La logistics is a constantly changing and evolving discipline. It deals with studying the processes underlying the transport of goods and products from point A to point B, in a certain time, using the most efficient and least costly way.

Logistics also handles all information concerning trade, the storage of goods in warehouses, international trade and customs technology.

If a problem arises during transport that prevents the goods from arriving at their destination on time, logistics will identify and solve the problems of the logistical flow.

As an industry that is constantly renewing itself, it is necessary to look for professionals who are able to manage all aspects of the logistics flow. The ITS Logistics and Mobility Course aims to train experts in the management, planning and control of vehicle, goods and passenger flows with a focus on sustainable mobility. Efficiency and cost reduction are in fact fundamental for the optimisation of logistics processes. The search for a sustainability at environmental, economic, organisational, social and safety levels promotes the well-being not only of the worker, but also the realisation of the process itself.

Meaning logistics

The meaning of logistics is to be found in the Greek where 'logikós' (λογικός) means 'which makes logical sense'. This term derives in turn from 'lógos' (λόγος), 'word/speech' or 'order'. For the ancients, the two concepts went hand in hand and were therefore expressed with the same word.

Initially, the term logistics had a connotation purely related to the military. Over the centuries, its meaning has expanded, undergoing a process of generalisation.

According to theItalian Logistics Association, AILOG, logistics is 'the set of all those organisational, managerial and strategic processes within a company, from the supply to the final distribution of products'.

The Council of Logistics Management, CSCMP, states instead that logistics is "the process of planning, implementing and controlling the efficient and effective flow and storage of raw materials, semi-finished and finished products and related information from the point of origin to the point of consumption with the aim of satisfying customer needs".

Given these definitions, we can divide logistics into two macro areas:

  • Internalconcerning all processes within the company.
  • Exteriorconcerning all processes outside the company.

Further and more specific classifications are possible:

  • Inbound LogisticsIt concerns the management of goods in warehouses, the verification of raw material supplies and prices as well as relations with suppliers.
  • Internal LogisticsHe is in charge of sorting materials, personnel and information in the respective departments to allow production to run smoothly.
  • Distribution logistics or transport logisticsIt concerns the distribution network of goods by applying the agreements signed between the company and its customers.
  • Return logistics or reverse logisticsIt concerns the reacquisition of returns, their transport and subsequent sorting.

When referring to the management of an enterprise, one usually refers to the industrial logistics o integrated which must coordinate all the aspects listed. The objective is to minimise the total cost of logistics activities in order to be able to guarantee a predetermined service level.

Author of the article

ITS MOVE - Editor