Compare What Happened with What Should Have Happened
In order to maintain and improve standards, logisticians need to compare actual performance against their plans. The difference needs to be sorted into merit order, reasons diagnosed and corrective action planned (or taken immediately if necessary).
Sources of Information
Performance information will be gathered from various sources: vehicle operators, administrators, customers and end users and computer systems.
Monitoring Timescales
The information gathered can range from real-time performance to multi-year reviews. The reaction of planners to variances against planned action will often reflect the timescales over which the information comes in. Real-time problems may need immediate action. Longer term problems may be allowed to continue temporarily pending a sustainable solution.