Leveraging Information Systems for

Competitive Advantage
Ogcang, Jershon

Cagas, Junjie

Salinas, Rhea

Cipres, May Ann

Submitted to:

Ronyldo Simbajon

June 2023
Introduction

“J&T Express: Leveraging Information Systems for Competitive Advantage” is a case study that
focuses on the challenges faced by J&T Express, a prominent logistics and delivery company, in
leveraging information systems to gain a competitive edge in the market. The case study examines how
the company’s information systems infrastructure played a critical role in addressing key business issues
and achieving operational efficiency. By analyzing J&T Express’s strategies and solutions, this case study
sheds light on the significance of effective information systems management in the modern business
landscape. J&T Express recognized the need to address these challenges and exploit the potential of
information systems to gain a competitive advantage. By implementing effective solutions, the company
aimed to enhance its operational efficiency, improve visibility and tracking capabilities, and ultimately
provide exceptional delivery services to its customers.

One of the key challenges faced by logistics companies like J&T Express is ensuring efficient and
reliable package delivery in a timely manner. This requires effective management of the entire supply
chain, from pickup to delivery, while maintaining transparency and visibility for both customers and
internal teams. To address this challenge, J&T Express has implemented a comprehensive information
system solution that encompasses various components.

J&T Express is a prominent logistics company that operates in multiple countries, offering a wide
range of delivery services to its customers. In order to stay competitive in the fast-paced logistics
industry, J&T Express recognizes the importance of leveraging information systems to gain a strategic
advantage. While J&T Express has made significant strides in adopting and utilizing information systems,
there are still certain gaps in their existing solutions that need to be addressed. This paper aims to
highlight these gaps and propose potential solutions to enhance J&T Express’ competitive advantage.L

“J&T Express: Leveraging Information Systems for Competitive Advantage” is a project aimed at
utilizing information systems to gain a competitive edge in the express delivery industry. This project will
follow the stages of project management to ensure its successful implementation and achieve the desired
outcomes. The first stage involves defining the project’s objectives, identifying key stakeholders, and
assessing the feasibility of implementing information systems within J&T Express. The project team will
gather requirements, conduct a cost-benefit analysis, and develop a project charter to outline the project’s
scope, goals, and constraints. During this stage, the project team will create a detailed project plan,
including a work breakdown structure, timeline, and resource allocation. They will identify the necessary
information systems and technologies required to enhance operational efficiency, customer experience,
and overall competitiveness. Additionally, risks and mitigation strategies will be identified to minimize
potential obstacles. In this stage, the project plan will be put into action. Information systems will be
procured, installed, and integrated into J&T Express’ existing infrastructure. The project team will work
closely with IT professionals to ensure seamless implementation while adhering to quality standards.
Regular monitoring and progress reporting will be conducted to track the project’s execution and address
any issues promptly. Throughout the project, monitoring and control mechanisms will be put in place to
assess the project’s performance and manage any deviations from the plan. Key performance indicators
(KPIs) will be defined to evaluate the effectiveness of the information systems in achieving the desired
competitive advantage. Project managers will oversee the implementation process, ensuring that it
remains on track and within budget. The final stage involves the formal completion and closure of the
project. A thorough evaluation of the implemented information systems will be conducted to assess their
impact on J&T Express’ competitive advantage. Lessons learned and best practices will be documented
for future reference. The project team will prepare a final project report, highlighting the achieved
outcomes, challenges faced, and recommendations for further improvement. “J&T Express: Leveraging
Information Systems for Competitive Advantage” aims to optimize its operations, enhance customer
satisfaction, and gain a competitive edge in the express delivery industry. The successful implementation
of information systems will enable J&T Express to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market landscape and
provide superior services to its customers.

Related Literature

This paper explores the importance of logistics competence in new product sourcing and examines the
role of strategic intent in leveraging this competence to enhance overall business performance. (Myung
Kyo, Narasimhan and Schoenherr, 2020) cited that this paper provides insights into the relationship
between logistics competence, strategic intent, and performance, highlighting the significance of effective
logistics management in new product sourcing. By investigating the role of strategic intent in leveraging
logistics competence for new product sourcing and analyzing its impact on performance, this paper
contributes to the existing body of knowledge on logistics management and provides valuable insights for
practitioners seeking to enhance their sourcing processes.

Digital transformation has had a significant impact on the logistics industry, revolutionizing traditional
operations and opening up new opportunities for efficiency, transparency, and customer experience.
A.A.K. (Foma,Mohammed, 2018) have likely explored various aspects of this topic in their research, so I
can provide you with a general overview of how digital transformation has influenced the logistics
industry. By developing and leveraging logistics competence strategically, organizations can gain a
competitive advantage and improve their performance in the marketplace. This paper provides insights
into the relationship between logistics competence, strategic intent, and performance, highlighting the
significance of effective logistics management in new product sourcing.

