Tuesday, 12 June 2012

Elements Of Logistics Management

Logistics management is a key factor in the supply chain processes of any business. It is that part of the supply chain that serves as its nucleus, ensuring that all the processes, right from manufacturing to delivery, are carried out with precision and utmost efficiency.

The major aim of any logistics management endeavor is the utmost satisfaction of the final customer. For this, it is essential for a link of communication to be effectively established at each stage of the process, to ensure that the right services are delivered to the right person at the right time.

An essential element of logistics management is inbound and outbound transport management. While inbound transportation is essential to lower the prices of the final goods by reducing the costs during the various processes, outbound transport is what is actually visible to the customer.

Another important element is fleet management, which is closely related to transport management. This refers to the management of the various vehicles that are used by the company, including vans, trucks, rail cars, and cars. Everything, right from the fuel and finance management to their maintenance and management of drivers falls under logistics management.

Logistics management also includes the key elements of warehousing and inventory management, both of which are critical to the efficiency of the supply chain. While warehousing involves all the factors that go into the storage of the goods, inventory management is the central process that determines how much of each product is needed when, and where.

A logistics management company must be able to devise a working logistics network, by keeping important considerations like security, space costs, labor rates, supplier and customer locations, etc. in mind. There must be a well-devised plan in place to take care of the ultimate aim of the whole process, which is order fulfillment. This process begins when the customer places an order, and goes on until it is delivered to him, and even after that, in case of any complaints.

Most companies are now opting for logistics automation, in which advances logistics management software is employed for various stages of the process. There is separate software available for each stage, such as transport, material handling, warehousing, etc.

A modern logistics management enterprise must be well-versed with important technological aspects of the process, such as bar coding, electronic data interchange, enterprise and differential resource planning, etc., all of which are pivotal to e-commerce.

McLane Logistic Technology can empower your business with effective logistic management system, designed to take huge and complex loads and to keep your logistic management process efficient and trouble free. For more information, visit them at 4001 Central Pointe Parkway, Temple, TX 76504 or call us at 1-800-989-7568.