Peer Response Assignment: DUE March 31st at 12:00EST military time (noon)!!!Interaction is defined as your contributions to the ongoing “conversations” in the Forums. You are expected to provide a

Peer Response Assignment: DUE March 31st at 12:00EST military time (noon)!!!

Interaction is defined as your contributions to the ongoing “conversations” in the Forums. You are expected to provide additional insights, explore differing opinions and present soundly supported, well reasoned comments that build upon ideas presented by others in the class. Your interaction grade is evaluated more on the substance of your comments, than on the quantity of your postings. Use the following as guidelines of Interaction expectations.

• The contributions develop the ideas further and even bring in new research to further develop the topic. Do not waste time by simply agreeing with or repeating another posting.

• A minimum of TWO substantial interactive contributions are expected each week to meet the minimum requirements of the class.

• These responses should be at least 250 words each in length, supported by at least ONE reference outside of the textbook,

• Select a fellow student's response and compare and contrast your thoughts with theirs.

• Advance the conversation; provide a real-world application and experiential examples.

• Conceptually discuss your key [most significant] learning insight or take-away from the selected forum topic comments.

• The postings are to be respectful and supportive in tone.

• The responses are clearly written and contains no grammar or spelling errors that would serve to undermine the clarity of the response. Follows APA requirements.

Student Responses: CHOOSE TWO RESPONSES TO RESPOND TO!!!

RESPONSE #1

Logistics management is a part of supply chain management that assists companies in efficiently monitoring and managing their goods, services and information thereby managing costs and waste. Utilizing this assists in efficiency and profit maximization.

Traditionally, logistics management was seen as a small component of the overall dimensions of production and supply chain management in general. It has however, over the past number of years increased in complexity and has become more inclusive (Global Logistics, n.d.). The evolution of supply chain management has led to the changes in logistics management over the years.

One of the important reasons that have led to a change in logistics is e commerce, “80% of American adults make online purchases, compared to just 22% in 2000” (Caines, 2017). This had led to changes in the day to day of many companies, as they have to evolve as the market place is evolving. The rapid adaptation that has become commonplace in today’s business environment has led to the changes in logistics management.

The importance of logistics management has been growing over the last decade because of the evolution of its importance. The increased functionality of logistics management and it’s importance in the relation to a business thriving speaks to its value. This is the check and balance that ensures that a business can continue to run operations for the long run.

Reference

Caines,D. (2018). How Supply Chain Management Has Evolved in the Last Five Years. Retrieved from https://blog.kencogroup.com/how-supply-chain-management-has-evolved-in-the-last-5-years

Global Logistics (n.d.). A Look-Back at the Evolution of the Logistics Industry. Retrieved from https://afplus.com/news

 RESPONSE #2

When we are talking about logistic management, think of companies such as UPS, DHL, and FedEx. Logistics is widely known as the process of coordinating and moving resources such as equipment, food, liquids, inventory, materials, and people from one location to the storage of the desired destination. (Mngomezulu, 2018) The goal of logistic management to focus on the efficiency and effective management of daily activities that deal with production of the company’s finished goods and services.

Originally, logistics began with the military. Military used the term “logistics” to strategical figure out the best way to move military forces, equipment, and supplies. As the need to supply companies with materials and resources grew over the years, so did the global expansion of supply chains along with specialist who grew in their niche and skills. (Mngomezulu, 2018) As technology began to advance into the modern era, logistics management software has been created as well as companies whose sole purpose is to accelerate the movement of resource along the supply chain. Some of those companies I named in the beginning of this post. 

The importance of logistic management has been growing over the past few years because it is so vital for companies. The whole world is connected now by computer and technology. Everything is automated and fast. When people are shopping online, they want whatever they purchased the next day. But the complexity of getting that purchased product to that consumer calls for logistic management. Logistic management is not only important for the customers but also for the company’s supply chain. 

