What is Logistics?
Logistics, or Logistics Management, is the process of planning, implementing and controlling procedures for the efficient and effective acquisition, transportation (inbound, outbound and internal movements) and storage of goods from the point of origin to the point of consumption so as to successfully meet the requirements of customers and/or corporations. The resources managed in logistics can include physical items such as food, materials, livestock, equipment, liquids and even information. The logistics of physical items usually involves the integration of information flow, material handling, production, packaging, inventory, transportation, warehousing, and security.
A typical logistics organization is composed of several common sub-functions, or teams, that work together to manage the acquisition of customers (Business Acquisition), collect, validate and submit information required to accurately fulfill customer orders (Order Management), manage the structure, quality, and use of data by internal (in the company) and external (customers) users (Master Data Management) and handle all aspects of the flow of outgoing products to customers, as well as the flow of goods from production facilities to warehouse locations (Distribution). Browse our Logistics organization chart page to learn about the roles and responsibilities of each major function. Then, download our org chart template (PDF, Visio) to plan and support logistics operations improvement efforts.
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Check out our logistics best practices page to view selected descriptions of work methods that have been proven to produce better results (as compared to other, similar methods). Want more? Download our Logistics Best Practices Guide, which provides a healthy selection of valuable best practices that can be incorporated to improve logistic management operations. There might not be only one "best" way to perform every task. However, there is always a "better" way.