Section 7

Logistics

The coordination and organisation of complex operations, ensuring products reach where they are needed.

Supply Chain Operations

The management of the flow of goods and services from supplier to end consumer.

Components of Logistics

Key aspects that include procurement logistics, production logistics, distribution logistics, and disposal logistics.

Forward Logistics

The flow of operations moving a product from the supplier of raw materials to the end consumer.

Reverse Logistics

Operations involved in returning goods from the end consumer backwards down the supply chain.

Procurement Logistics

The process of selecting suppliers and negotiating contracts for raw materials, parts, and finished goods.

Production Logistics

Involves organizing production processes, including factory layout and goods production.

Distribution Logistics

Details how and when goods are delivered to consumers.

Disposal Logistics

The reuse and recycling of products and materials.

Storage of Goods

Holding products and inventory in designated spaces, typically warehouses.

Just-In-Time Approach

A strategy minimizing storage by ensuring parts are available when needed.

Product Flow

The movement of goods from the point of origin to the final destination.

Financial Flow

The movement of payments and credit within the supply chain.

Information Flow

The communication of data between suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and customers.

Risk Flow

Management of potential risks affecting stages of the supply chain.

Key Activities in Supply Chain

Includes transformation of resources, movement and storage of materials, and delivery of finished goods.

Distribution Channels

Routes used to get products from manufacturers to end consumers.

Transportation

The movement of goods to various locations via different means.

Modes of Transportation

Includes rail, road, air, and sea, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.

Bill of Lading

A document that serves as a receipt and evidence of a contract to transport goods.

Airway Bill

The air transport equivalent of a bill of lading, serving as a receipt for air cargo.

Competitive Advantage

An edge gained over rivals by offering higher quality or lower costs.

Third-Party Logistics

Services contracted to external companies to manage logistics operations.

Fourth-Party Logistics

Providers managing significant aspects of the supply chain, including transport and customs.

Delayed Shipment

Shipping delays caused by various factors like unavailability of materials or poor weather.

Spoilage

Damage occurring to goods, particularly food, during transportation.

Misdirection

Incorrect shipping due to improper labeling or documentation.

Inadequate Warehouse Facilities

Insufficient space and equipment for effective inventory management.

Industry Unrest

Disruptions caused by industrial actions such as strikes affecting distribution.

Mitigating Problems in Distribution

Strategies like government intervention, improving communication, and proper security.

Global Positioning System (GPS)

Technology allowing real-time tracking of packages using satellite data.

Geographic Information System (GIS)

A system designed to capture and analyze geographical data.

Logistics Hub

A center for transport and goods distribution activities on national and international levels.

Telemarketing

Selling goods over the telephone.

Natural Disasters

Environmental events that can disrupt supply chains.

Management Blunders

Errors in supply chain management that can lead to inefficiencies.

Political Instability

Unrest or uncertainty that can affect supply chain operations.

Regulatory Complexity

Complications arising from compliance with various laws and regulations.

Product Complexity

Challenges arising from intricate products that complicate the supply chain.

Counterfeiting

The production of fake goods misrepresented as genuine items.

Communication Network

A system facilitating efficient information exchange in logistics.

Insurance in Logistics

Protects goods during transportation and storage from various risks.

Handling Services

Support firms that assist in logistics and distribution.