Chapter 2 Overview of Logistics
Chapter 2 Overview of Logistics
Chapter 2 Overview of Logistics
Overview of
Logistics
2.1. Historical
Milestones of
Logistics
Logistics is a concept with a long history of development,
originating from the need to transport and manage goods,
people, and resources in military, economic, and commercial
activities. From ancient times to the present, logistics has
gone through many important stages of development,
adapting to changes in technology, economy, and society.
Ancient and Medieval Periods
2 Ancient China
Sun Tzu, in his work "The Art of War," also emphasized the importance of supply and transportation in warfare.
4 Age of Exploration
Explorers like Christopher Columbus and Vasco da Gama relied on logistics networks to expand trade routes and connect continents.
The Industrial Revolution Era
Transportation Development
The development of railroads, steamships, and transportation
systems completely transformed transportation and logistics
activities.
Large-Scale Transportation
The ability to quickly transport large quantities of goods helped
drive the development of the economy and industry.
Logistics Optimization
Logistics during this period were also more optimized with the
construction of large-scale warehouses, seaports, and distribution
systems.
The 20th Century and World
Wars
Development of Military Logistics
Military logistics underwent significant advancements
during World War I and World War II.
E-commerce
The development of e-commerce platforms like Amazon and
Alibaba has changed the way logistics operates. Companies
must develop fast and timely distribution and delivery systems.
Logistics 4.0 Trends and
Sustainable Development
(from 2010 to present)
1 Logistics 4.0
The emergence of Logistics 4.0 is based on technologies such as
Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Blockchain, and
Big Data. This helps optimize processes from warehousing,
transportation to distribution.
2 Green Logistics
Pressure from environmental issues and climate change has
driven the development of more sustainable logistics solutions
such as transportation vehicles powered by renewable energy,
and optimized routing to minimize carbon emissions.
Summary of the History of Logistics
Development
Period Key Characteristics
"What role does Logistics play and in which stage of the supply chain?"
2.2.1. Concept of Logistics
Logistics plays an important role in the supply chain, ensuring smooth operation from raw materials to the final product. In the supply
chain, logistics is present at all stages from raw materials to the final product, including the distribution process to the customer.
2.2.1. 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 transportation, warehousing, packaging, order
movement and storage of goods, right quality, at the right location, at the processing, inventory management, and
services, or information from the point of right time and with the most reasonable customer service.
origin to the final destination. cost.
2.2.2. Stages of Logistics Service Development
Stage 1: Physical Distribution 1
(1960s - 1970s)
In this stage, logistics services focused on the
movement and distribution of goods
2 Stage 2: Logistics Systems (1980s
efficiently, aiming to meet customer demand. - 1990s)
This stage witnessed the development of
logistics systems with the integration of
Stage 3: Supply Chain 3 activities such as transportation,
Management (21st Century) warehousing, inventory management, and
In the new era, logistics has become a critical order processing.
part of supply chain management,
connecting all the stages from suppliers to end
customers.
Stage 1: Distribution
Transportation
1
Efficient and timely transportation of goods
Distribution
2
Optimal 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 stage, 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 goal is to optimally meet
customer needs.
Stage 2: Logistics System
In this stage, 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 more
efficient manner.
Stage 3: Supply Chain Management (21st
Century)
3 Enhanced Competitiveness
Businesses with an efficient logistics system can quickly
meet market demands and adapt to changes in the supply
chain.
2.3. Basic Contents
of Logistics
Management
2.3.1. Concept of Logistics Management
Space Optimization
Modern storage systems not only save space, but also optimize the time for searching and processing goods.
Supporting Technologies
In some cases, technologies such as robots and automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) are applied to improve efficiency.
Risk Reduction
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
Locate 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 make timely replenishment adjustments.
6 Kitting
Assemble related products into complete product kits
to meet special customer requirements.
Transport service include Transshipment
Transportation Modes Transportation Management
There are various transportation modes, Transportation Management Systems (TMS)
including road, rail, sea, and air. The choice of help track routes, optimize routes, and ensure
mode depends on distance, delivery time, and on-time delivery at reasonable cost.
type of goods.
The 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.
The Strategic Level includes capacity and capability planning, alliances and collaborations, as well as system
customization to meet long-term business objectives.
The Control Level focuses on monitoring and evaluating the performance of the system, including customer
service, system productivity, cost control, and effective asset utilization.
Logistics Management System Workflow
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,
Execution 3 arranging 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
Evaluation 5 customers.
Based on KPIs like delivery time, cost, and
customer satisfaction, the system's effectiveness
is evaluated.
C. Additional Services in Logistics
Disadvantages
• High Initial Investment: Investing in infrastructure, transportation, and human resources requires a large initial investment.
• Management and Operation Capability: For enterprises without sufficient scale, experience, expertise, and quality of
human resources, the 1PL model will create many difficulties, reduce efficiency, increase risks, and be quite costly.
• Limited Scope: Small enterprises have limited transportation scope and cannot expand to a large or international scale
like other Logistics models.
