封面
市場調查報告書
商品編碼
1628287

全球貨物管理系統市場規模(按組件、運輸方式、最終用戶、區域範圍和預測)

Global Freight Management System Market Size By Component (Solution, Services), By Transportation Mode (Rail, Road, Ocean, Air), By End-User (3PLs, Forwarders, Brokers, Shippers, Carriers), By Geographic Scope And Forecast

出版日期: | 出版商: Verified Market Research | 英文 202 Pages | 商品交期: 2-3個工作天內

價格
簡介目錄

貨物管理系統市場規模及預測

貨物管理系統市場規模在 2023 年價值 173 億美元,預計到 2031 年將達到 444.3 億美元,2024 年至 2031 年的複合年增長率為 12.52%。

貨運管理系統 (FMS) 是一種全面的軟體解決方案,可有效管理產品從一個點到另一個點的移動。

它包括多種功能,例如路線優化、負載規劃、承運人選擇、貨運追蹤、文件管理等等。

FMS 透過自動化流程、減少文書工作以及改善托運人、承運人和收貨人等利害關係人之間的溝通,改善了從訂單到交付的整個貨運流程。

此解決方案使公司能夠簡化供應鏈運營,降低運輸成本,提高交付準確性並提高客戶滿意度。

此外,FMS 的應用包括但不限於物流公司、製造公司、貿易公司、批發商、電子商務營運商等,他們希望改善運輸和交付程序,同時確保及時且經濟高效地運輸產品。

全球貨物管理系統市場動態

影響貨物管理系統市場的關鍵市場動態是:

主要市場驅動因子

電子商務的成長:全球電子商務領域的快速成長是貨運管理系統 (FMS) 市場的主要動力。隨著網上購物的成長,對高效貨運和物流解決方案的需求也隨之增加,推動企業採用FMS來改善庫存管理和準時交貨。

先進技術的融合:將人工智慧(AI)、機器學習(ML)和物聯網(IoT)等最新技術整合到貨物管理系統中,將提高供應鏈的效率、準確性和透明度。這些技術有助於優化路線、降低成本、提高客戶滿意度,所有這些都有助於市場成長。

法規遵循和可持續性:日益增長的環境問題以及有關排放和可持續性政策的嚴格規定迫使企業採用 FMS。這些技術使公司能夠監控和減少其碳足跡,遵守環境要求,並採用更環保的物流實踐,從而推動市場成長。

貿易全球化:隨著公司在全球擴張,跨多家承運商和國家管理貨物的課題也隨之增加。對於參與國際貿易的公司來說,FMS 至關重要,它提供了一個統一的平台來簡化物流運營、管理對國際貿易規則的遵守情況並降低營運風險。

主要問題

前期投資高:實施貨物管理系統 (FMS) 需要大量的前期成本,包括軟體許可證、硬體和培訓費用。這種高額的前期投資給中小企業(SMEs)設置了障礙,限制了它們採用先進貨物管理解決方案的能力。

與現有系統整合:許多公司難以將 FMS 與其現有的供應鏈和物流系統整合。確保不同系統之間的互通性和無縫資料傳輸非常困難且耗時,阻礙了市場擴展。

全球物流的複雜性:在全球範圍內管理物流面臨包括法規遵循、國際航運法規和文化差異在內的課題。 FMS 提供者必須不斷更新其系統以應對這些變化,這使得在快速變化的全球市場中保持準確性和效率變得困難。

主要趨勢:

擴大採用基於雲端的解決方案:轉向基於雲端的貨物管理系統的轉變是市場日益增長的趨勢。這些平台具有可擴展性、靈活性和成本效益,使各種規模的公司無需大量硬體支出即可利用創新物流技術,有助於推動採用。

注重永續性:貨運管理產業採用永續實踐的趨勢日益增長。越來越多的公司採用環保物流解決方案,專注於透過優化路線和使用電動和混合動力汽車來減少碳排放並提高燃油效率。

物聯網和區塊鏈技術的融合:物聯網 (IoT) 和區塊鏈技術與貨物管理系統的融合正在興起。物聯網設備將實現即時貨物追蹤和監控,而區塊鏈將透過安全記錄交易使物流操作更加透明、安全和可靠。

