Chapter 1. Basic Concepts of Logistics (1)
Chapter 1. Basic Concepts of Logistics (1)
Management
Course Content
This course will provide students with basic knowledge and skills in Logistics management. The main content includes:
4. Procurement management
"What role does logistics play and at what stage in the supply chain?"
1.1. Concept of Logistics
Logistics plays a crucial role in the supply chain, ensuring smooth operation from raw materials to the final product. In the supply chain, logistics is present in
the stages from raw materials to the final product, including the distribution process to the customer.
Customer
tier 2
Supplier …
Customer
tier 1 Customer
tier 1
tier 2
Supplier
tier 2 Customer
tier 3
Supplier Central Customer Customer
tier 1
… Supplier company tier 1 tier 2
…
tier 2
Customer Customer
Customer tier 2 tier 3
Supplier Supplier tier 1
tier 2 tier 1
…
Customer
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Customer
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Services Services
provider provider Services
provider
1.1. Concept of Logistics
Definition Objectives Scope
Logistics is the process of managing and The main objective of logistics is to ensure Logistics includes various activities such as
optimizing the processes related to the the right product, the right quantity, the right transportation, warehousing, packaging,
movement and storage of goods, services, or condition, at the right place, at the right time order processing, inventory management,
information from the point of origin to the and at the most reasonable cost for right and customer service.
final destination. customer.
Stages of Logistics Service Development
Stage 1: Physical Distribution (1960s - 1
1970s)
In this stage, logistics services focused on the
movement and distribution of goods efficiently, 2 Stage 2: Logistics Systems (1980s -
aiming to meet customer demand. 1990s)
This stage witnessed the development of logistics
systems with the integration of activities such as
Stage 3: Supply Chain Management 3 transportation, warehousing, inventory
(21st Century) management, and order processing.
In the new era, logistics has become a critical part
of supply chain management, connecting all the
stages from suppliers to end customers.
Phase 1: Distribution
Transportation
1
Timely and efficient transportation of goods
Distribution
2
Optimized distribution of products and goods to customers
Warehousing
3
Safe and efficient storage and preservation of goods
Packaging
4
Attractive packaging and labeling to protect goods
In the Distribution phase, the related activities such as transportation, distribution, storage, and packaging are closely coordinated to ensure the
effective and timely delivery of products and goods to customers. The purpose is to meet customer needs in the most optimal way.
Activities in Phase 1
The first phase of the logistics service focuses on physical distribution, moving products efficiently from the
manufacturer to the customer's hands. This is a period when businesses recognize that optimizing distribution is a
competitive advantage.
• Transportation: Optimize transportation modes such as road, rail, and sea to ensure goods are delivered on time
at the lowest cost.
• Storage: Manage warehouses to maintain a continuous flow of goods, reduce waiting time, and increase
efficiency.
• Inventory management: Includes activities such as receiving, inspecting, storing, packaging, and distributing
goods.
Although more scientifically organized, the logistics processes in this phase still operate in silos between different
departments.
Phase 2: Logistics System
In this phase, logistics activities such as inventory management, transportation, and order processing are integrated into a complete
logistics system. This helps optimize operations, meet customer needs in a timely and efficient manner.
Activities in Phase 2
Phase 2 marks the transition from simple distribution to an integrated logistics system. This system combines various activities to optimize the supply chain.
Warehouse Management
1 Storage, handling, and control of goods.
Transportation
2
Moving goods from origin to destination.
Inventory Management
3
Tracking, forecasting, and adjusting inventory levels.
Order Processing
4
Receiving, processing, and delivering orders to customers.
Information
5
Collecting, processing, and sharing logistics information.
These activities are connected through an information system, allowing businesses to effectively control the entire logistics process.
Stage 3: Supply Chain Management (21st
Century)
Urban Logistics
Developing efficient transportation and distribution solutions in dense urban
environments, utilizing small distribution centers and flexible delivery vehicles.
Digitalization in Logistics
Digitalization helps automate processes, enhance transparency, improve
tracking and data analysis, enabling businesses to optimize operational
efficiency and reduce costs.