Resource: 

Mngomezulu, N. (2018, November 12). What Is Logistics? All You Need To Know About Logistics Management. In Dovetail. Retrieved from https://www.dovetail.co.za/what-is-logistics-all-you-need-to-know-about-logistics-management/

Ballou, R. H. (2006, December). The evolution and future of logistics and supply chain management. In Scielo. Retrieved from http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0103-65132006000300002&lng=en&tlng=en

RESPONSE #3

             Another significant element within a firm’s supply chain is logistics management. Logistics management is the part of the supply chain management that plans, implements, and controls the efficient flow and storage of materials between the point of origin and the point of consumption in order to meet their customer’s requirements (Albers, 2013; Swink, 2017, p. 364). Some of these common activities within logistics management include: network design, material handling and packaging, warehouse management, transportation management, order processing, and inventory management. Ultimately, logistic managers play a critical and important role as they are responsible for the execution of perfect orders by fulfilling the customer service benefits of availability, lead-time performance, and service reliability.

            Over the past years, logistics management has evolved dramatically (Wiehoff, 2014). Initially, the focus of logistics management was on improving relatively simple, but very labor-intensive processes to the present day engineering and managing of extraordinarily complex global networks (Albers, 2013). These changes to logistics are primarily due to the enhancements in technology. The evolution of technology is pushing the boundaries and changing how the world does business as everything is online and right at the fingertips for immediate access. Some of these major advancements within technology that have changed the future of logistics management includes shipment tracking systems, Internet of Things (IoT), Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), autonomous trucks and drones, enhanced GPS accuracy, and social media (Albers, 2013; Wiehoff, 2014). In addition, the ability to store, manipulate, and disseminate huge quantities of data within computerized systems is another differentiator that is reshaping the industry. In order to improve efficiency and to remain competitive, firms and their logistics management need to be able to adapt and implement technological advancements. Although these improvements require costs and time initially, these investments create opportunities. Also, they increase productivity in the supply chain while adding value and eventually minimizing costs, time, and errors. Overall, these advances benefit all areas of logistics management.

            And ultimately, the primary reason for why logistics management has been growing over the past few decades is because industrial buyers’ are searching and selecting suppliers who implement and specialize in logistical management and services. Therefore, in order to remain competitive and to enhance efficiency, keeping up with the latest technology is a must. Logistics management is benefitting immensely from the latest technology and will continue to grow as more advances are made. The breakthroughs in technology will continue to push the boundaries for years to come. In result, logistics management has become very important due to the competitive and sustainable advantage this part of supply chain management can generate.

References

Albers, S., Brekalo, L., & Delfmann, W. (2013). Logistics alliance management capabilities: where are they? ProQuest: All Databases - International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, 43(7), 529-543. doi:https://search-proquest-com.proxy.davenport.edu/docview/1403431426/9FE0CFF084AE4B6EPQ/9?accountid=40195

Swink, M. (2017). Managing Operations Across the Supply Chain (3rd ed., pp. 364). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education International Edition.

Wiehoff, J. (2014, April 3). Logistics Past, Present, and Future. In Supply Chain @ MIT. Retrieved from https://supplychainmit.com/2014/04/03/logistics-past-present-and-future

RESPONSE #4

“Logistics management is a supply chain management component that is used to meet customer demands through the planning, control and implementation of the effective movement and storage of related information, goods and services from origin to destination. Logistics management helps companies reduce expenses and enhance customer service.  Thelogistics management process begins with raw material accumulation to the final stage of delivering goods to the destination”. (Logistics Management )

Logistics has changed in several areas in the past few years for example by holding inventory in more than one location before a company would have only have one location to ship from that would cost more money in shipping and have longer shipping times for the customer. Computers has been a major game changer in logistics management from GPS devices to have the ability to track the order as well as the company being able to track the trucks to give the customer a real time update.  

The importance of logistics management would be managing the inventory and now this is done with the help of computers before it was counted by hand. With the inventory being counted by hand mistakes are made that may cause a delay in producing a product in or to ship to the customer.   Logistics management would also be in charge of ordering, now days this is done as well with the assistance of computers by alerting the managers that parts are getting low and an order needs to be placed before completely running out of an item. Logistics management also manage the transportation of the products, this is extremely important due to the fact that the customer is expecting the products in a reasonable amount of time. Managing logistics means that the company is able to deadlines n delivery times, missed deadlines could result in a loss of customers. Logistic management is also in control of the warehouse this is yet another important function the process the warehouse would house the inventory this is where an order would be put together in order to ship to the customer.  Just as it is important o be sure that the warehouse is stock with inventory it is equally as important that it is not over stocked, and this would not be cost effective. The warehouse also has to organized in order to gather the requested items for shipping, by having designated areas for the items.  If the company has multiple warehouse locations with the help of computers, the computer would send the order to the location closes to the customer shipping address, to cut down on shipping time and cost.  “The evolution of multiple shipping options allowing customers more control over the delivery process than ever before, expanding from only small package from USPS, UPS, and Fed Ex to now get larger items via less than truckload modes.  It’s no longer about being the fastest rat in the e-commerce delivery race. Instead, it is about being able to deliver an order at a time frame and price point that customers want. (Robinson)

