Definition of logistics

Logistics is define by the BusinessDictionary as the planning, execution, and control of

the procurement, movement, and stationing of personnel, material, and other resources to achieve
the objectives of a campaign, plan, project, or strategy, it can also be defined as the management
of inventory in motion. From this definition, we can assume that the meaning of logistics will
depend on the context that one is using it, it can be in politics, business, agriculture and so forth.
Lets take UPS (2016) for example, they believed that logistics is more than handling of the
details of an operation [], [it also includes] implementing efficiencies across businesss entire
supply chain that help them achieve their strategic goals. Those two definition agree that
logistic will help an entity to achieve their goals.
Logistic Network (2002) makes us aware that logistics has its origins in the military. It
is interesting that something that is widely used by business nowadays to increase customer
satisfaction has an obscure origin. Logistic Network continues explaining that it applies to the
process of supplying a theater of war with troops, equipment and supplies, a army had to be
very careful of the delivery of guns and enough bullets in order to win the war. As technology
evolve, it implied that more gone were delivered and more bullets as well. If that would have not
possible, history would be different.
As the army needed troops and guns and bullets, nowadays, business need product,
materials to create products and people that travel from one place to another to manage some
businesss division. We can take the example of PwC, if they work for a company that need
auditors to go and check the accounting systems and finances of a subsidiary located in,
Argentina,South America They need to be able to transport, the auditors to that place in a timely

manner and with all the tools that they need or buy the tools that they need in country. All that is
a process that required a very careful planning and execution.
Transfreight (2007) a company is in the business in logistics affirm that planning,
execution, and control of the movement / placement of goods and / or people, and the related
supporting activities [will help them to deliver goods and supplies in a timely manner]. That is
the reason that they are still in business. The food industry is another example of how logistics
has evolved and transform the lives of people. If we see the label on the fruits that we buy at
Walmart or Krogers, we can see that they come different countries around the world.
How a company is able to deliver food from one country to another in a matter of days?
They have to plan carefully from the production to the packaging, and how they will transport
them. They also have to execute their planning very well, a poor execution will lead to waste
resources the good will not get to its destiny on time. Companies have to control the movement
of goods as well, otherwise, they will transport many goods that may not sell soon; if it is food it
cannot be for long time store, it will go bad and will represent loss for the company.
Management of personnel is essential to the entire operation, companies have to make sure that
they have enough people working in different division of a business to complete all the process
on time.
Planning, execution, and control of the procurement, movement, and stationing of
personnel, material, and other resources is so important for companies so they do not waste
resources that a customer may end up paying, and providing customers with high quality
products when they need them, where they need them. By doing that companies will be able to
lower costs and get more profits---which is main objective of any business. Now, we know that

logistic will give a company a competitive advantage over other business and that why is so
important for any business or institution.

References
Stroh, M. B. (2002). What is Logistics? Retrieved August 29, 2016, from
http://www.logisticsnetwork.net/articles/What is Logistics.pdf
T. (2007). What is Logistics? Retrieved August 29, 2016, from
http://www.transfreight.com/lean_logistics_overview/what_is_logistics.aspx
U.P.S (2016). Defining Logistics, How It Relates to Your Supply Chain--and Why It's Crucial for
Your Company. Retrieved August 29, 2016, from
https://www.ups.com/content/us/en/bussol/browse/article/what-is-logistics.html
W. (n.d.). What are logistics? definition and meaning. Retrieved August 30, 2016, from
http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/logistics.html