1.2. Logistics Service System
The logistics service system has various different system components. The core logistics services such as order
processing, storage, and transportation are directly supported by logistics information services and additional services
necessary for the logistics process.
Components in the Logistics Service System
Components of the Logistics Service System
Information Services 1
Includes information and communication
technology systems that support supply chain
management, cargo tracking, and optimization of 2 Logistical Core Services
logistics processes. Services such as order processing, storage, and
cargo transportation, which are fundamental and
essential activities in the logistics chain.
Additional Services 3
Includes supporting services such as packaging,
delivery, insurance, customs, etc. to complete and
optimize the provision of logistics services.
Logistical Core
Services
Logistical core services such as order processing, storage, and
goods transportation are fundamental and essential activities within
the supply chain. These services provide the foundation for an
efficient logistics system to operate.
Order Processing
Space Optimization
Modern storage systems not only help save space, but also optimize the time for searching and processing goods.
Supporting Technologies
In some cases, technologies such as robots and Automated Storage/Retrieval Systems (AS/RS) are applied to enhance efficiency.
Risk Minimization
Effective storage management ensures that goods are always ready when needed and minimizes the risk of shortages or damage.
Warehouse Operations Process
Warehouse Operations Process
Receiving 1
Receive and inspect incoming goods to ensure accurate quality
and quantity.
2 Put away
Classify and arrange goods in optimal storage locations based
on their characteristics and usage frequency.
Picking 3
Search for and retrieve the correct items according to order
requirements, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
4 Packing
Pack goods safely, attractively, and appropriately for each
product type.
Inventory 5
Monitor and update inventory status to forecast demand and
adjust replenishment plans in a timely manner.
6 Kitting
Assemble related products into complete product kits to meet
special customer requirements.
Transshipment Hubs in Logistics Services
Operating Level includes activities such as order registration, order processing, inventory planning, warehousing and distribution,
transportation and delivery. These are the daily tasks that need to be performed to maintain a seamless and timely logistics
operation.
Tactical Level involves issues such as inventory management, facility planning, channel integration, vehicle routing and
scheduling, as well as outsourcing services. These tasks help optimize operational efficiency in the short and medium term.
Strategic Level includes capacity and capability planning, alliances and collaborations, as well as system customization to meet
long-term business objectives.
Control Level focuses on monitoring and evaluating the performance of the system, including customer service, system
productivity, cost control, and effective asset utilization.
Workflow of the Logistics Management System
Logistics Management System Workflow
Order Placement 1
Customers place orders, generating information about
products, quantities, and delivery times.
2 Planning
The logistics management system plans the order
processing, including scheduling transportation, arranging
Execution 3 goods, and allocating resources.
Activities such as receiving goods, inspecting, warehousing,
packaging, and transportation are carried out to fulfill the
order. 4 Monitoring
The system tracks the order processing, updates the status,
and provides information to the customers.
Evaluation 5
Based on KPIs such as delivery time, cost, and customer
satisfaction, the system's effectiveness is evaluated.
Additional Services in Logistics
Advantages
• High Proactivity: The owner of the goods can independently provide Logistics at any time.
• Tight Control: The company has tight control over the transportation process and service quality.
• Long-term Cost Reduction: For large companies, investing in Logistics infrastructure can reduce long-term costs compared to outsourcing.
Disadvantages
• High Initial Investment: Investing in infrastructure, transportation, and human resources requires a large initial investment.
• Management and Operation Capability: For companies without sufficient scale, experience, expertise, and quality of personnel, the 1PL model can
pose many difficulties, reduce efficiency, increase risks, and be quite costly.
• Limited Scope: Small companies have a limited transportation scope and cannot expand to a large or international scale like other Logistics models.
Advantages Disadvantages
• Reduced initial investment: Businesses do not need to invest in • Dependence on the provider: Loss of control and risk of service
logistics infrastructure and transportation equipment. quality issues.