用於預測分析的人工智慧和機器學習:人工智慧 (AI) 和機器學習 (ML) 正在迅速用於貨運管理中的預測分析,幫助公司更好地預測需求、優化路線和管理庫存。這些技術透過預測未來趨勢和模式來降低成本並改善服務交付。

目錄

第 1 章 全球貨物管理系統市場簡介

  • 市場定義
  • 市場區隔
  • 調查安排
  • 先決條件
  • 限制

第 2 章:經過驗證的市場研究方法

  • 資料探勘
  • 數據三角測量
  • 由下而上的方法
  • 自上而下的方法
  • 調查流程
  • 產業專家的重要見解
  • 資料來源

第 3 章執行摘要

  • 市場概況
  • 生態製圖
  • 絕對的獲利機會
  • 市場吸引力
  • 全球貨物管理系統市場區域分析(複合年增長率%)
  • 全球貨物管理系統市場(按解決方案劃分)(百萬美元)
  • 全球貨物管理系統市場以運輸方式劃分(百萬美元)
  • 全球貨物管理系統市場以最終用戶劃分(百萬美元)
  • 未來市場機會
  • 全球市場細分
  • 產品生命線

第 4 章 全球貨物管理系統市場展望

  • 全球貨物管理系統的演變
  • 促進因素
  • 阻礙因素
  • 機會
  • 波特五力模型
  • 價值鏈分析
  • 價格分析
  • 宏觀經濟分析

第5章 全球貨物管理系統市場(按組件劃分)

  • 概述
  • 解決方案
    • 規劃
    • 執行與操作
    • 控制和監控
  • 服務
    • 諮詢
    • 系統整合與實施
    • 支援與維護

第6章 全球貨物管理系統市場依運輸方式劃分

  • 概述
  • 公路貨運
  • 鐵路貨運
  • 海運
  • 空運

第 7 章全球貨物管理系統市場(依最終用戶劃分)

  • 概述
  • 第三方物流
  • 轉發器
  • 經紀人
  • 出貨人
  • 船運公司

第 8 章全球貨物管理系統市場(按地區)

  • 概述
  • 北美洲
    • 美國
    • 加拿大
    • 墨西哥
  • 歐洲
    • 德國
    • 英國
    • 法國
    • 義大利
    • 西班牙
    • 其他歐洲國家
    亞太地區
    • 中國
    • 日本
    • 印度
    • 其他亞太地區
  • 拉丁美洲
    • 巴西
    • 阿根廷
    • 其他拉丁美洲國家
  • 中東和非洲
    • 阿拉伯聯合大公國
    • 沙烏地阿拉伯
    • 南非
    • 其他中東和非洲地區

第 9 章全球貨物管理系統市場的競爭格局

  • 概述
  • 各公司的市場排名
  • 重大進展
  • 公司地理分佈
  • 公司依行業分佈
  • ACE 矩陣

第10章 公司簡介

  • SAP
  • Oracle
  • Manhattan Associates
  • JDA Software
  • Descartes
  • MercuryGate
  • C.H. Robinson
  • Riege Software
  • BluJay Solutions
  • McLeod Software

第11章 附錄

  • 相關調查
簡介目錄
Product Code: 27095

Freight Management System Market Size And Forecast

Freight Management System Market size was valued at USD 17.3 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 44.43 Billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 12.52% from 2024 to 2031.

A Freight Management System (FMS) is a comprehensive software solution for efficiently managing the movement of products from one point to another.

It includes a variety of features such as route optimization, load planning, carrier selection, shipment tracking, and document management.

FMS improves the entire freight process, from order placing to delivery, by automating processes, decreasing paperwork, and improving communication among stakeholders such as shippers, carriers, and consignees.

This solution allows firms to streamline supply chain operations, reduce transportation costs, improve delivery accuracy, and increase customer happiness.

Furthermore, FMS applications include but are not limited to, logistics companies, manufacturing firms, merchants, wholesalers, and e-commerce businesses looking to improve their shipping and delivery procedures while ensuring timely and cost-effective product transportation.

