A lot has changed in logistics and supply chain management over the past couple of decades. Worldwide mega trends present logistics managers, and companies generally, with a whole host of new challenges. Not only are companies expected to deliver goods in a quick and cost effective manner, they are expected to do this in a sustainable manner and on a global scale.
Moreover, with increasingly fragmented channels, greater product variations, and growing consumer demand for customised solutions, global logistics is becoming ever more complex by the day. Add to that increased supply chain risk: distance, politics, weather etc., new technologies, and talent shortages, it might be said logistics managers are confounded. More than ever before, today’s logistics managers are confronted with dynamic trends in corporate development; such dynamic trends that are difficult to manage.
But the importance of global logistics and supply chain management is also growing. The shift towards the marketplace has necessitated a review of the means by which customer demand is satisfied. This has in turn led to the dramatic upsurge in logistics as a core business activity. Logistics clearly has a key role in the strategic direction of the organisation.
Logistics is playing an increasingly critical role in corporate decision-making, as issues such as supply chain risk have reached the top of many boardroom agendas in recent years. It may not have the largest budget as manufacturing or hold the creative heart as marketing, but businesses are increasingly recognising that they cannot succeed without logistics and the supply chain. Logistics (or the Supply Chain) is after all the function that binds the organisation. The management and output of the supply chain must be improved. Market competition is fierce. Without the speed to market, without high levels of customer service, all at a competitive cost, companies will not thrive or survive.
Clearly, as both B2C and B2B markets have changed over the past 20 years, major changes have been required of logistics. With the increasing influence of the internet and the rapid transmission and analysis of data, this trend is set to continue. As more tasks will be fulfilled by logistics in the future, it is becoming more important. As a result, companies need to properly identify the trends in order to build effective logistics coping strategies.
Helping to address these needs, the new edition of Global Logistics addresses important trends and key challenges in logistics and supply chain management, and provides effective logistics coping strategies to effectively manage them. It provides guidance on critical topics, including supply chain vulnerability, sustainability, e-logistics and fulfilling customer needs. With contributors from the Americas, Europe and Asia, and dedicated new chapters on key emerging regions, the book provides a truly international perspective.
“The newly updated edition of Global Logistics reflects the international nature of the logistics sector with contributions from academics and practitioners based around the world. Looking at new directions and best practices spanning North America, Central and Eastern Europe through to China, this book provides an essential reference for students and professionals alike”. (Dorothea Carvalho, Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport)
The new edition of Global Logistics by Donald Waters and Stephen Rinsler is now out. Don't miss this exclusive limited time offer. Buy Global Logistics (7th ed) direct from the Kogan Page website before 28th February 2015 to receive your exclusive 20% discount. Simply go to www.koganpage.com/global-logistics click buy now and enter discount code CILTINT0115 when prompted at the checkout.
Note the above article draws key insights and excerpts from Global Logistics (7th edition).