Logistics Management . (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.techopedia.com: https://www.techopedia.com/definition/13984/logistics-management

Robinson, A. (n.d.). The Evolution of Logistics and Supply Chains. Retrieved from https://cerasis.com: https://cerasis.com/e-commerce-logistics/

RESPONSE #5 

Logistics Management

Logistics challenges have increased dramatically in recent years.  As ordering items has become increasingly simple with online shopping, transporting those goods has increased demand.  Even further, consumers are expecting those items quicker than they used.  What used to be expected within a week is now expected to arrive within 2-3 business days, and sometimes even weekend deliveries are expected.  Globalization of national economies has also created changes within logistics for businesses as well.  This, combined with massive advancements in information technology has helped push logistics management forward (Hou, Chaudhry, Chen, & Hu, 2017).

Sustainability has become an increasing concern since the oil shortages of the 1970’s and then the climbing oil prices after, along with the scare of running out of crude oil, has caused research into better use of resources and for alternative transportation methods.  Sustainability has also become a concern for consumers as environmental impact has become a topic of social and political debate in many nations.  Hou, H., Chaudhry, S., Chen, Y., & Hu, M. (2017) suggest that a big change to creating a sustainable logistics management process is to address the way in which we look at materials throughout the entire supply chain instead of just from site to site.  For example, manufacturing items closer to the distribution site or shipping straight from the manufacturing site to the consumer or stores.  Reduces inventory volumes, such as in Lean Principles and JIT, allows better use of creating product as it is demanded as opposed to making huge amounts of product that then needs to be transported and stored in warehouses or distribution centers.

Stefan Iovan (2017) suggests that predictive analysis has also been a massive help to recent logistics effectiveness.  By increasing the accuracy of forecasting of demand, knowing weather patterns, and being able to measure many alternative solutions with current computing power, decisions are able to be made faster and with greater success than in the past.  It also allows for faster delivery times.  Iovan also suggests that technology has allowed transportation companies to better communicate with each other which better allows multimodal transportation systems to be utilized for better transport speeds and reactiveness.

References:

Hou, H., Chaudhry, S., Chen, Y., & Hu, M. (2017). Physical distribution, logistics, supply chain management, and the material flow theory: A historical perspective. Information Technology and Management, 18(2), 107-117. doi:http://dx.doi.org.proxy.davenport.edu/10.1007/s10799-015-0229-1

Iovan, S. (2017). Predictive analytics for transportation industry. Journal of Information Systems & Operations Management, , 58-71. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.proxy.davenport.edu/docview/1906058566?accountid=40195

RESPONSE #6

Logistics management is a detailed implementation of an organization’s operation from the beginning to the end. In case of a product-oriented business, the logistics monitor the flow from the income of product orders from the supplier to the delivery of the product from the warehouse (Swink, Melnyk, & Cooper, 2017). There are a couple of important steps in effective logistics management. The first one is implementing a proper plan of action on the manner in which the project needs to be completed. Take a textile industry which got a contract to manufacture and deliver 20,000 variety of jeans by 3 months. The planning stage involves deciding on the supplier for the raw material, resources required to complete the order, storage location for the completed orders, and delivery of the product to the exact location, and receiving the payment for the services offered.  The logistics team should picture every scenario that the company could encounter on the path from receiving the order to delivery of the product. In a day and age where technology has evolved, it becomes important for the business to embrace the automation to be ahead in the game (Govindan, 2017). Previously when the order had left the warehouse, there was no way to monitor the driver's position in real time. Today with the invention of GPS, every customer has the information about where the order is at all times. Even with the planning process, every step is documented to make the future work easier and more efficient. Adopting automation in daily business activities improves the productivity of the operation and eventually becomes a profitable business. The third step towards efficient logistic management is to invest in proper relations, which could be with the supplier or the employees working for the company. Most businesses today have realized that employees are the main source for their success. Hiring the right employee for the job and then investing in their professional growth is the most important aspect of business management. The second most important relationship is that of the vendor or the supplier. Most product-based companies do not produce the entire product. They outsource some of the parts to a supplier who delivers the goods, which are then assembled in the plant. In order to have a successful product, the supplier relation has to be well maintained. The next one is having efficient transportation to deliver the products to the customer in a timely and orderly manner. With oil prices on the rise, companies are investing their money in going for the electric trucking industry which saves the company a lot of money (Speranza, 2018).

