Ebook: Global Logistics: New Directions in Supply Chain Management

The field of logistics continues to develop at a remarkable pace. Until recently, logistics was barely considered in the long-term plans of even major companies, but its strategic role is now recognized and it lies at the heart of long-term plans in almost every business. There are many reasons for this change. Communications and information technology are offering new opportunities; world trade is growing; new markets and sources of materials are opening; competition is forcing operations to adopt new practices and become ever more efficient; relative costs of services and materials are changing; and there is increasing concern for the environment. Add to this the increased emphasis on customer satisfaction, flexible organizations to get their logistics right.