Logistic systems are ... Basics of logistics

The term "logistics" in translation from Greek logistike means nothing more than the art of reasoning, calculating. Use this concept began in the 6th century. This is evidenced by treatises describing the military art of the time. The post of the logisticist existed also at the court of the Byzantine emperor. His duties included the distribution of foodstuffs purchased to the table.

There is information about the application of logistics principles by Napoleon. He used them to lead his army.

In Russian, the term "logistics" appeared only in the early 19th century. This concept was introduced by the French military specialist Antoine Jomini.

The main meaning of the term

Logistics is one of the parts of economic science. The subject of its consideration is the organization of the most rational process of promotion of services and goods originating from the producer to the consumer. In addition, logistics is a discipline, the application of which is necessary for the effective management of the stocks of goods, as well as the process of their promotion to the buyer. This science considers and the creation of the necessary infrastructure for solving these problems.

From the point of view of management of any organization, logistics is nothing more than the strategic management of all material flows, from the procurement process, to the sale and storage of goods, equipment, etc. The concept under consideration covers the control over the information and financial resources of the enterprise.

The concept of a logistics system

In the encyclopaedic dictionary, one can find the definition of a set of elements which, being in one or another relationship with each other, form a definite unity. This is the system.

This concept applies to the science we are considering. In addition, logistics systems - this is the term that is the basis for this discipline. The purpose of their creation is to minimize costs or keep them at a certain level in the process of delivering information, services or goods in the right assortment and quantity to the place specified in the contract with the buyer.

Basic properties

Logistic systems are economic objects, for which the compatibility of elements is characteristic, among which:

• A set of different links that are in interaction with each other;
• Certain relationships that affect the integral qualities;
• System-forming factors that form an ordered relationship;
• Integrative qualities inherent in the whole system, but not characteristic of its individual links.

Elements of the product movement system

Based on the world practice, economists make an unambiguous conclusion that the logistics principles represent one of the important trunk lines necessary for the normal development of the enterprise. The purpose of such developments is to increase the effectiveness of material, labor and financial resources, as well as to manage them at various levels.

Elements of the logistics system are very diverse. They include:

• Material means necessary for the movement of goods (loading and unloading mechanisms, TS, warehouses);
• productive reserves;
• Departments to manage all the elements of the supply chain.

In other words, the advancement of material flows is carried out by the work of qualified personnel, who use vehicles, a variety of equipment, etc.

The concept of a logistical system is impossible without the coordinated and harmonious work of its links, which in their totality possess a number of properties, namely:

1. Integrity and division. Any system, including logistics, is considered as a set of interacting elements. At the macro level, they include enterprises and transport moving between them. At more detailed consideration logistical systems is a set of such subsystems, as:

• Purchase, in the process of which the flow of material flows into the logistics system;
• Planning and further management of production processes that take received reserves and direct them to carry out a variety of technological operations, transforming the subject of labor into an end product;
• Marketing, whose task is the retirement of material flows from the logistics system.

All considered elements are of different quality, but at the same time compatible with each other. Their common work and ensures the functioning of the entire logistics system.

2. Relationships. They exist between all the elements of the logistics system, defining its integrative qualities. At the macro level, contracts serve as links. In micro-systems it is production relations.

3. The organization. It is this property of the logistics system that gives it order.

4. Integrative qualities. This property affects the efficiency of the logistics system as a whole. Integrative qualities represent the ability to deliver the right product to the buyer at the right place and time with minimal costs. In addition, this property allows you to adapt to the system in the event of changes in environmental conditions.

Classification

What are the types of logistics systems? They are divided into transport and warehouse, production and legal, personnel, information, etc. All of them are included in two main groups, which are macro- and micrologistic. These are the main logistics systems. Let's consider each of them in more detail.

Macrological system

This is a large chain of links that covers organizations of industry, trade and transport located either in different countries or in separate regions of one state. They enter the macro system and intermediary firms. All these links together represent the economic infrastructure of a region, a single state or a group of countries.

The creation of a macro-system of the international level is a very difficult matter. Here it is necessary to overcome the difficulties that are associated with the economic and legal characteristics of different states. Also, with many other difficulties, such logistics systems collide. These are unequal conditions for the supply of goods, and various transport laws, and other barriers.

The creation of a macro-logical system within the framework of interstate programs will require the formation at the legislative level of a single market and an economic space that does not have internal borders. At the same time, when transporting goods, labor, information and capital, there should be no customs barriers.

The types of logistic systems of the macrolevel are classified according to the following characteristics:

• On the administrative-territorial division of the country;
• On subjective-functional possibilities.

In the practice of Western European countries, such a notion as the global macro-logical system is often used. This can be a state (for example, a broadcast) system. Its formation takes place at the level of a single country. Global is also called interstate system, covering several states. The same concept includes the transcontinental chain, functioning within the boundaries of several continents.

