Logistics and its functions. Logistic function

The principles of logistics are implemented through its functions. The logistics function is an enlarged group of logistics operations aimed at achieving the goals of the logistics system.

Basic, key and supporting functions are distinguished. Basic are functions performed by any commodity producer. These include: supply, production, sales.

Let's look at the key logistics functions:

1. Maintaining customer service standards, ensuring a given level of product quality, distribution and after-sales service. The ideology of total quality management has become widespread, and mandatory product certification based on ISO 9000 standards has been adopted.

2. Procurement management, including:

Selection of suppliers of material resources,

Planning resource requirements,

Determination of rational delivery times and volumes,

The choice of forms of supply and commodity distribution routes, the choice of types of transport for the delivery of material resources.

3. Transportation management. Transportation is understood as a set of processes of transportation, loading, unloading and other related operations. Transportation management involves:

Selection of carrier and forwarder,

Choosing a mode of transport,

Determination of rational routes,

Selection of a vehicle for a specific type of cargo.

4. Inventory management, i.e. the process of creating, monitoring and regulating the level of inventories in supply, production and sales.

5. Management of order procedures.

6. Management of production procedures (operations management). The function is to manage the flow of material resources and work in progress, aimed at minimizing inventory levels and reducing production cycle times.

7. Pricing related to the marketing and logistics strategies of the manufacturing enterprise. The logistics strategy sets the level of total costs. The planned level of profitability and the final selling price of finished products to the consumer depend on the marketing strategy.

Supporting logistics functions include:

1. Warehousing, i.e. management of spatial placement of orders, providing for the following tasks:

Determination of the number, type and location of warehouses,

Calculation of storage area for material resources,

Inventory planning,

Design of transportation, sorting, loading and unloading areas,

Selection of loading and unloading and other warehouse equipment.

2. Cargo handling, i.e. moving material resources in the warehouse, sorting or picking cargo, maintaining a rational volume of warehouse turnover.

3. Protective packaging.

4. Ensuring the return of goods that for some reason do not satisfy customers or have not passed the warranty period.

5. Provision of spare parts.

6. Repair and other types of service.

7. Collection of returnable waste.

8. Information and computer support, which largely ensures the implementation of the integrating function of logistics, both at the micro- and macroeconomic level.

Each of the functions is a fairly homogeneous set of actions from the point of view of purpose.

Let us point out two features of the above complex of logistic functions:

1) all functions are interconnected and subordinate to a single goal - material flow management;

2) the bearers of functions are the subjects participating in the logistics process, the key of which are:

Enterprises - manufacturers, whose warehouses of finished products carry out a variety of commercial operations;

Commercial intermediary organizations;

Wholesale trade enterprises;

Transport companies, forwarding companies.

6. Functional cycle of logistics

The set of logistics functions forms a functional cycle or order fulfillment cycle. Dynamics of functional cycles is given by the need to coordinate the needs for resources “input” and “output”. The needs of the functional cycle “at the input” are determined by an order for a specific quantity of certain resources. Typically, fulfilling a large order requires a combination of functional cycles, including various transactions and operations at different stages.

Output needs are the expected results of work. To the extent that these needs are satisfied, we can talk about the effectiveness of the functional cycle.

Depending on the purpose of a particular functional cycle, the operations necessary to complete it may be fully managed by one enterprise, or may require the participation of several enterprises. In essence, functional cycles form a supply chain and connect its participants with each other.

Different functional cycles have different frequencies of operations. Some cycles are designed to provide a one-time purchase and sale. In such cases, the cycle is planned, executed, and upon completion of the operation ceases to exist. Other functional cycles involve the execution of long-term contracts.

Any operation or object within a specific logistics contract can simultaneously be involved in many other functional cycles. For example, a warehouse company may regularly purchase goods from several manufacturers at once. At the same time, the transport agency, providing services to many enterprises, serves several functional cycles. Therefore, for an enterprise that has numerous connections with suppliers and consumers, it is often difficult to isolate a separate functional cycle.

Functional cycles in physical distribution and supply have both common features and differences.

Physical distribution comes down to processing and fulfilling customer orders before the actual delivery of products. Note that all activities related to attracting and retaining customers can be roughly divided into two components: concluding transactions and their actual execution. Physical distribution is responsible for the actual execution of transactions and consists of such activities as systematization and transfer of orders, order identification, order completion, delivery of specified goods to consumers (Fig. 2.3.).