Vinafco
Vinafco provides transportation, warehousing management, and goods distribution
services for various industries. The company specializes in transporting goods for
Viettel Post multiple sectors, including manufacturing, retail, and consumer goods.
Gemadept Logistics
1 2 3
Inventory Management No need to store inventory, suppliers Sellers own the inventory, but the
hold and manage the inventory. warehouse and management are
handled by 3PL.
Initial Cost Lower, as no investment is required in Higher cost due to the need to invest in
warehousing and inventory. inventory and 3PL service fees.
Process Control Lower control, as the supplier is Higher control, can customize and
responsible from production to delivery. manage the quality of the delivery
service.
Delivery Speed Depends on the supplier and their Faster delivery speed as the goods are
location, often slower as the goods may stored domestically or in warehouses
be shipped from overseas. closer to the customers.
Product Quality Cannot be directly controlled, depends Can control the product quality before
on the supplier. delivery.
Fourth Party Logistics (4PL)
Comprehensive Integration Design and Operation Comprehensive Management
As an integrator: consolidating, connecting the Design, build, and operate a complete Logistics chain. Responsible for managing the logistics flow, providing
resources, potential, and scientific and technical solutions, planning, logistics consulting, and
facilities of its own with other organizations. transportation management. Manage the entire
logistics process.
Advantages and Disadvantages of 4PL
Advantages Disadvantages
• Comprehensive Management: Integrates the entire • Loss of Direct Control: Complete dependence on the provider.
supply chain, helping to optimize logistics. • High Costs: Service costs may be high due to complexity.
• Resource Savings: Businesses can focus on core • Quality Risks: Service quality depends on the provider.
activities without having to manage logistics.
• Single Partner Dependence: High risk if there are
• High Expertise: Ensures efficiency with the issues with the provider.
provider's advanced expertise and technology.
• Difficulty in Partner Selection: Need to choose a
• Flexible Scalability: Easy to adjust the scale of suitable and reliable provider.
logistics according to needs.
CEVA Logistics
CEVA Logistics provides 4PL logistics services to customers who need to manage and integrate
the entire supply chain. CEVA operates as a global supply chain manager, helping to optimize
all logistics activities.
GEFCO
GEFCO is a renowned 4PL company, specializing in providing integrated logistics services for
complex supply chains, particularly in the automotive industry and other manufacturing
sectors. DHL Supply Chain & Global Forwarding
DHL is not only a 3PL company but also provides 4PL services. DHL has the capability to
manage and integrate the entire supply chain for large customers, from suppliers and
manufacturing to distribution.
Fifth-Party Logistics (5PL)
1 New Model 2 Advanced Technology 3 Comprehensive Management
5PL is an advanced logistics service model. It Utilizing information technology and data, 5PL 5PL providers have the capability to
focuses on optimizing the entire supply chain, efficiently manages logistics operations, comprehensively manage the supply chain,
from raw material procurement to final customer optimizing transportation cycles, warehousing, including selecting other logistics service
delivery. and order processing. providers for transportation, warehousing, order
fulfillment, etc.
Advantages and Disadvantages of 5PL
Advantages Disadvantages
• Integrated supply chain management: Comprehensive • Dependence on technology: Requires a complex
management of multiple resources and suppliers, leading to technology system and the ability to manage large amounts
optimization across the entire chain. • of data.
High costs: The complex services and high-tech integration
• Cost optimization: Use of advanced technologies and data can lead to higher costs.
analysis to optimize logistics processes and reduce costs. • Loss of control: Businesses become fully dependent on the
• High scalability: Suitable for businesses with large-scale, 5PL provider to manage the supply chain.
complex, or cross-border transportation needs. • Security risks: Sharing data with multiple third parties can
• High automation: Application of advanced technologies like increase the risk of information leaks.
artificial intelligence and process automation to improve • Requires appropriate scale: Not suitable for small
• efficiency.
Multi-supplier management: Ability to coordinate and businesses with simple logistics needs.
manage multiple 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
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.
Reverse Logistics
1 Reclamation 2 Reuse 3 Recycling
Reclaiming by-products, waste Processing and reusing used products. Recycling recyclable materials to
materials, and elements that impact minimize environmental impact.
the environment.
4 Environmental Protection
Contributing to environmental protection through effective waste management.
C. Classification of Logistics Activities by
Commodity
1 2 3
Production Logistics
Manage activities such as production planning,
storage arrangement, and transportation of products
between production stages.
a. Purchasing Logistics
Supply Management Transportation & Delivery
Purchasing logistics involves managing and organizing the Activities such as transportation planning, warehouse
processes related to the supply of necessary input factors for management, order processing, and delivery are carried out
the production and business operations of the enterprise. to ensure that input factors are supplied in a timely and
efficient manner.
Urban Logistics
Developing efficient transportation and distribution solutions in densely
populated urban environments, utilizing small distribution centers and
flexible delivery vehicles.
Digitalization in Logistics
Digitalization helps automate processes, enhance transparency, improve
tracking and data analysis, allowing businesses to optimize operational
efficiency and reduce costs.
Chapter 2 Summary