The virtual warehouse (VW) is a state of real-time global visibility for lo
gistics assets such as inventory and vehicles. The efficiency of the VW is
comparable to that achieved in a local warehouse facility. We assess the en
abling technologies, develop a conceptual framework. and identify the essen
tial decision-support modules of a virtual warehouse. A case study for fiel
d repair service illustrates potential benefits of perfect information, in
terms of reduced transportation, labor costs and service times. The case st
udy pertains to field logistics support for business telephone systems. The
productivity and utilization of highly skilled field technicians are impro
ved substantially. A field scrap policy supported by VW reduces the volume
of returns to the repair depot by over 20%. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd.
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