Toward the construction of a physical distribution efficiency support system

The National Police Agency (NPA) of Japan has been conducting the research and development of eight subsystems centered around an integrated traffic control system. The NPA aims at the construction of a physical distribution efficiency support system, dealing with the distribution of goods efficiently using infrared beacons. This low-cost system can be introduced with ease even by medium- and small-sized companies engaged in distribution. With this system, the trucking companies can obtain real-time information on the current travelling position of each truck, as well as information necessary for tracking the travelling path of each vehicle. By statistically processing these data, they can make a plan for efficiently allocating and operating their vehicles, which will lead to the reduction of traffic congestion and traffic pollution.