By studying successful e-commerce businesses that have effectively leveraged Web 2.0 technologies,
(Kiu, and Lee, 2017) this case study aims to provide insights and strategies that can be applied by other
companies to gain and improve their competitive advantage in the ever-evolving e-commerce market. It
explores the utilization of Web 2.0 technologies in the e-commerce industry to achieve and enhance
competitive advantage. As the online business landscape evolves, companies must adapt and leverage the
latest trends and tools to stay ahead of the competition. Through the examination of successful e-
commerce businesses, this case study highlights various strategies and approaches that leverage Web 2.0
technologies to gain a competitive edge.

Related Systems

Comprehensive supply chain management system that focuses on optimizing logistics operations and
aligning them with strategic intent. An end-to-end supply chain management system that encompasses the
above components and aligns logistics competence with strategic intent, resulting in improved
performance in new product sourcing.

Warehouse Management System (WMS) is a software application that helps manage and optimize
warehouse operations. It facilitates inventory management, order fulfilment, picking and packing, and
overall warehouse efficiency. By implementing a modern WMS, logistics companies can improve their
inventory accuracy, streamline processes, and enhance customer satisfaction.

A Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system is a software solution that helps businesses
manage their interactions and relationships with customers. It provides tools and features that enable
businesses to collect, organize, and analyze customer data, as well as automate various customer-related
processes. By implementing a CRM system in conjunction with Web 2.0 technologies, businesses can
effectively manage customer relationships, personalize marketing efforts, enhance customer service, and
make informed business decisions to gain a competitive advantage in the e-commerce market.
Summary of The Three Articles

“Leveraging Logistics Competence in New Product Sourcing: The Role of Strategic Intent and
Impact on Performance”

This study focuses on the importance of logistics competence in the context of new product sourcing. It
examines the role of strategic intent and its impact on performance. The research suggests that companies
with a clear strategic intent in leveraging their logistics competence for new product sourcing are more
likely to achieve better performance outcomes. The study likely emphasizes the importance of logistics
competence, which refers to a company’s ability to effectively manage and coordinate its supply chain
activities, including sourcing new products. It examines how a company’s strategic intent, which
represents its long-term goals and objectives, influences the development and utilization of logistics
competence in the context of new product sourcing.

The findings of the article could contribute to the understanding of how companies can leverage their
logistics competence and strategic intent to enhance their performance in sourcing new products. The
study might provide insights and recommendations for businesses to develop and improve their logistics
capabilities, align them with their strategic goals, and ultimately achieve better outcomes in new product
sourcing.

The article might investigate the impact of logistics competence on performance, such as cost efficiency,
product quality, delivery speed, or customer satisfaction. It likely explores whether companies that
possess strong logistics competence in new product sourcing achieve better performance outcomes
compared to those with weaker competence. It is focuses on the role of strategic intent in leveraging
logistics competence during the sourcing of new products. It explores how companies can align their
strategic intent with their logistics capabilities to improve performance. The advantage of this approach is
that it helps companies effectively utilize their logistics competence to achieve better outcomes in terms
of product sourcing and overall performance.

Advantages:

• The study highlights the significance of logistics competence in new product sourcing, providing
insights into an important aspect of supply chain management.
• It explores the role of strategic intent, emphasizing the importance of having a clear direction and
purpose in leveraging logistics competence.
• The research findings offer valuable implications for companies looking to improve their
performance in new product sourcing.
Disadvantages:

• The study’s scope is limited to the specific context of new product sourcing, which may restrict
the generalizability of the findings to other areas of logistics or supply chain management.
• It does not delve deeply into the specific strategies or tactics that can be employed to leverage
logistics competence effectively.

“Digital Transformation in the Logistics Industry”

This article discusses the concept of digital transformation in the logistics industry. It highlights how
advancements in technology, such as automation, data analytics, and artificial intelligence, are
transforming logistics operations. It is focuses on the impact of digital transformation on the logistics
industry. It examines how emerging technologies and digital solutions are reshaping traditional logistics
practices and processes. The article highlights the potential benefits and challenges associated with digital
transformation in the logistics sector.