Global Freight Management System Market Dynamics

The key market dynamics that are shaping the Freight Management System Market include:

Key Market Drivers

E-commerce Growth: The exponential rise of the worldwide e-commerce sector is a key driver of the Freight Management System (FMS) market. As online shopping grows, so does the demand for efficient freight and logistics solutions, driving firms to adopt FMS for better inventory control and on-time deliveries.

Advanced Technology Integration: Integrating modern technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and the Internet of Things (IoT) into freight management systems improves supply chain efficiency, accuracy, and transparency. These technologies aid in route optimization, cost reduction, and customer satisfaction, all of which contribute to market growth.

Regulatory Compliance and Sustainability: Companies are being pushed to embrace FMS due to growing environmental concerns and rigorous rules on emissions and sustainability policies. These technologies enable organizations to monitor and minimize their carbon footprint, comply with environmental requirements, and implement greener logistics methods, hence driving market growth.

Globalization of Trade: As firms develop globally, the challenge of managing freight across numerous carriers and countries grows. FMS provides a uniform platform for streamlining logistical operations, managing compliance with international trade rules, and reducing operational risks, making it critical for enterprises involved in global trade.

Key Challenges:

High Initial Investment: Implementing a Freight Management System (FMS) incurs significant upfront costs, including software licensing, hardware, and training charges. This expensive initial expenditure is a barrier for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), limiting their ability to adopt advanced freight management solutions.

Integration with Existing Systems: Many companies have difficulty integrating FMS with their existing supply chain and logistics systems. Ensuring interoperability and seamless data transmission between diverse systems is difficult and time-consuming, thereby impeding market expansion.

Complexity in Global Logistics: Managing logistics on a worldwide scale adds difficulties such as regulatory compliance, international shipping rules, and cultural variations. FMS providers have to constantly update their systems to account for these variations, which makes it challenging to maintain accuracy and efficiency in a rapidly changing global marketplace.

Key Trends:

Increased Adoption of Cloud-Based Solutions: The shift to cloud-based freight management systems is a growing trend in the market. These platforms provide scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, allowing businesses of all sizes to harness innovative logistics technologies without requiring significant hardware expenditures, driving wider adoption.

Greater Emphasis on Sustainability: There is a growing trend in the freight management industry to incorporate sustainable practices. Companies are increasingly embracing environmentally friendly logistics solutions, with an emphasis on lowering carbon emissions and increasing fuel efficiency through route optimization and the use of electric or hybrid cars.

Integration of IoT and Blockchain Technology: The integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain technologies into freight management systems is on the rise. IoT devices enable real-time shipment tracking and monitoring, whereas blockchain increases transparency, security, and trust in logistics operations by securely recording transactions.

AI and Machine Learning for Predictive Analytics: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are rapidly being used in freight management for predictive analytics, allowing businesses to better forecast demand, optimize routes, and manage inventories. These technologies reduce expenses and improve service delivery by anticipating future trends and patterns.

Global Freight Management System Market Regional Analysis

Here is a more detailed regional analysis of the Freight Management System Market:

North America:

According to Verified Market Research, North America is estimated to dominate the Freight Management System Market during the forecast period. North America, especially the United States, has a cutting-edge technology infrastructure that enables the quick adoption and implementation of complex freight management systems. This technical advantage facilitates more effective logistics and supply chain operations throughout the region.

The region's thriving e-commerce sector, led by behemoths like Amazon and eBay, considerably boosts the need for effective freight management solutions. To match consumer expectations, corporations invest in innovative freight management systems to provide speedy, dependable delivery services.

North America has strict rules and a rising emphasis on sustainability in the logistics and transportation industries. This regulatory environment encourages the use of freight management systems, which can help businesses meet environmental regulations and run operations more efficiently.

Furthermore, the competitive landscape in North America's logistics and transportation sectors forces businesses to constantly improve operational efficiency and customer service. Adopting advanced freight management solutions is critical for organizations looking to achieve a competitive advantage through improved route planning, inventory management, and cost savings.

Europe:

Europe's unique position as a cross-border trade hub, particularly inside the EU's single market, emphasizes the importance of effective freight management systems. The efficient flow of commodities across borders demands innovative logistics systems to successfully manage regulatory compliance, customs, and different transportation networks.

