This comprehensive overview of logistics provides a conceptual framework for understanding the logistics system, the integration of its basic elements, and its relationship to the overall firm. Discusses both manufacturing and physical distribution, new technologies in each of these areas, and how they related to each other and to the company. New topics covered range from approaches to strategic logistics planning and multi-location inventory planning, to international logistics issues and future directions. Includes case studies.

Physical Distribution is a distinct but integral part of business logistics, involving all those activities relating to the physical movement of goods from the factory to the consumer. Recently, the concept has been expanded to supply chain management which enables better customer relationship with smooth supply of goods. This introductory text is focused on the essential concepts, tools and strategies that comprise Distribution Management. It emphasizes the idea that distribution management is an effective marketing strategy and a potent competitive tool. Defining the concept of physical distribution in the initial chapter, the book then describes in detail the objectives, functions and components of all the activity centres of physical distribution in the Indian context, from a systems approach. An exclusive chapter is devoted to transportation functions, highlighting the features of interstate movement of goods and the legal procedures related to them. Sufficient coverage is also given to related topics such as distribution control, performance evaluation and organization of physical distribution, besides the 'trade-off' concept. The book, with its wide coverage of topics, should prove to be of immense value to undergraduate students in Business Administration and Business Management.

Reflecting the enhance role of materials/logistics management in today's competitive business environment, this new edition provides a fundamental understanding of the subject and its fuction in all sectors of the economy. It examines the vital area of customer service and shows how to implement a world class, integrated materials/logistics system that control activities starting with the supplier, through the company operation, and concluding with the satisfied customer. Thoroughly revised and updated, the Second Edition features new chapters on Just-In-Time and automation. Additional discussions include achieving world class competitiveness, ISO 9000 and organizational trends. Theoretical and practical examples of materials/logistics management are integrated with numerous real-life examples. This Second Edition of Total Materials Management presents accessible approaches for enhancing materials management/logistics, enabling personnel in purchasing, warehousing, physical distribution, materials handling, inventory control and production control to capitalize on vast opportunities for savings. This book is also an important resource for students in courses on materials/logistics management.

SCM is one of the hottest topics in manufacturing and distribution, and like JIT and TQC it requires a corporate commitment. This book provides both fundamental principles of SCM as well as a set of guidelines to assist in practical application of SCM. It will be one of the first books on the market that deals exclusively with SCM and its application. Readers in the academic, management sciences, sales, marketing and government environments will find this book of particular interest.

Designed for students, young managers and seasoned practitioners alike, this handbook explains the nuts and bolts of the modern logistics and distribution world in plain language. Illustrated throughout, this second edition includes new chapters on areas previously not covered, such as: intermodal transport; benchmarking; environmental matters; and vehicle and depot security.