The article emphasizes the key drivers of digital transformation in logistics, including increased customer
expectations, globalization, and the rise of e-commerce. It explains that digital technologies such as
Internet of Things (IoT), big data analytics, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence (AI) are enabling
logistics companies to streamline processes, enhance visibility, and make data-driven decisions. The
article acknowledges that while digital transformation brings numerous benefits, it also presents
challenges. These include the need for substantial investments in technology infrastructure, data security
concerns, and the requirement for upskilling and reskilling the workforce. It highlights that digital
transformation is reshaping the logistics industry, offering opportunities for improved efficiency, cost
savings, and enhanced customer experience. It emphasizes the importance of embracing digital
technologies and developing robust strategies to stay competitive in the evolving logistics landscape.

Advantages:

• The article provides a comprehensive overview of the digital transformation trends in the logistics
industry, offering valuable insights into the changing landscape.
• It highlights the potential benefits of adopting digital technologies, such as increased operational
efficiency, improved visibility, and enhanced customer experience.
• The article discusses the challenges and considerations involved in implementing digital
transformation initiatives, helping readers understand the potential barriers they may face.
Disadvantages:

• The article may lack specific case studies or real-world examples, which could provide more
practical illustrations of digital transformation in the logistics industry.
• It does not address the potential risks or limitations of digital transformation, such as
cybersecurity threats or the need for workforce upskilling.

“E-Commerce market trends: A case study in leveraging Web 2.0 technologies to gain and improve
competitive advantage”

This case study focuses on leveraging Web 2.0 technologies in the e-commerce industry to gain and
improve competitive advantage. It examines the trends and strategies used by companies to succeed in the
rapidly evolving e-commerce landscape, with a specific focus on Web 2.0 technologies. This article
presents a case study on leveraging Web 2.0 technologies in the e-commerce market to gain a competitive
advantage. It examines how companies can utilize technologies like social media, user-generated content,
and interactive platforms to enhance customer engagement, improve brand awareness, and ultimately
achieve a competitive edge.

The article emphasizes that a CRM system is a software solution that aids businesses in managing
customer interactions and relationships effectively. By utilizing Web 2.0 technologies, such as social
media platforms, blogs, and user-generated content, businesses can enhance their CRM efforts. This
integration allows them to collect, organize, and analyze customer data, automate customer-related
processes, and personalize marketing efforts. The advantages of implementing a CRM system in
conjunction with Web 2.0 technologies are outlined. These include enhanced customer relationships
through better understanding and personalization, improved customer service through prompt responses
and issue resolution, personalized marketing campaigns that target specific customer segments, and
informed business decisions based on data analysis and insights.

The article also acknowledges several challenges and disadvantages associated with CRM systems. These
include the complexity and cost of implementation, maintenance expenses, data privacy and security
risks, user adoption resistance, and dependency on technology. The article emphasizes the potential
benefits of leveraging Web 2.0 technologies and CRM systems in the e-commerce market. It emphasizes
the importance of careful planning, training, and ongoing evaluation to maximize the advantages and
mitigate the disadvantages associated with these technologies.
Advantages:

• The case study provides a specific focus on the e-commerce industry, addressing the unique
challenges and opportunities within this sector.
• It explores the potential of Web 2.0 technologies in gaining and improving competitive
advantage, offering practical insights for companies operating in e-commerce.
• The study presents a real-world example or case study, providing readers with tangible
illustrations of how Web 2.0 technologies have been leveraged successfully.

Disadvantages:

• The case study may have limited generalizability beyond the specific e-commerce industry, as the
findings may not be directly applicable to other sectors.
• It may lack a broader discussion of other factors impacting competitive advantage in e-commerce,
such as pricing strategies or supply chain management.

The articles highlight the importance of leveraging logistics competence, embracing digital
transformation in the logistics industry, and utilizing Web 2.0 technologies in e-commerce to gain
competitive advantages. These approaches can lead to improved performance, increased efficiency, better
customer engagement, and enhanced decision-making capabilities. Each of these sources provides
valuable insights into different aspects of logistics, digital transformation, and e-commerce. However,
their specific focus, limitations, and scope may vary, so it’s important to consider these factors when
interpreting and applying the findings.

Summary of Three Related Systems

Comprehensive supply chain management systems that focus on optimizing logistics operations and
aligning them with strategic intent offer several advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a summary of the
advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages:

• Enhanced Efficiency: By optimizing logistics operations, a comprehensive supply chain

management system improves the overall efficiency of the supply chain. It streamlines processes,
reduces bottlenecks, and eliminates waste, leading to cost savings and faster delivery times.
 • Improved Customer Service: The system’s end-to-end approach ensures better coordination and
visibility throughout the supply chain, resulting in improved customer service. Customers receive
their products on time and in good condition, leading to increased satisfaction and loyalty.
• Strategic Alignment: Aligning logistics competence with strategic intent allows companies to
align their supply chain activities with their overall business goals. This alignment enables better
decision-making, improved resource allocation, and a more synchronized approach to new
product sourcing.
• Performance Improvement: The comprehensive supply chain management system facilitates
better performance in new product sourcing. It ensures effective coordination between different
stakeholders, minimizes supply chain disruptions, and optimizes inventory levels, resulting in
faster time-to-market and improved product availability.

