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systems (IT / IS) to improve the humanitarian supply chain. This article will explain IT and IS's importance for
HSCM and see IT and IS trends in the HSCM process stages.

2. Recent Studies

Studies on information technology (IT) and information systems (IS) in the humanitarian supply chain have
started to increase since 2007 (Behl and Dutta, 2019). Several researchers have focused their studies on IT use
and are to improve the humanitarian logistics supply chain (Kauremaa et al., 2004; Howden, 2009; Overstreet
et al., 2011; Chingono and Mbohwa, 2016; Comes and Walle, 2016). IT components include hardware,
software, electronics, the internet, and other telecommunication equipment, enabling storage, retrieval,
transmission, and data manipulation. Meanwhile, IS studies how to build and integrate information technology
solutions with existing businesses to achieve goals effectively and efficiently. Both It and IS are the main drivers
in logistics so that the logistic system can be automated.
In general, the use of IS and IT in the humanitarian supply chain will improve the flow of information that
can efficiently integrate logistic and non-logistics units and provide reasonable bail to donors. In this context,
information systems can improve humanitarian operations' continuity by sharing information through
collaboration between organizations. Information systems in the humanitarian supply chain also can reduce
corruption and market distortions during humanitarian operations (Howden, 2009).
The study of Comes and Walle (2016) explains that the purpose of information systems in humanitarian aid
is to assist humanitarian logisticians in reaching logistical decisions that must be taken. It means that the
information system must be designed to collect information in a timely, correct, and relevant manner about
several things: first, disaster information (concerning human needs, gaps, and priorities, resources, funding,
availability of access, and infrastructure). Second, the supply chain (relating to capacity, the status of goods and
delivery, actors in the supply chain, suppliers, transportation and infrastructure providers, and end-users). In
disaster management, the use of a humanitarian information system has three implications: (1) As an assessment
tool to assess the general description of human needs and the field's situation, and the resources required. In the
assessment context, information systems will need to support community resilience; (2) Coordination among
all humanitarian activities to avoid overlaps; (3) Humanitarian briefs and appeals towards donors.
Overstreet et al. (2011) conducted other research using the theory of constraints and the IS literature
management to study logistics distribution in a disaster. This study builds a research framework using logistics
elements: organization's personnel, infrastructure, planning/policies/procedures, transportation, information
technology, and inventory management in humanitarian aid. Through the above research, it can be concluded
that IT and IS are essential components so that the logistic system can update data, plan, and estimate
information throughout the supply chain so that the desired results are maximized (Lindenberg and Bryant,
2001; Mubarakaet al., 2013; Kabra and Ramesh, 2015).
3. Information Technology and Information Systems: Why Important?

IT and IS's role in HSCM management is important in data availability as an essential basis for determining
policies when a disaster occurs. The ability of IT / IS to provide relevant information will result in an appropriate
analysis in optimal supply chain operations. Some of the critical roles of IT / IS in HSCM are outlined as
follows:
a. Using IT and IS can produce a transparent supply chain. IT and IS will continuously increase productivity—
all data, information, and how the supply chain works can be seen by all agents involved. Transparency of
information will facilitate the planning, coordination, and collaboration processes between agents.
b. IT and IS can provide technology to optimize all possible scenarios in the supply chain. Therefore, supplies
will be more integrated and coordinated and able to minimize risks.
c. The emphasis on costs can be done with IT and IS's help to analyze trends that may recur and may emerge

E- Proceedings of The 5th International Multi-Conference on Artificial Intelligence Technology (MCAIT 2021) [2]
Artificial Intelligence in the 4th Industrial Revolution