The key to understanding the dynamics of the physical distribution functional cycle is focusing on consumer orders. Therefore, it is advisable to develop a program for coordinating actions with consumers, on the basis of which to build order management.

The functional supply cycle is in many ways similar to the order processing cycle (Fig. 2.4.).

Rice. 2.4. Functional supply cycle

Among the differences, the most important are the following:

1. Supply differs in terms of delivery, size of cargo transportation, methods of transportation and cost of resources involved. The relatively lower cost of materials in comparison with finished products opens up wide opportunities for maneuver when choosing the balance between the costs of maintaining inventories in transit and transportation times using cheap shipping methods. As a result, the functional cycle of the purchasing process is usually longer than the order processing cycle. The exception is expensive components, which are transported in small quantities in exact accordance with demand using faster and more reliable (and therefore more expensive) delivery means.

2. The number of suppliers of an enterprise is, as a rule, less than the number of consumers. Materials are often purchased directly from the manufacturer or from a specialized wholesaler. Therefore, the functional cycle in supply has a simpler configuration than in physical distribution.

3. The order processing functional cycle, by definition, begins in response to incoming customer requests. Because of this, the physical distribution system is forced to adapt to the irregular demands of consumers. The supply system, on the contrary, generates orders itself. The ability to schedule purchase times and places significantly reduces uncertainty economic activity.

3. Korsakov A.A. LOGISTICS BASICS: Tutorial/ Moscow State University economics, statistics and computer science. – M., 2005. - pp. 14 -16

2.2. Logistics functions

In the process of managing material flow, logistics will solve problems such as:

1. forecasting traffic volumes;

2. determination of optimal volumes and directions of material flows;

3. organization of warehousing;

4. organization of packaging and transportation.

Logistic functionis an enlarged group of logistics operations aimed at achieving the goals of the logistics system.

Logistics functions:

1. Formation of economic relations for the supply of goods or provision of services, their development, adjustment and rationalization.

2. Determination of volumes and directions of material flows.

3. Forecast estimates of transportation needs.

4. Determining the sequence of movement of goods through storage areas, determining the optimal warehouse linkage ratio when organizing product distribution.

5. Development, placement and organization of warehouse facilities.

6. Inventory management in the sphere of circulation.

7. Carrying out transportation, as well as all necessary operations along the route of goods to their destinations.

8. Performing operations immediately preceding and completing the transportation of goods (packaging, labeling, preparation for loading, loading).

9. Management of warehouse operations (storage, acceptance, organization of delivery in small quantities).

The criterion for the effectiveness of the implementation of logistics functions is the degree to which the final goal of logistics activities is achieved.

Two characteristic features of all functions are that:

Their entire complex is subordinated to a single goal;

The carriers of the listed functions are the subjects participating in the logistics process.

Enterprises and organizations that solve logistics functions

Management, organization and control of material flows are carried out by the following enterprises and organizations:

1) finished goods enterprises whose warehouses carry out various logistics operations;

2) transport enterprises;

3) forwarding companies;

4) wholesale trade enterprises;

5) intermediary organizations.

2.3. Functional relationship between logistics and marketing, finance and production planning

Planning, management, control and implementation of logistics activities are closely intertwined with other activities in the enterprise. Logistics functions are “divided” into different services. Moreover, the goals of these divisions may often not coincide with the goals of the rational organization of the total material flow passing through the enterprise.

Rice. 3. The so-called “blanket”, the “corners” of which are pulled by various divisions of the company

The logistics approach to functional planning at an enterprise involves the allocation of a special logistics service, which must manage material flow, starting from the formation of contractual relations with the supplier and ending with the delivery of finished products to the buyer.

Logistics and marketing. The tasks solved at a manufacturing enterprise and by the marketing and logistics service were similar until the 70s. However, after the development of logistics and marketing, changes occurred. Before this, logistics was built into marketing, but now the problems of optimizing a company’s flow processes are studied separately. To date, a certain model of the relationship between marketing and logistics has emerged in the management of all business activities of the company:

1) analysis environment and market research;

2) consumer analysis;

3) product planning, determination of assortment specialization of production;

4) service planning, optimization of market behavior for effective sales.

