An Introduction to Logistics Management

Logistics management is a supply chain management component that is used to meet customer demands through planning, control and implementation of effective movement and storage of goods and services from origin to destination.

   
The word 'logistics' has originated from the Greek word 'Logistikos' and the Latin word 'Logisticus' which means the science of computing and calculating.

In ancient times, It as used more in connection with moving armies, the supply of food and armaments to the war front. During world war II, logistics gained importance in army operations covering the movement of men and equipment across the border.

It has acquired the wider meaning and is used in businesses for the movement of materials from suppliers to the manufacturers and finally finished goods to customers.

Supply Chain

Supply Chain (also called as value chain or demand chain), is the network of the involved companies, through upstream and downstream linkages, in different processes and activities that produce value in the form of products and services in the hands of the ultimate customer. For example, a shirt manufacturer is a part of a supply chain that goes upstream through the weavers of fabrics to the manufacturer of fibres, and downstream through distributors, retailers and then to final customer.

Logistics Opportunities in India

According to a study conducted by National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), Logistics sector currently employs over 16.74 million employees and is slated to employ more than 28.4 million employees by 2022. This implies additional creation of ~11.7 million jobs in the next nine-year period (2013-2022). A person who has completed the logistics correspondence courses, can find job opportunities in airports, sea ports, import-export companies, e-commerce companies (Flipkart, Amazon etc..), and 3rd party logistics companies (Bluedart, Fedex, DTDC etc..). The Indian transportation and logistics industry is poised at a crossroad along its growth trajectory even as the ongoing global economic uncertainty which has been impacting the Indian market to an extent. However, driven by strong fundamentals and consistent demand, the resilient Indian economy, in general and, the logistics sector in particular, are seemingly well-positioned to sail through turbulent global economic uncertainty.

Global Opportunities

The global annual logistics expenditure is approaching USD 3.5 trillion. The annual logistics cost of USA is about 9% of the GDP and internationally it varies between 9% and 20% of the GDP. The US logistics market is the largest in the world and accounts for one-third of the world logistics market.The global logistics industry has registered significant growth in the last decade with the emergence of Third Party Logistics (3PL) and Fourth Party Logistics (4PL) players in industry who are expected to play a much more important role in the years to come. 

Key Logistics Activities

• Customer Services

• Transportation

• Inventory Management

• Logistics Communications

• Materials Handling

• Order Processing

• Packing

• Procurement

• Reverse Logistics

• Warehousing and Storage

Role of material handling in logistics

Material handling is the movement, storage, protection and control of materials or products throughout manufacturing, warehousing, distribution and disposal. 

MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT- A diverse range of tools, vehicles, storage units appliances and accessories involved in transporting, storing, controlling, enumerating and protecting products at any stage of manufacturing, distribution, storage and disposal.

Material handling equipment -A diverse range of tools, vehicles, storage units appliances and accessories involved in transporting, storing, controlling, enumerating and protecting products at any stage of manufacturing, distribution, storage and disposal.

Types of material handling equipment:
1) Engineered systems:

Robots

Conveyors

Automated storage and retrieval

2) Industrial trucks:

Fork lifts

walkie stacker

Order Picker

Cranes

3) Storage:

Pallet rack

Mezzanines

Techshore Inspection Services

Head Office/Admission Office

36/977A, Kattunila,

 Lisie Hospital Road,

 Cochin-682018

www.techshore.in