I personally feel that good logistic management keeps the entire operation on track from the beginning till the end. It also gives the employees a standard to follow, which is more efficient in most company environments.

Govindan, K. (2017). A review of reverse logistics and closed-loop supply chains: a Journal of Cleaner Production focus. Journal of Cleaner Production, 371-384.

Speranza, G. (2018). Trends in transportation and logistics. European Journal of Operational Research, 830-836.

Swink, M., Melnyk, S., & Cooper, B. (2017). Managing Operations Across The Supply Chain. McGraw-Hill.

RESPONSE #7

Logistics management has changed considerably over time.  More recently, transformation has occurred swiftly as the Amazon effect has changed customer’s expectations for receiving a package from an Amazon fulfillment center to as little as a day or two (Forbes, 2018).  Not every form of logistics falls under the heading of an Amazon package delivery.  Logistics management is involved in basically everything related to moving goods from one place to another, storing or holding goods, with a capacity to move or store it from across town or around the globe.

As it relates to supply chain management, logistics management is defined as “moving and storing materials at the lowest cost while still meeting customer requirements” (Swink, p.364).  The primary activities involved with the supply chain processes include inventory management, order management, transportation management, warehousing, packaging and materials handling, and networking (Swink, p. 364).  Modes of transportation include rail, truck, air, water, and pipeline.  The logistics process is complex and must be managed for extreme efficiency to remain competitive in today’s ever-changing environment. 

Several factors have affected change in logistics management over the past few decades.  In fact, the change occurring with logistics management may be described as an “unprecedented disruption” (Forbes, 2018).  The disruption is caused by the swift and complex technological advances that are greatly changing the logistics landscape.  The changes are primarily attributed to:

1. Shifting economic and industry fundamentals: high demand, strong consumer confidence, and resurgence in U.S. manufacturing resulting in more freight demand.  Complexities include driver shortages and higher transportation costs.

2. The Amazon effect: high customer demand expecting ever more rapid fulfillment.

3. Advances in frontline technologies: development of automated transportation and delivery, to include driverless and remotely-piloted deliveries.

4. Advances in behind-the-scene technology: artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, IoT/telematics, all offering competitive insight and advantage to early adopters or the added benefit of computing power (Forbes, 2018).

It will become increasingly important to utilize more efficient technology advancements for logistics management.  Maintaining a competitive advantage will be critical as global markets evolve and raw material or products must move quickly from supplier to manufacturer or along the supply chain.  The goal will be set to execute perfect orders, on-time, to the right location, and without damaging the product; all while keeping logistical costs as low as possible within the supply chain (Swink, p.365).   

Reference

Forbes (2018, September 4). The 4 Forces Transforming Logistics, Supply Chain and Transportation Today. Forbes Insights.  Retrieved from: https://www.forbes.com/sites/insights-penske/2018/09/04/the-4-forces-transforming-logistics-supply-chain-and-transportation-today/#10190ac3b752

Swink, M., Melnyk, S.A., Hartley, J.L., and Cooper, M.B. (2017). Managing Operations Across the Supply Chain (3rd ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education. 