The first two marketing tasks can be solved without the participation of logistics, but the third and fourth tasks must be solved together.

For example, the marketing service justified the need to release a new type of product. Then the task of the logistics service will be to provide production with raw materials, inventory management and transportation.

Solving the fourth task, marketing defines a strict framework of logistics service requirements for physical distribution. But these requirements are met by the logistics system.

Thus, logistics can be considered as a tool for implementing marketing strategies.

Logistics in marketing studies only flow processes.

Marketing, as part of the formation and implementation of its program, takes upon itself the achievement of the strategic and tactical goals of the company, and logistics - the operational management (coordination and optimization) of all flow processes of the company.

Logistics and production planning. Production depends on the timely delivery of raw materials, materials, components to a certain amount and a certain quality. Consequently, the enterprise’s logistics service must participate in making decisions about the purchase of products for production.

Also, logistics interacts with production in the process of organizing the sale of finished products. Managing material flows during the sales process and having comprehensive information about sales markets, the logistics service must participate in the formation of schedules for the release of finished products.

The task of the logistics service is to deliver raw materials and components to workshops and move finished products to storage areas. The weak relationship between production and logistics leads to an increase in inventories in different areas, creating an additional burden on production.

Quality control is a joint task of logistics and production planning.

Logistics and finance. Materials management activities in an enterprise are usually associated with high costs. When determining the optimal volumes of inventory, the logistics service will proceed from the real capabilities of the enterprise. Joint decisions by logistics and finance services are made when purchasing equipment. Transport and warehouse costs are jointly monitored and managed.

Financial logistics is mainly of interest only to bankers and financiers.

Questions for self-control:

The basic physical distribution cycle includes:

Your Answer :

Order identification
Systematization and transfer of the order
Delivery
Order picking

This is the correct answer

The functional supply cycle consists of:

Your Answer :

Transportation
Placing and sending an order
Reception of goods
Selecting a resource source

This is the correct answer

The concept of a logistic function

Definition 1

The logistics function is usually called a set of logistics operations aimed at implementing the tasks assigned to the logistics system.

The logistics functions carried out at an enterprise depend on its industry and product specialization, corporate information system, organizational management structure, competitive strategy, and logistics infrastructure. The allocation of logistics functions is directly related to the separation at the enterprise of logistics structural units responsible for managing supply, warehousing, transportation, etc.

In the literature, it is customary to divide the many logistics functions of an enterprise into three groups: basic, key and supporting. This classification is very conditional: the list of specific functions in each group is determined by the specifics of logistics processes and the organization of the logistics service in a particular company. The classification of logistics functions into basic, key and supporting functions has developed historically. This is due to the evolution of business, the development of management, marketing and logistics in countries with developed market economies.

The basic functions of logistics at enterprises include: supply, production and sales. These functional areas exist in any manufacturing enterprise and form the basis for the existence of the logistics system. Basic logistics functions in the logistics system of an enterprise are presented in the diagram (Fig. 1).

Supply is a logistics function for managing the processes of purchasing raw materials and material resources, that is, managing the logistics of an enterprise “at the entrance.”

Production is a basic logistics function that occupies a central place in the company, including the management of material and information flow within the technological process of manufacturing products or “internal logistics”.

Sales is a logistics function that combines the processes of physical distribution of finished products, bringing them to the end consumer, that is, “output” logistics management.

Key Logistics Functions

Key logistics functions arise in each of the basic functional areas (supply, production, sales).

These include the following:

• transportation management – ​​management of the process of moving material flow, includes the tasks of choosing a type of transport, route, carrier, tasks of rational loading of a vehicle, calculating transport and logistics costs, etc.;
• inventory management is the activity of forming and maintaining a stock of materials, semi-finished products, finished products, including calculating the optimal stock size, determining the procedure for placing and storing stock in warehouses, creating a system for regulating stock size, etc.;
• order fulfillment management - activities that include order preparation and transmission, order acceptance and accounting, order processing, picking and packaging in the warehouse, organizing its delivery to the consumer;
• maintaining quality standards - activities to assess the quality of products and logistics processes at all stages of the material flow, as well as developing measures to improve quality,
• information support for logistics processes - managing related information flows, ensuring unambiguity, flexibility and timeliness of information flows.