According to the existing connections, the macro-logical systems are divided into three types. So, they can have:

• Direct communications, when the material flow moves directly from the producer of the goods to the final consumer;
• At least one intermediary (such logistic systems are called echeloned);
• Either direct communications, or deliver goods through an intermediary (flexible logistics systems).

The micrologistic system

This is a kind of organization of material flows, applied at a certain enterprise. The aim of the micrological chain is to optimize the movement of resources within the production process, supply, and sales.

The logistic system of the enterprise should be built taking into account the strategic goals of the company and solve problems of optimization of its functioning. Such developments cover the scope of each specific enterprise. At the same time, the logistics system of the organization ensures the solution of internal issues related to the flow of material flow.

And in this case there is a classification. Types of logistics systems are divided into:

• Internal (internal);
• External;
• Integrated.

The logistic system of the enterprise of an internal kind is called to optimize management of material streams within the limits of a technological cycle of this or that production. Its main tasks are the reduction of inventories of work in progress and material resources, as well as a reduction in the period of turnover of the working capital of the company. To this end, the logistics system of the enterprise must manage and control the level of material resources and optimize the work of technological transport. Successful solution of this task will result in a minimum cost of production and increase in labor productivity while maintaining the required quality of finished goods.

Logistic systems of appearance are created for solving tasks related to the optimization and management of material and associated flows from the supplier to the buyer. This movement occurs outside the technological cycle of the enterprise.

The elements that make up external logistics systems are supply and distribution networks that ensure the movement of products from the producers' warehouses to the final consumer. They include both intra-company transport, warehousing, etc. units, and the involved organizations that carry out the transportation of goods. The main tasks that are designed to solve external logistics systems are to rationally organize the movement of material flows, as well as to optimize all costs and reduce the delivery time.

Modern economic conditions require completely different approaches to the advancement of material flows. And here integrated logistic systems come to the rescue. They are based on the merger of traditional methods and a new innovative strategic flow management scheme. Currently, the world's leading companies in developing the logistics links of the flow of material flow use a common information and computer platform.

At the same time, a strategic innovation system is formed. Integrated logistics management allows companies to significantly increase the speed of asset turnover, reduce inventory and meet the needs of customers in quality products and services. By combining the work of the company's managers, all its structural units, as well as logistics partners, you can achieve the best results in doing business.

Organization of the flow of material flows

Management in logistics systems has a certain specificity. It includes such structures as procurement and production, transport, distribution and information. Let's consider each of them in more detail.

The tasks of purchasing logistics are solved in the process of delivery of raw materials to the enterprise. At this stage, suppliers are selected and studied, contracts are signed, and their subsequent execution is monitored. In the event of violations of the terms of delivery specified in the agreement, appropriate measures are taken.

An example of a logistics system that solves similar problems can be seen at every enterprise. In any company there are supply services, for which all of the above functions are assigned.

Further, the material flows within the enterprise itself are managed. That is, where goods are created or services are provided. At this stage, its tasks are solved by production logistics. The specificity of this structure is that the entire volume of work on the flow of material flow is carried out within the boundaries of the territory of the enterprise. At the same time, all participants in the logistic scheme do not enter into a commodity relationship with each other. Thus, the movement of the flow does not occur according to the concluded contracts. It moves according to the decisions that were made by the management service of the enterprise. Still, the area of industrial logistics is closely related to procurement activities and the further distribution of finished products.

The concept of a logistics system includes the implementation of distribution functions. These tasks are assigned to not only production enterprises, but also organizations engaged in trade and intermediary activities. At this stage, the structure of power is included in the management of logistics schemes, since the distribution function affects the economy of the region. For example, this refers to the organization of a system that deals with the distribution of food products. On the material flow, this logistics structure pays attention even at the stage when it is at the production site. During this period, the issues of packaging and packaging, time, volume of production, etc., are being addressed.

Further, the management of the logistics systems passes to the transport section. Here, the issues of the further movement of the material flow are solved. All of them belong to the field of transport logistics. As well as in all other links of this chain, there are no clearly delineated boundaries. The method of transport logistics is used in the process of organizing any type of transportation.

Information Logistics

On what do the results of the movement of material flows depend? Successful performance of the task is possible only where there are well-developed logistics information systems. It is they who allow in the last decades to carry out end-to-end management of material flows.

Logistic information systems use microprocessor technology, modern information technologies and other means to solve the tasks. This sphere is closely connected with all other structures that control and control the movement of material flows. At the same time, information is exchanged not only within the enterprise itself, but also between partners who are located at considerable distances from each other.

Analysis of the logistics system

Any planning for the movement of material flows begins with a review of the current situation and the appropriation of an appropriate assessment. For this, the logistics system is analyzed. It is necessary for studying the external environment, evaluating competitors and the market, and also for determining the characteristic properties of each of the links in the developed chain.

Carrying out studies of the logistics system, first of all determine the availability of its reserves for improvement. Then we study the actual data necessary for an objective and critical examination of the effectiveness of the process of flow of material flow. At the end of the analysis, possible options for changing the logistics system are identified, contributing to the creation of the most acceptable scheme.