• Access to professional services: 2PL providers have experience • High service costs: Outsourcing costs can increase, especially
and ensure quality transportation. for large shipping volumes.
• Optimized transportation process: Providers have a wide • Limited scalability: Not suitable for large-scale or international
network, helping to reduce costs and optimize routes. logistics expansion needs.
• High flexibility: Businesses can choose different service • Lack of supply chain integration: Only addresses transportation,
providers for various transportation needs. other processes still need to be self-managed.
1 2 3
Inventory Management No need to store inventory, suppliers hold and Merchants own the inventory, but the
manage the inventory. warehouse and management are handled by
3PL.
Initial Costs Lower, as there is no need to invest in Higher costs due to the need to invest in
warehousing and inventory. inventory and 3PL service fees.
Process Control Lower control, as the supplier is responsible Higher control, can customize and manage
from production to delivery. the quality of the delivery service.
Delivery Speed Depends on the supplier and their location, Faster delivery speed as the goods are stored
often slower as the goods may be shipped domestically or in warehouses closer to the
from overseas. customers.
Product Quality Cannot be directly controlled, depends on the Can control the product quality before
supplier. delivery.
Dropshipping vs. Third-Party Logistics (3PL)
Criteria Dropshipping Third-Party Logistics (3PL)
Customer Experience May be inferior due to longer delivery times and Improves customer experience with faster
difficulty handling returns or warranties. delivery and easier returns management.
Scalability Easy to scale quickly without worrying about Scalable, but dependent on the 3PL's
warehousing or inventory management. warehouse capacity and capabilities.
Returns More complex, as the seller needs to work with Easier, as the 3PL can assist with processing
the supplier to handle returns. returns and warranties.
Profitability Lower profit margins due to high competition Potentially higher profit margins as the seller
and the need to share profits with the supplier. controls the entire supply chain.
Suitable for Small businesses, startups, or those who don't Larger businesses that want to optimize their
want to invest heavily in warehousing and logistics processes but still maintain control
logistics management. over inventory and customer service.
Fourth Party Logistics (4PL)
Comprehensive Integration Design and Operation Holistic Management
As an integrator: consolidating, connecting the resources, Design, build, and operate a complete Logistics chain. Responsible for managing the flow of logistics, providing
potential, and scientific and technical facilities of its own with solutions, planning, logistics consulting, and transportation
other organizations. management. Manage the entire logistics process.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the 4PL Model
Advantages Disadvantages
• Comprehensive management: Integrates the entire supply • Loss of direct control: Completely dependent on the provider.
chain, helping to optimize logistics. • High costs: Service costs may be high due to complexity.
• Resource savings: Businesses can focus on core activities • Quality risks: Service quality depends on the provider.
without having to manage logistics.
• Dependence on a single partner: High risk if there are issues
• High expertise: Ensures efficiency with the provider's with the provider.
advanced expertise and technology.
• Difficulty in partner selection: Need to choose a suitable and
• Flexible scalability: Easy to adjust the scale of logistics reliable provider.
according to needs.
Advantages Disadvantages
• Integrates the entire supply chain: Comprehensive management of • Technology dependence: Requires a complex technology system and
multiple resources and suppliers, leading to optimization across the large data management capabilities.
entire chain. • High costs: The sophisticated and technology-integrated services can
• Cost optimization: Uses advanced technology and data analysis to lead to higher costs.
optimize logistics processes and reduce costs. • Loss of control: Businesses are completely dependent on the 5PL
• Scalability: Suitable for large-scale, complex, or multinational provider to manage the supply chain.
transportation needs. • Security risks: Sharing data with multiple third parties can increase the
• High level of automation: Applies advanced technologies like artificial risk of information leaks.
intelligence and process automation to improve efficiency. • Requires appropriate scale: Not suitable for small businesses with
• Multi-supplier management: Ability to coordinate and manage multiple simple logistics needs.
different logistics suppliers within a single system.
1 2 3
Outbound Logistics
The process of transporting, storing, and controlling finished
products from the business to the customer. The purpose is
to meet customer needs in a timely and efficient manner.