Disadvantages:

• Implementation Challenges: Implementing a comprehensive supply chain management system

can be complex and challenging. It requires significant investments in technology, infrastructure,
and training. Integration with existing systems and processes may also pose difficulties, leading
to potential disruptions during the transition phase.
• Information Sharing and Security Risks: A comprehensive supply chain management system
relies heavily on sharing sensitive information across different entities in the supply chain. This
increases the risk of data breaches and cybersecurity threats. Adequate measures must be in place
to ensure data privacy and protect against potential vulnerabilities.
• Dependency on External Partners: Achieving end-to-end supply chain integration often involves
collaborating with multiple external partners, such as suppliers, distributors, and logistics
providers. This dependency can introduce risks related to quality control, delivery delays, or
disruptions in the partner’s operations.
• Continuous Monitoring and Improvement: Maintaining a comprehensive supply chain
management system requires ongoing monitoring, analysis, and improvement. The complexity of
the system may make it challenging to identify and address issues promptly, which could hinder
its effectiveness and limit the expected benefits.

A comprehensive supply chain management system that focuses on optimizing logistics operations and
aligning them with strategic intent offers significant advantages such as efficiency improvements,
enhanced customer service, and better performance in new product sourcing, it also presents challenges
related to implementation, information security, external dependencies, and ongoing monitoring and
improvement.

Warehouse Management System (WMS) is a software solution designed to streamline and optimize the
operations and processes within a warehouse or distribution center. It provides tools and functionalities to
efficiently manage inventory, track and control the movement of goods, and facilitate order fulfillment.
WMS systems offer several benefits, including improved inventory accuracy, increased operational
efficiency, enhanced order accuracy, and better overall warehouse visibility. By automating key tasks such
as receiving, putaway, picking, packing, and shipping, WMS systems minimize errors, reduce manual
labor, and maximize productivity. They also enable real-time inventory tracking, allowing businesses to
maintain optimal stock levels, reduce stockouts, and improve order fulfillment speed. Additionally, WMS
systems provide detailed analytics and reporting capabilities, enabling businesses to gain insights into
warehouse performance, identify bottlenecks, and make data-driven decisions to optimize warehouse
operations. However, implementing a WMS system requires careful planning, integration with existing
systems, and training of warehouse staff. It also involves initial investments in software, hardware, and
implementation services. Furthermore, businesses should consider scalability and adaptability to ensure
that the WMS system can accommodate future growth and changing business needs. Despite these
challenges, a well-implemented WMS system can significantly enhance warehouse operations, improve
customer satisfaction, and drive overall business success. is a software application designed to assist in
the management and optimization of warehouse operations. Below is a summary comparing its
advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages:

• Inventory Optimization: WMS allows businesses to track and manage inventory levels accurately.
It provides real-time visibility into stock levels, enabling efficient inventory planning, reducing
stock outs, and minimizing carrying costs.
• Efficient Space Utilization: WMS helps optimize warehouse space by providing insights into bin
and rack locations, allowing businesses to maximize storage capacity. It helps in organizing
products systematically, minimizing the need for excess space and improving overall operational
efficiency.
 • Enhanced Order Fulfilment: WMS streamlines order processing by automating picking, packing,
and shipping tasks. It optimizes order fulfilment workflows, reducing errors and increasing
productivity. This leads to faster order turnaround times and improved customer satisfaction.
• Inventory Tracking and Traceability: WMS enables accurate tracking and traceability of
inventory from receipt to shipment. It provides real-time information about stock movements,
allowing businesses to quickly locate and retrieve items, perform cycle counts, and implement
effective quality control measures.
• Data-driven Decision Making: WMS generates comprehensive reports and analytics, offering
valuable insights into warehouse operations. This data-driven approach helps managers make
informed decisions, identify bottlenecks, optimize processes, and allocate resources efficiently.

Disadvantages:

• Implementation and Integration: Implementing a WMS can be complex and time-consuming.

