LOGISTICS

What is Logistics?

Logistics means having the right thing, at the right place, at the right time.

Logistics - ...the process of planning, implementing, and controlling the efficient, effective flow and storage of goods, services, and related information from point of origin to point of consumption for the purpose of conforming to customer requirements." Note that this definition includes inbound, outbound, internal, and external movements, and return of materials for environmental purposes. -- (Reference: Council of Logistics Management, http://www.clm1.org/mission.html, 12 Feb 98)

Logistics - The science of planning, organizing and managing activities that provide goods or services. -- (MDC, LogLink / LogisticsWorld, 1997)

Logistics
The planning, execution, and control of the movement / placement of goods and / or people, and the related supporting activities, all within a system designed to achieve specific objectives.

Logistics Management (CSCMP definition)
"Logistics management is that part of supply chain management that plans, implements, and controls the efficient, effective forward and reverse flow and storage of goods, services and related information between the point of origin and the point of consumption in order to meet customers' requirements." 

Logistics is a mixture of several professional disciplines, such as: 1. Planning, 2. Controlling, 3. Directing, 4. Coordination, 5. Forecasting, 6. Warehousing and transportation, 7. Facility location, 8. Inventory management.

As per the Council of Logistics Management, logistics has been defined as the part of the process of supply chain that plan, control and implement an effective and efficient flow for the purpose of storage of goods and services and other related information from the point of commencement to the point of final consumption with a aim to satisfy the requirements of its existing and prospective customers.

All activities that are involved in the movement of goods and services from the point of origin to the point of final consumption are grouped under the term 'logistics'. The art of managing or supervising all these activities when grouped together as a collective unit, are placed under 'logistics management'. People who are authorized or given the task of managing the aspect of logistics management are referred to as 'distribution managers' or 'logistics managers'.