Inbound Logistics
• Step 2: Recording and Receipts: the company records the purchase order and receives the receipt after payment.
• Step 3: Notification: when transporting raw materials, the supplier will electronically declare the tracking
information of the shipment for the company.
• Step 4: Load Arrival: move the received goods to the yard/warehouse or the designated recipient according to the
company's instructions.
• Step 5: Receiving: employees unload the goods, scan the barcodes, and inventory the goods to ensure they
match the purchase order. After that, the goods will be transferred to the production warehouse at the factory or
the production facility to continue the production activities.
• Step 6: Reverse Logistics: the team receives and transports the returns from customers due to defective goods,
issues in the delivery process, repairs, etc.
Outbound Logistics
Objectives Ensure products are delivered to customers quickly, in the right quantities, and at the right time to effectively meet their needs.
Location Management Track and manage the location of products during transportation, ensuring products are delivered to the correct customer address.
Time Management Develop detailed transportation plans, forecast demand and delivery times to ensure products are delivered within the customer's required
timeframe.
Cost Management Optimize transportation, storage, and delivery costs to minimize distribution expenses and meet the company's profit objectives.
Outbound Logistics Process
• Step 1: Customer Order: customers place orders through the company's sales channels.
• Step 2: Order Processing: the company confirms the order, receives the requested quantity, and checks if the
inventory has enough to fulfill the order.
• Step 3: Order Confirmation and Replenishment: at this stage, the reserved inventory will be transferred to the
main storage, replacing the products the customer has purchased. This process may trigger the production of
more goods or the procurement of raw materials from suppliers to maintain a stable inventory level.
• Step 4: Picking: warehouse staff select the goods from the reserve inventory to complete the order.
• Step 5: Packing, Staging & Loading: staff pack, label, and document the order according to internal and customer
requirements. They then proceed to load the goods onto the trucks.
• Step 6: Shipping & Documenting: the order leaves the warehouse and is transported to distributors or partners.
The company's system will record the shipment and send detailed information to the customer for tracking.
• Step 7: Last Mile Delivery: the order is transported from the distributor to the end consumer.
Inbound Logistics vs. Outbound Logistics
Process The process of searching, procuring, and transporting raw The process of planning the distribution of goods from the
materials to the factory for processing and production. manufacturer to the final consumer.
Relationship Between suppliers and manufacturers Between distributors, retailers, and end customers
Workflow Handling of incoming raw materials (inward movement) Inventory management, order processing, and delivery to
end customers (outward movement)
Key Activities Procurement, storage, and transportation of raw materials Packaging and distribution of goods to the final consumer.
to the production site.
Optimization Optimize Just-in-time (JIT), which means the right product Optimize costs, meaning selecting the most cost-effective
- the right quantity - the right place - at the right time. transportation methods, ensuring goods are not damaged
during transit, and meeting delivery time frames.
Strategic Planning Provide the necessary raw materials for the factory to Meet customer demand, support the sales process to
produce the products. increase profitability.
Reverse Logistics
1 Reclamation 2 Reuse 3 Recycling
Reclaiming by-products, waste materials, Processing and reusing used products. Recycling recyclable materials to
and elements that impact the minimize environmental impact.
environment.
4 Environmental Protection
Contributing to environmental protection through effective waste management.
Foward Logistics & Reverse Logistics
Classification of Logistics Activities by
Commodity Object
1 2 3
Production Logistics
Manage activities such as production planning, storage
arrangement, and transportation of products between
production stages.
a. Procurement Logistics
Supply Management Transportation & Delivery
Purchasing logistics involves managing and organizing the processes Activities such as transportation planning, warehouse management,
related to the supply of necessary input factors for the production and order processing, and delivery are carried out to ensure that input
business operations of the enterprise. factors are supplied in a timely and efficient manner.
The classification of logistics activities, based on service levels, commodity objects, and scope of operations, was
discussed, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of the field. Finally, we examined the different types of logistics by
position in the supply chain, including purchasing, production, and distribution logistics.