Many European countries are pioneering digital transformation, with governments and corporations spending extensively on digital infrastructure. This digital preparedness enables the use of advanced freight management systems, which improve logistics operations through automation, real-time tracking, and data analytics.

Furthermore, Europe's significant emphasis on sustainability and environmental legislation is encouraging businesses to use freight management technologies that encourage green logistics. Systems that optimize routes minimize fuel usage, and lower carbon emissions are in high demand, coinciding with area sustainability goals.

Asia Pacific:

The Asia Pacific region is estimated to exhibit the highest growth within the market during the forecast period. The Asia Pacific region is experiencing significant economic growth, which is driving up industrial and commercial activity. This economic boom increases the demand for efficient freight management solutions to meet businesses' expanding logistical needs, assuring timely delivery and supply chain optimization.

The region is experiencing a huge increase in e-commerce, spurred by rising internet penetration and smartphone usage. This increase in online shopping needs powerful freight management solutions to handle the logistics of delivering a large number of items to a diverse consumer base.

Many Asia Pacific countries are making significant investments in infrastructure development, such as roads, ports, and airports. This advancement improves logistical capabilities and allows freight management systems to integrate and optimize transportation networks, resulting in increased overall efficiency.

Furthermore, advanced technologies such as AI, IoT, and blockchain are progressively being used in the logistics sector in Asia Pacific. These technologies enable smarter, data-driven decision-making, improving freight operations and giving businesses a competitive advantage in a fast-increasing market.

Global Freight Management System Market: Segmentation Analysis

The Global Freight Management System Market is segmented on the basis of Component, Transportation Mode, End-User, And Geography.

Freight Management System Market, By Component

  • Solution
  • Planning
  • Execution and Operations
  • Control and Monitoring
  • Services
  • Consulting
  • System Integration and Deployment
  • Support and Maintenance

Based on Component, The market is segmented into Solutions and Services. The solution segment is estimated to dominate the Freight Management System Market due to the growing demand for comprehensive and integrated solutions capable of managing the whole logistics lifecycle, from planning to execution, control, and monitoring. Businesses need innovative freight management solutions to enhance supply chain operations, save transportation costs, and shorten delivery times. These solutions, which include planning, execution, and operations, as well as control and monitoring features, provide firms with the tools they need to increase productivity, assure regulatory compliance, and adapt quickly to market needs.

Freight Management System Market, By Transportation Mode

  • Rail Freight
  • Road Freight
  • Ocean Freight
  • Air Freight

Based on Transportation Mode, The market is segmented into Rail Freight, Road Freight, Ocean Freight, and Air Freight. The road freight segment is estimated to dominate the Freight Management System Market during the forecast period due to road transportation's flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and vast coverage, which make it the favored option for both short and long-distance deliveries. Road freight is essential to door-to-door services, linking businesses directly with their customers and guaranteeing the smooth movement of goods within and across borders.

Freight Management System Market, By End-User

  • 3PLs
  • Forwarders
  • Brokers
  • Shippers
  • Carriers

Based on End-User, The market is segmented into 3PLs, Forwarders, Brokers, Shippers, and Carriers. The 3PLs segment is estimated to dominate the market over the forecast period due to manufacturing and retail enterprises increasingly outsourcing logistics and transportation services to third-party logistics providers. These companies provide comprehensive services such as transportation, warehousing, cross-docking, inventory management, packaging, and freight forwarding. As businesses attempt to improve supply chain efficiency, save operating costs, and focus on core competencies, their reliance on 3PLs expands.

Key Players

The "Global Freight Management System Market" study report will provide valuable insight with an emphasis on the global market. The major players in the market are SAP, Oracle, Manhattan Associates, JDA Software, Descartes, MercuryGate, C.H. Robinson, Riege Software, BluJay Solutions, McLeod Software, DAT Solutions, and Etrans Consulting.

Our market analysis also entails a section solely dedicated to such major players wherein our analysts provide an insight into the financial statements of all the major players, along with product benchmarking and SWOT analysis. The competitive landscape section also includes key development strategies, market share, and market ranking analysis of the above-mentioned players globally.

