Sustainable Logistics and Supply Chain for Biomass Harvesting Using ERP Platform : Promoting Bioenergy and Sustainable Development in South East Asia

Abstract: This paper challenges the fact and to change people’s opinion about the much controversial ‘green’energy that is Bioenergy. If done properly with the right tool and attitude to implement a change in businesspractices, bioenergy could potentially be one of the major substitutes for fossil fuels, or as a preferred alternativeenergy. ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system is introduced as the solution for a cleaner and more sustainableoperation in terms of logistics strategy and supply chain management by integrating all business functions togetherwith the help of ICT (Information and Communications Technology) for a more transparent and efficient exchangeof data and instruction. The methodology employed is through a quantitative pilot experiment that is conducted inThailand, representing the region of South East Asia because of the climatic resemblance. The conceptualframework is based purely on the relationship between the Moisture Content (MC) of the biomass and thetransportation needed, and subsequently the environmental benefits that come along with a higher energy valuebiomass and a cut down of GHG emissions. The findings and analysis show a trend in superior operationalefficiency that leads to higher profitability performance due to cost savings and a minimization of environmentalimpact with a lower MC, before and after ERP is adopted to the business process. It is therefore decided thatcompanies gain competitive advantage with the employment of ERP platform, with a better management of theenterprise’s resources.