LOGISTICS & OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

LOGISTICS & OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT 2 - Essay Example There are a wide range of definitions based on main logistics functions within organizational and production processes. Taking into account business definition, "logistics is defined as a business planning framework for the management of material, service, information and capital flows. It includes the increasingly complex information, communication and control systems required in today's business environment " (Logistix Partners Oy, Helsinki, FI, 1996, cited What is logistics 2005). Another definition reflects overall purpose of logistics and states that: "Logistics means having the right thing, at the right place, at the right time" (What is logistics 2005). The latter definition is more appropriate for today's business environment because it reflects the nature of business itself and customers expectations typical for present day economics. For many years, production inefficiencies have been criticized and scrutinized in order to increase productivity. There has been little close examination of possible savings in the area of physical distribution, now known as logistics. There is a movement towards a closer analysis of all aspects of logistics. This is particularly important where selling and distribution costs are high (Barnett, 1996).