  • Freight Management System Market Recent Developments
  • In February 2024, FedEx announced a fleet restructuring effort to better utilize its cargo jets in a profit pinch. The company intends to deploy spare planes to increase its share of the general cargo market, potentially affecting all cargo carriers. FedEx is targeting heavyweight freight booked by logistic providers as part of its strategy to counter slower growth in express and shrinking postal businesses.
  • In December 2023, Uber Freight announced a strategic agreement with Torc Robotics to integrate its logistics network with Torc's autonomous truck research and deployment. This alliance aims to transform logistics using AI, focusing on autonomous trucking services and leveraging Uber Freight's logistics network and data.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION OF GLOBAL FREIGHT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM MARKET

  • 1.1 Market Definition
  • 1.2 Market Segmentation
  • 1.3 Research Timelines
  • 1.4 Assumptions
  • 1.5 Limitations

2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY OF VERIFIED MARKET RESEARCH

  • 2.1 Data Mining
  • 2.2 Data Triangulation
  • 2.3 Bottom-Up Approach
  • 2.4 Top-Down Approach
  • 2.5 Research Flow
  • 2.6 Key Insights from Industry Experts
  • 2.7 Data Sources

3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

  • 3.1 Market Overview
  • 3.2 Ecology Mapping
  • 3.3 Absolute Market Opportunity
  • 3.4 Market Attractiveness
  • 3.5 Global Freight Management System Market Geographical Analysis (CAGR %)
  • 3.6 Global Freight Management System Market, By Solution (USD Million)
  • 3.7 Global Freight Management System Market, By Transportation Mode (USD Million)
  • 3.8 Global Freight Management System Market, By End-User (USD Million)
  • 3.9 Future Market Opportunities
  • 3.10 Global Market Split
  • 3.11 Product Life Line

4 GLOBAL FREIGHT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM MARKET OUTLOOK

  • 4.1 Global Freight Management System Evolution
  • 4.2 Drivers
    • 4.2.1 Driver 1
    • 4.2.2 Driver 2
  • 4.3 Restraints
    • 4.3.1 Restraint 1
    • 4.3.2 Restraint 2
  • 4.4 Opportunities
    • 4.4.1 Opportunity 1
    • 4.4.2 Opportunity 2
  • 4.5 Porters Five Force Model
  • 4.6 Value Chain Analysis
  • 4.7 Pricing Analysis
  • 4.8 Macroeconomic Analysis

5 GLOBAL FREIGHT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM MARKET, BY COMPONENT

  • 5.1 Overview
  • 5.2 Solution
    • 5.2.1 Planning
    • 5.2.2 Execution and Operations
    • 5.2.3 Control and Monitoring
  • 5.3 Services
    • 5.3.1 Consulting
    • 5.3.2 System Integration and Deployment
    • 5.3.3 Support and Maintenance

6 GLOBAL FREIGHT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM MARKET, BY TRANSPORTATION MODE

  • 6.1 Overview
  • 6.2 Road Freight
  • 6.3 Rail Freight
  • 6.4 Ocean Freight
  • 6.5 Air Freight

7 GLOBAL FREIGHT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM MARKET, BY END-USER

  • 7.1 Overview
  • 7.2 3PLs
  • 7.3 Forwarders
  • 7.4 Brokers
  • 7.5 Shippers
  • 7.6 Carriers

8 GLOBAL FREIGHT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM MARKET, BY GEOGRAPHY

  • 8.1 Overview
  • 8.2 North America
    • 8.2.1 U.S.
    • 8.2.2 Canada
    • 8.2.3 Mexico
  • 8.3 Europe
    • 8.3.1 Germany
    • 8.3.2 U.K.
    • 8.3.3 France
    • 8.3.4 Italy
    • 8.3.5 Spain
    • 8.3.6 Rest of Europe
  • 8.4 Asia Pacific
    • 8.4.1 China
    • 8.4.2 Japan
    • 8.4.3 India
    • 8.4.4 Rest of Asia Pacific
  • 8.5 Latin America
    • 8.5.1 Brazil
    • 8.5.2 Argentina
    • 8.5.3 Rest of Latin America
  • 8.6 Middle-East and Africa
    • 8.6.1 UAE
    • 8.6.2 Saudi Arabia
    • 8.6.3 South Africa
    • 8.6.4 Rest of Middle-East and Africa

