Makhdoom's World Of Logistics

The Aims And Objectives:

The aims and objectives of these pages on the cyberspace are to create an awareness and undersatnding towards the principles and concepts of Logistics and Distribution Management. In creating such an understanding we should be able to:

Define the term logistics.
Differentiate between the terms Inbound Logistics, Material Management and Physical Distribution and state their objectives.
Examine briefly the history of logistics and physical distribution, discussing the use of logistics as a systems approach to business problems.
Describe the responsibilities of a logistics manager.

Within these pages it is also are intention to create an understanding of the importance of customer service to a firm's marketing activities through:
The explanation of the term customer service.
Discussing the role of logistics in the customer service area.
Describing the following terms frequently used in logistics management for effective customer service:-
* Order Cycle
* Order Transmittal
* Order Processing

Further to the understanding of logistics, it is also intended to create an understanding of the principles and concepts of Warehouse Management through:-
describing the role of warehouse and distribution centres in a logistics system
identifying the different types of functions of warehouses
distinguishing between the different types of alternatives available in warehouse design
examining briefly the operation and management of a sophisticated warehouse

Click here for...Singapore : A Strategic Node In The Asia Pacific

Within these pages I shall be reproducing my paper which I presented at Pan Asia Logistics, Warehousing And Distribution Conference, held at Hilton Hotel, Singapore, from 24th to 26th May 1995.

Introduction:

The Asia-Pacific is a region of tremendous potential and some rapidly growing economies. The region is expected to be the world's most dynamic area in the years ahead. Presently, the region, widely acclaimed as the engine of universal economic growth, have an average annual rate of growth of 7 per cent with a total market size of 1.5 billion people. We are witnessing, today, with awe and apprehension, the renaissance of the Asia-Pacific Century, and the regions rendezvous with destiny. All indicators and forecasts point to an inevitable fact that by the year 2010, Asia's GDP would equal that of North America Free Trade Area (NAFTA) and the European Community (EC). This scenario, effectively and comprehensively, will result in the shift of economic focus from the Atlantic to the Pacific Basin. The region promises vast and varied business opportunities, well into the twenty-first century, as Asian countries continue their formidable march towards development, progress and diversification of their economies. The efficient movement of people and goods is vital to the quality enjoyed by the society and the effective functioning of international trade, the economy and essential services. With its excellent infrastructure and strategic location, Singapore is at the verge of becoming the transport, logistics, warehousing and distribution hub in the region. Located at the crossroads of international trading, air and sea routes in this dynamic Asia-Pacific region, Singapore is strategically well-positioned to participate in and contribute to the region's extraordinary growth process. The objective of this humble presentation is to highlight the importance of logistics, warehousing and distribution as one of the industry clusters vital to Singapore's, and consequently, Asia-Pacific region's, growth, prosperity, progress and success. It is also the intention to identify the recent developments of logistics and warehousing, thereby, propelling Singapore towards that elusive goal of becoming the important global logistics and distribution centre. Solid and advanced infrastructure combined with efficient and excellent services keeps the logistics, warehousing and distribution industry of Singapore a step ahead of other economies of this vibrant region. Effort will also be made to describe Singapore's competitive capabilities to stay on top in the region, especially in transport, logistics and distribution activities. Singapore looks set to take over the role of the investment capital of Southeast Asia. The role of the Government, through its statutory boards, in facilitating trade and attracting investments into Singapore as a transport and logistics hub par excellence, will also be outlined and suggested. Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to make it quite clear, at the outset, that the views and opinions expressed here are mine and mine alone. They do not, in any way, reflect the position of the Government of Singapore, the statutory bodies, and the organisations that I represent and work for.

Logistics And Distribution - An Overview

In any field of human endeavour, whenever there are rapid changes taking place, new terms and definitions become a common feature. Logistics also has gone through a complete metamorphosis and is today known by different terms in different countries in different circumstances and activities. Some of the terms that are used to describe LOGISTICS are:
* Logistics management
* Materials management
* Distribution Engineering
* Business logistics
* Physical distribution

International Safety Management (ISM) Code

Some Universal Resources On Logistics Management:

Logistics Management Institute

The Naval Logistics Home Page

DSI Home Page

Drexel Logistics Consultants

The Society Of Logistics Engineers, Greece

Institute of Logistics Management (LMI)