Decision problems in designing database architecture for the assessment of logistics services

Authors:

• Mariusz Izdebski,
• Ilona Jacyna-Gołda,
• Piotr Gołębiowski,
• Paweł Gołda,
• Dariusz Pyza,
• Jolanta Żak

Abstract

This paper presents decision problems which occur in designing database architecture for the assessment of logistics services. In the work, it was emphasized that the key stages in database design is to define a database model comprising a set of rules that characterize the structure of data in the database and a list of operations that can be performed on the data entered into the database. Research presented in the article is conducted as part of the project on the European Portal of Logistics Services (EPLOS) implemented on the basis of an agreement with the National Center for Research and Development under the EUREKA program. As part of the research carried out as part of the project, the principles of functioning of distributed architecture were developed and evaluated for the services offered by carriers or logistics operators operating on the international market. These include operators providing air services, international road, intermodal, sea transports, etc. The article indicates that the purpose of the database responsible for processing information in cargo intermodal connections is not only to collect input data on aviation and road infrastructure, but also to save the results generated by computational modules. At work, the modular database structure for assessing logistics services consisting of among others from dynamic data module, archive module, data entry module, optimization algorithm calibration module was proposed. Catalog structure and rules for supplying the database with data on the example of a railway operator were presented in detail.