A Modular Management Information System for Real-Time Rail Logistics, Offsite Supply Chain Integration, and Just-in-Time Inventory Optimisation

Abstract

The transition toward more industrialised, digitalised, sustainable, and resilient construction systems requires integrated control of procurement, logistics, inventory, and site coordination, particularly where offsite fabrication, supplier-side kitting, and distributed storage must feed time-sensitive rail installation zones. Large-scale rail infrastructure projects are especially affected by geographically dispersed operations, fragmented communication, limited real-time visibility, and inefficient material control, which collectively contribute to delays, waste, and cost overruns. This study develops and prototypes a Rail Logistics Management System (RLMS) as a modular Management Information System designed to coordinate real-time logistics, offsite supply chain interfaces, and Just-In-Time inventory practices in complex rail construction environments. The research follows a design-science, prototype-driven approach comprising problem definition, requirements synthesis from literature and rail logistics workflow mapping, data and process modelling, interface prototyping, and illustrative scenario demonstration. The proposed system integrates procurement management, shipment tracking, distributed storage control, site material requests, and performance reporting within a unified digital platform. Entity-relationship diagrams, sequence models, state transition logic, and role-based access management are used to support data integrity, traceability, and process consistency across modules. By linking operational transactions to real-time dashboards, the RLMS offers a conceptual basis for improved transparency, proactive decision-making, and offsite-on-site coordination. The study contributes a socio-technical digital framework for rail logistics management, while recognising that future case, simulation, or field validation is required to quantify operational benefits.