About Logistics

Logistics is officially defined as the process of planning, implementing and controlling the efficient and cost-effective flow and storage of raw materials, in-process inventory, finished goods and related information from the point of origin to the point of consumption, for the purpose of conforming to customer requirements.

More simply, it is the science (and art) of ensuring that the right products reach the right place in the right quantity at the right time to satisfy customer demand. The UK Institute of Logistics and Transport defines it even more succinctly as: "the time-related positioning of resource". It has also been defined as "the management of inventory in motion and at rest".

The marketing discipline encompasses warehousing, distribution and information management. It also includes international supply chain management and added-value/pre-retailing services