RESPONSE #8

Logistics started very simple and now can be rather complicated. Logistics refers to the movement of products or services to a designated location at an agreed upon time, cost and condition.  The logistics system started with ancient the Roman and Greeks. Rome developed a highly efficient logistic system to supply its legions where military officers were responsible for ensuring the supply and allocation of resources could move efficiently. Once in the Middle Ages elaborate supply systems, roads and warehouses were created whereas forts and castles were used as storage depots, and during the industrial revolution logistics advanced greatly with the addition of railways and ships. The industrial capabilities only increased during both World War I and II. During World War I the internal-combustion engine gave way to widespread use of motor transport, whereas World War II was characterized by dramatic advances in both transportation and communication. US shipyards told a pace to expand unlike any other. After World War II, logistics moved from war to the business industry. This is where physical distribution of products began with a focus on outbound activity, filling orders, distribution of product, storage and warehousing. In present times production planning and customer service are a peer focus of the logistics process. (Hopkins Distribution Company, 2013)

Logistics managements is growing and increasing more over the last decade than ever. Logistics is not only growing with globalization, but with competition as well. There is an increase in manufacturing, sourcing, distribution, and supplies. With manufacturing it is important that supply chain operations are smooth and that there is no delays or lack of resources. The product life cycle is so important to meet that deadline and deliver the finished product in a good condition and maintaining quality service levels. This can also help increase business revenue and brand image. (MIT, 2014)

References

Hopkins Distribution Company. (2013, July 26). History of Logistics, Distribution and Supply Chain Management. Retrieved from https://www.hdcusa.com/news/history-of-logistics-distribution-and-supply-chain-management/

MIT. (2014, April 3). Logistics Past, Present, and Future. Retrieved from https://supplychainmit.com/2014/04/03/logistics-past-present-and-future/

RESPONSE #9

Logistics Management

Logistics management is processing piece of the supply chain management function within an organization. This function includes logistics planning, implementation, and the efficient and effective procurement or production of items in the process. Logistics management is comprised of the transportation provided for movements of materials, the management of warehouse and storage of products, and the management of information related to the origin of materials through to the end user. This also includes the information necessary to process goods through customers to reach the end user in a timely and cost-effective manner (Logistics Management, n.d.).

Over the years there have been a multitude of changes within logistics management. The rise of e-commerce over the last few decades has created a growing market for logistics. In a recent study, 80% of adults make purchases online. That number has increased from 22% in 2000. In the past, it was acceptable to have two day shipping available, but today consumers expect to have their deliveries next day. Local businesses cannot compete with this, so they have had to give up a piece of their margins to companies like Amazon to store and deliver their products to meet these new standards. There has also been a transition back towards regional demand after years of the globalization trend. Government regulations across the world have aided in near-shoring and on-shoring in recent years. By brining manufacturing back to the regional markets, businesses have decreased costs related to supply chain innovation and have also increased efficiencies. Conversely, the mass-produced clothing markets may never return to the regional markets. Driverless transportation is also something that is on the horizon. Major advancements have been made in the last five years toward this goal (Caines, 2017). This innovation alone will change logistics management entirely.

Logistics management has become more important in recent years because there has been in increase in the need for third party logistics. (Harps, 2003). With many of the world’s organizations growing in global presence, there has been an increase in competition; therefore, it is essential that these businesses have the most efficient logistics management system in place. Proper utilization of logistics management allows for increased brand recognition, organizational performance, and a decrease in operational expenditures. When executed correctly, logistics management systems include proper warehouse management, flawless information availability, and on time or early shipping/delivery to consumers. As e-commerce has boomed there has been a definite need for logistics management. Brick and mortar shops no longer rule the market like they used to. There is seemingly no end in sight in the growth of online purchasing, so the demand for logistics management is only going to continue to grow and those in logistics management and supply chain operations will continue to innovate with processes like these to meet the demand of the market.

References

Caines, D. (2017, April 3). ​How Supply Chain Management Has Evolved in the Last 5 Years. Retrieved March 28, 2019, from https://blog.kencogroup.com/how-supply-chain-management-has-evolved-in-the-last-5-years

Harps, L. H. (2003, January 1). Managing Logistics Change. Retrieved March 28, 2019, fromhttps://www.inboundlogistics.com/cms/article/managing-logistics-change-doing-it-right/

Logistics Management. (n.d.). Retrieved March 28, 2019, from https://www.theprojectdefinition.com/p-logistics-management/

ORIGINAL Discussion Forum Prompt: (DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS!!)

Research logistics management.  How has logistics management changed over the past years?  Why has the importance of logistics management been growing over the past few decades?