Logistic operations: concept, features, types

Such term as logistic operations can be heard quite often in the sphere of trade and distribution. And this is not surprising, because the tasks that include logistics are extremely important for the full operation of any company, regardless of its profile and scope. Without understanding these processes, it will be extremely difficult to organize a profitable business.

What is Logistics

This definition is used to refer to the science of transport planning, its management and control. This can also include warehousing and any types of intangible and material operations that take place before the moment when the goods or a particular resource will be delivered to the desired point.

Within the framework of the above-mentioned process, various logistical operations related to the management of warehousing, stocks, transport, personnel can be carried out. This includes the organization of commercial activities, information systems, etc.

In fact, logistics are needed in order to effectively manage various material flows.

The essence of logistics operations

Initially, it makes sense to pay attention to the common definition of these processes. The concept of logistic operation is used to designate an independent part of the process within the framework of logistics, which is performed using one technical device and / or at one workplace (sorting, unloading, unpacking, storing, packaging, etc.).

It is possible to give another definition. Operations of this kind are nothing more than a set of actions that are directed at the transformation of information or material flow.

In this area, a material flow can be called a key concept, which can be the result of storing, transporting or performing other activities with any resources, including products that can be determined as ready.

In order to manage such a process, it is necessary to quickly receive, process information and transmit it without delay.

Features of logistics operations

Despite its unified essence, the operations of such a profile are divided into several types, which should be paid attention.

Problems in the field of logistics can be divided into two key types - elementary and complex.

In this case, the second variant may have some subspecies. These are basic, auxiliary and key operations. It is worth discussing these areas in more detail.

So, the key logistics operations are directly related to procurement management, order procedures, stocks, physical distribution and production processes.

If it is a question of basic operations, then they are understood as supply (purchase), production and, of course, sales.

Elementary logistical processes include unloading, loading, transportation, packing, storage, reception, leave from a warehouse, marking, sorting, etc.

The definition of ancillary operations is used when dealing with packaging, cargo transportation, storage, collection of returnable waste, the information and computer segment, the provision of return of goods and other services.

Physical distribution

Considering logistical operations and functions, the principle of separation of processes should be paid attention without fail.

The following descriptions will help to better understand the essence of these categories:

1. Organization of procurement, as well as their management. This is a set of tasks, including resource planning, selection of material suppliers, calculation of optimal delivery times and actual purchases. This category also includes the choice of the type of transport for delivery, the form of the supply itself, the organization of contract work,

2. Maintaining established standards of customer service. Here we are talking about quality control of products, after-sales service and the distribution of goods.

3. Pricing. The strategy of price formation has the most direct relation to the logistics of production. The fact is that before determining the final cost of products, it is necessary to take into account all logistical costs that the company will incur (including after the release of the goods).

4. Physical distribution. These logistics operations are of a complex nature and are part of a process such as distribution. They include processes relating to the storage and movement of finished products.

Transportation and management

This is another group of categories that can be divided by physical sign. It deserves special attention:

1. Managing the procedure for orders. The essence of this process is to determine the order of both the receipt and processing of orders. This can include planning the time of receipt of orders by the end user, the organization of the work of logistics intermediaries or the distribution network formed by the company itself.

2. Transportation. These logistics operations are focused on the effective search and operation of transport to ensure the material flow. In this case, we are talking not only about the transportation itself, we mean a whole range of transportation, forwarding, loading-unloading processes and not only.

3. Inventory management of products, which has already disappeared from the conveyors, as well as material resources. In this case, it is a process of creating, controlling and regulating the level of stocks in such processes as supply, production and marketing. Logistical operations within the framework of this category are focused primarily on the accounting of the time factor.

Without an efficient organization of delivery of resources for production and finished products, it will be extremely difficult for the end user to be at the peak of efficiency and profit. Proper management of the received resources also has a significant impact on the work of the enterprise.

Operational management

This process, which is essentially the management of production procedures, is also important to touch for a better understanding of the various facets of the topic under consideration.

In fact, it is a key logistic function at the stage of production, so it is given special attention. As part of logistics, operational management is needed to effectively manage unfinished production and material flows in general. Attention is given to the tasks of volume-scheduling, reduction of the duration of the production cycle, forecasting of possible needs in the material resources sector,

It is with the help of operational management that it is possible to competently reduce costs, including within the framework of logistics, as well as significantly improve the quality of products.

Key varieties

Considering logistic operations and their types, you can not ignore the five key functional areas related to the different stages of the flow of material flow:

1. Production logistics. The tasks in this area are related to the management of material flows during the production of goods.

2. Procurement logistics. At this stage, consideration and selection of specific suppliers, adoption of actual measures in case of violation of delivery conditions, conclusion of contracts and subsequent control of the exact fulfillment of their conditions are carried out.

3. Transport operations. This is the process of providing the company with transport - both own and common use - for the planned flow of material flow.

4. Distribution logistics. At this stage, such a function as the sale of products. In this case, both micro- and macro-tasks can occur within this type of operation. An example is the organization of a competent distribution of food products produced on the territory of a region or a whole region.

5. Information logistics. This is an effective through-flow management of material flow through the rapid processing and distribution of large amounts of information. This is especially true for large enterprises, which have a large assortment, a significant coverage area and many customers. For the exact implementation of current tasks at this stage, modern information technologies are used, for example, microprocessor technology.

Conclusion

Obviously, every task related to any logistic operation is extremely important for the company, since the level of the company's overall performance depends on its successful implementation.

Failure at any stage of the flow of material flow can lead to financial losses. Thus, we can safely say that logistics is one of the key elements of the effective work of any organization, especially if it is large.