer to the customer's computer. EDI makes it possible to minimize or even eliminate
the manual steps involved in this transfer.
 Customer Order Cycle
It occurs at the interface between the customer and the retailer and involves the processes involved
directly in receiving and filling of the customers order. It is usually initiated at the retailer site by the
customer. It starts when the customers gets to the place and end at the time when the client receives his
order. (Ballou, 2003).These processes include:
Customer arrival: It refers to customers appearance at the premises of what he wants or when he
communicates with the firm either by use of a phone call or using a mail. The aim of this stage is to
ensure that the contact gets the right product. This then means that his arrival will turn into an order.
The ordering can be as a result of good arrangement of products. When using calls it is made efficient by
not letting the clients to wait for long on the calls.
Customer order entry: This involves clients informing retailers what they wish to buy and being
allocated to them. The aim of the customer order entry is to make sure that it is as quick and efficient as
possible. Also the information should be communicated to all other supply chains which are affected.
Customer order fulfillment: during this process the order of the customer is filled and sent to him. At
the supermarket situation this process is performed by the customer but at the situation where the order
is done by mail, it involves picking of orders from inventory, then packaging it and transporting it to the
destination which is the customer. Customer order fulfillment in general takes place directly from the line
of production of the manufacturer. The objective of this process is to ensure that the customer gets the
correct orders at the right time and at reasonable costs.
Customer order receiving: At this stage the customer receives the order and assumes its ownership.
It occurs at the counter in the supermarket situation but in mail ordering it occurs at delivery of the
order. (Coyle, Bardi, & Langley 2002)