9 GLOBAL FREIGHT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM MARKET COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

  • 9.1 Overview
  • 9.2 Company Market Ranking
  • 9.3 Key Developments
  • 9.4 Company Regional Footprint
  • 9.5 Company Industry Footprint
  • 9.6 ACE Matrix

10 COMPANY PROFILES

  • 10.1 SAP
    • 10.1.1 Company Overview
    • 10.1.2 Company Insights
    • 10.1.3 Product Benchmarking
    • 10.1.4 Key Developments
    • 10.1.5 Winning Imperatives
    • 10.1.6 Current Focus & Strategies
    • 10.1.7 Threat from Competition
    • 10.1.8 SWOT Analysis
  • 10.2 Oracle
    • 10.2.1 Company Overview
    • 10.2.2 Company Insights
    • 10.2.3 Product Benchmarking
    • 10.2.4 Key Developments
    • 10.2.5 Winning Imperatives
    • 10.2.6 Current Focus & Strategies
    • 10.2.7 Threat from Competition
    • 10.2.8 SWOT Analysis
  • 10.3 Manhattan Associates
    • 10.3.1 Company Overview
    • 10.3.2 Company Insights
    • 10.3.3 Product Benchmarking
    • 10.3.4 Key Developments
    • 10.3.5 Winning Imperatives
    • 10.3.6 Current Focus & Strategies
    • 10.3.7 Threat from Competition
    • 10.3.8 SWOT Analysis
  • 10.4 JDA Software
    • 10.4.1 Company Overview
    • 10.4.2 Company Insights
    • 10.4.3 Product Benchmarking
    • 10.4.4 Key Developments
    • 10.4.5 Winning Imperatives
    • 10.4.6 Current Focus & Strategies
    • 10.4.7 Threat from Competition
    • 10.4.8 SWOT Analysis
  • 10.5 Descartes
    • 10.5.1 Company Overview
    • 10.5.2 Company Insights
    • 10.5.3 Product Benchmarking
    • 10.5.4 Key Developments
    • 10.5.5 Winning Imperatives
    • 10.5.6 Current Focus & Strategies
    • 10.5.7 Threat from Competition
    • 10.5.8 SWOT Analysis
  • 10.6 MercuryGate
    • 10.6.1 Company Overview
    • 10.6.2 Company Insights
    • 10.6.3 Product Benchmarking
    • 10.6.4 Key Developments
    • 10.6.5 Winning Imperatives
    • 10.6.6 Current Focus & Strategies
    • 10.6.7 Threat from Competition
    • 10.6.8 SWOT Analysis
  • 10.7 C.H. Robinson
    • 10.7.1 Company Overview
    • 10.7.2 Company Insights
    • 10.7.3 Product Benchmarking
    • 10.7.4 Key Developments
    • 10.7.5 Winning Imperatives
    • 10.7.6 Current Focus & Strategies
    • 10.7.7 Threat from Competition
    • 10.7.8 SWOT Analysis
  • 10.8 Riege Software
    • 10.8.1 Company Overview
    • 10.8.2 Company Insights
    • 10.8.3 Product Benchmarking
    • 10.8.4 Key Developments
    • 10.8.5 Winning Imperatives
    • 10.8.6 Current Focus & Strategies
    • 10.8.7 Threat from Competition
    • 10.8.8 SWOT Analysis
  • 10.9 BluJay Solutions
    • 10.9.1 Company Overview
    • 10.9.2 Company Insights
    • 10.9.3 Product Benchmarking
    • 10.9.4 Key Developments
    • 10.9.5 Winning Imperatives
    • 10.9.6 Current Focus & Strategies
    • 10.9.7 Threat from Competition
    • 10.9.8 SWOT Analysis
  • 10.10 McLeod Software
    • 10.10.1 Company Overview
    • 10.10.2 Company Insights
    • 10.10.3 Product Benchmarking
    • 10.10.4 Key Developments
    • 10.10.5 Winning Imperatives
    • 10.10.6 Current Focus & Strategies
    • 10.10.7 Threat from Competition
    • 10.10.8 SWOT Analysis

11 APPENDIX

  • 11.1 Related Research