Integrating the system with existing business processes and other software applications may
require significant effort and investment in IT infrastructure.
• Cost: WMS solutions can be expensive, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses.
Apart from software licensing costs, there may be additional expenses for hardware,
implementation, customization, training, and ongoing support.
• Learning Curve: WMS systems typically have a learning curve, requiring employees to be trained
on how to use the software effectively. This can temporarily impact productivity during the initial
adoption phase.
• Customization Challenges: WMS software may not always fully align with unique business
requirements. Customizing the system to accommodate specific processes or workflows can be
challenging and may require additional development or professional services.
• Dependency on Technology: A WMS relies on stable and reliable technology infrastructure,
including hardware, network connectivity, and servers. Any technical issues or system downtime
can disrupt warehouse operations, requiring prompt IT support to minimize the impact.

The benefits of implementing a modern Warehouse Management System outweigh the disadvantages for
most logistics companies. However, careful consideration of the specific business requirements,
implementation strategy, and ongoing support is essential to maximize the advantages and minimize
potential drawbacks
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is a software solution that helps businesses effectively
manage their interactions and relationships with customers. By collecting, organizing, and analyzing
customer data, CRM systems enable businesses to personalize marketing efforts, enhance customer
service, and make informed business decisions. The advantages of CRM systems include improved
customer relationships, personalized marketing, enhanced customer service, informed decision-making,
and a competitive advantage in the e-commerce market. However, implementing a CRM system can pose
challenges such as implementation complexities, costs, data privacy risks, user adoption resistance, and
technology dependency. Despite these disadvantages, proper planning, training, and evaluation can help
businesses maximize the benefits of CRM systems and achieve customer-centric success. systems offer
several advantages and disadvantages for businesses. Here’s a summary of the advantages and
disadvantages of CRM systems:

Advantages:

• Enhanced Customer Relationships: CRM systems allow businesses to collect and organize
comprehensive customer data, including contact information, purchase history, preferences, and
interactions. This information enables businesses to understand their customers better, personalize
their interactions, and build stronger relationships.
• Personalized Marketing Efforts: With CRM systems, businesses can segment their customer base
and target specific groups with personalized marketing campaigns. By analyzing customer data,
businesses can send targeted messages, promotions, and offers, increasing the chances of
conversion and customer satisfaction.
• Improved Customer Service: CRM systems provide tools to track and manage customer
interactions, such as calls, emails, and chat logs. This enables businesses to respond promptly to
customer queries, resolve issues efficiently, and provide a seamless customer service experience.
• Informed Business Decisions: By analyzing customer data, CRM systems generate valuable
insights and reports. These insights help businesses make informed decisions about product
development, marketing strategies, and customer retention efforts, leading to improved business
performance.
• Competitive Advantage: Effective use of CRM systems allows businesses to gain a competitive
edge in the e-commerce market. By leveraging customer data and personalizing customer
interactions, businesses can differentiate themselves from competitors and create a loyal customer
base.

Disadvantages:
 • Implementation Challenges: Implementing a CRM system can be a complex and time-consuming
process. It requires integrating the CRM software with existing systems, training employees, and
migrating and organizing customer data. Failure to execute the implementation properly can lead
to inefficiencies and frustrations.
• Cost and Maintenance: CRM systems can involve significant upfront costs, including software
licenses, hardware, and customization expenses. Additionally, ongoing maintenance, upgrades,
and support require additional investments. Small businesses with limited resources may find it
challenging to afford and maintain a CRM system.
• Data Privacy and Security Risks: CRM systems store sensitive customer data, making them
potential targets for cyberattacks and data breaches. Maintaining data privacy and implementing
robust security measures is crucial to protect customer information and maintain customer trust.
• User Adoption and Resistance: Employees may resist using CRM systems due to unfamiliarity,
resistance to change, or perceived increase in workload. Overcoming user adoption challenges
requires proper training, clear communication, and demonstrating the benefits of the system.
• Dependency on Technology: CRM systems heavily rely on technology infrastructure and internet
connectivity. Technical issues, system downtime, or connectivity problems can disrupt business
operations and hinder customer interactions, affecting customer satisfaction and relationships.

CRM systems offer numerous benefits, businesses should carefully consider their specific needs,
resources, and potential challenges before implementing a CRM system. Proper planning, training, and
ongoing evaluation are essential to maximize the advantages and mitigate the disadvantages of CRM
systems.

References

[1] Kim, Myung Kyo, Ram Narasimhan, and Tobias Schoenherr. (2020). “Leveraging Logistics
Competence in New Product Sourcing: The Role of Strategic Intent and Impact on Performance”
Logistics 4, no. 4: 24.

[2] I Mohammed, A Kenne FFoma. (2018). Digital Transformation in the Logistics Industry.

[3] CC Kiu, CS Lee. (2017). E-commerce market trends: a case study in leveraging Web 2.0 technologies
to gain and improve competitive advantage.