Logistics and Supply Chain Management: Procurement Processes and Manufacturing Logistics

Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Logistics is the process of managing the flow of goods from one point to another. It involves coordinating all components involved in a business's production, distribution, and delivery system. Supply chain management refers to the planning, organizing, directing, and controlling of all activities involved in sourcing, procurement, conversion, and logistics management. It includes product design, raw materials selection, production scheduling, quality control, just-in-time manufacturing, inventory management, order processing, customer service, and transportation and warehousing. In this article, we will focus on the subtopics of procurement processes, логистика производства, and логистика снабжения.

Procurement Processes

Procurement processes involve identifying suppliers, negotiating contracts, and making purchases necessary for an organization. There are various types of procurement strategies used by companies to achieve cost reduction and time efficiency, including spot buying, contract buying, vendor managed inventory, and strategic partnerships. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on factors such as the volume of transactions and the level of relationship required with the supplier.

Spot Buying

Spot buying, also known as open market purchasing, occurs when a company buys products or services directly from a retail store or a wholesaler without any contractual obligation. This strategy allows businesses to quickly obtain supplies during times of shortage or high demand. However, it may result in higher costs due to the lack of price negotiations and bargaining power over larger contracts.

Contract Buying

Contract buying involves establishing formal agreements between buyers and sellers for the sale of goods or services. These contracts often define terms like minimum quantities, prices, payment schedules, and dispute resolution procedures. By using contract buying, organizations can lock in favorable pricing and establish relationships built on trust and reliability. They can also streamline their purchasing process by setting up blanket purchase orders that automatically authorize certain transactions.

Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI)

In VMI arrangements, the supplier assumes responsibility for managing the buyer's stock levels and reordering points. This approach helps reduce administrative tasks for the buyer and potentially leads to improved inventory accuracy. However, VMI may not always be beneficial for buyers because they lose some control over ordering and may have to accept less flexible pricing structures set by the vendor.

логистика производства

Manufacturing logistics encompasses the movement of raw materials into the factory and finished products out of the factory. Its primary goal is to ensure efficient production and minimize downtime caused by unplanned events or delays in material deliveries. Common tools used in managing manufacturing logistics include:

JIT (Just-in-Time) inventory: JIT inventory aims to hold the minimum amount of inventory necessary to meet demand. This approach helps minimize storage costs and the risk of spoilage or obsolescence. However, it can also lead to increased transportation costs and potential disruptions in the supply chain if suppliers fail to deliver on time.
Distribution strategy: The choice of distribution channels and partners can significantly impact the efficiency of manufacturing logistics. Companies may opt for direct store delivery, direct sales, or third-party logistics providers to manage their distribution networks. Each option has its benefits and challenges, such as cost, control, and speed.

логистика снабжения

Supply logistics involves managing the flow of goods from manufacturers to the end consumer. It includes sourcing raw materials, managing inventory, and ensuring timely delivery of finished products. Key aspects of supply logistics include:

Demand planning: Accurate forecasting of customer demand is crucial for managing inventory levels and ensuring sufficient stock to meet customer orders. This can be challenging due to factors such as seasonality, market trends, and fluctuations in consumer behavior.
Supplier management: Effective communication and collaboration with suppliers can help secure favorable pricing, delivery schedules, and quality standards. By building strong relationships with suppliers, companies can improve their supply chain resilience and adapt to changing market conditions.

In conclusion, logistics and supply chain management play a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of a business. By understanding the various procurement strategies, manufacturing logistics, and supply logistics, organizations can optimize their supply chain processes and achieve greater efficiency, cost savings, and customer satisfaction.