Introduction

The term “logistics,” until recently known only to a narrow circle of specialists, is now becoming widespread. The main reason for this phenomenon is that the concept began to be used in economics.

Historically, logistics developed as a military discipline. Here the term has been known since the 9th century AD (Byzantium), denoting mainly the clear, well-coordinated work of the rear to provide the troops with everything they need, that is, work that is a significant component of combat success. Priority was given to logistics issues in Napoleon's army. In Russia in the middle of the last century, according to the “Military Encyclopedic Lexicon”, published in St. Petersburg in 1850, logistics was understood as the art of managing the movement of troops both far and close to the enemy, organizing their logistics support. At the turn of the century, the term “logistics” was not widely used in Russia.

However, the science and practice of materials management in the military field has continued and continues to develop. This is explained by the high dependence of the effectiveness of combat operations on the coordinated, fast, accurate and economical provision of troops with everything they need.

Another direction of logistics development is economic. Here, logistics means scientific and practical direction of management, which consists in the effective management of material and related information and financial flows in the spheres of production and circulation.

The widespread use of logistics in the economy began in the 60s and 70s and is associated with advances in the field of communication technologies. The new possibility of end-to-end monitoring of all stages of the movement of raw materials, parts and finished products made it possible to clearly see the huge losses allowed in traditional material flow management schemes. The clear economic benefits obtained from the use of logistics in the economy contributed to the partners’ orientation toward cooperation in the field of product promotion.

1 Concept of logistics

Logistics is a part of economic science and a field of activity, the subject of which is the organization of a rational process of promoting goods from producers to consumers, the functioning of the sphere of circulation of products, goods, services, inventory management, and the creation of a distribution infrastructure.

A broader definition of logistics interprets it as the science of planning, managing and controlling the movement of material, information and financial resources in various systems.

For the management of an organization, logistics can be considered as the strategic management of material flows in the process of purchasing, supplying, transporting and storing materials, parts and finished inventory (equipment, etc.). The concept also includes the management of relevant information flows, as well as financial flows. Logistics is aimed at optimizing costs and rationalizing the process of production, sales and related services both within one enterprise and for a group of enterprises.

Logistics is a view (worldview) of all business processes of an enterprise through the prism of costs, with the aim of optimizing, controlling and managing them. In fact, the field of application of logistics is so specific and new that at the moment specialists in this profession are very much needed in the labor market.

Recently, there has been a tendency to apply the principles of logistics not only in economics and finance, but also in social area(social logistics): politics (political logistics), municipalities (municipal logistics), pedagogy (pedagogical or educational logistics), psychology (pedagogical psychologized logistics), medicine (medical logistics) and demography, demographic logistics); virtual logistics, city logistics, etc.

The main task of logistics is to optimize internal and external material flows, as well as the accompanying information and financial flows, and optimize business processes in order to minimize total resource costs. The essence of the classical definition of the general goals of the logistics function is that the consumer must receive the goods necessary in terms of quality and quantity, at the right time, in the right place, from a reliable supplier with a good level of service (both before and after the sale of products) and at a given level of total costs.

The object of logistics management is flows, flow processes, any processes associated with movement.

The subject of the study of logistics is the optimization of material flows, service flows and accompanying financial and information flows.

There are the so-called “six rules of logistics” that describe the ultimate goal of logistics management:

cargo – the required product;

quality – required quality;

quantity – in the required quantity;

time – must be delivered at the right time;

place – in the right place;

costs – with minimal costs.

2 Functionslogistics

In the process of managing material flows in the economy, many different problems are solved. These are the problems of forecasting demand and production, and, consequently, the volume of transportation, the problem of determining the optimal volumes and directions of material flows, the problem of organizing warehousing, packaging, transportation, and many others.

Material flows are formed as a result of the activities of various enterprises and organizations that produce and consume certain products, provide or use certain services.

At the same time, the following enterprises and organizations play a key role in managing material flows:
- transport companies common use, various forwarding companies;
- wholesale trade enterprises;
- commercial intermediary organizations;
- manufacturing enterprises whose warehouses of finished products carry out various logistics operations.

Through the efforts of these enterprises and organizations, material flows are formed, and the process of goods movement is directly carried out and controlled.

Each of the listed participants in the logistics process specializes in the implementation of any group of logistics functions. Moreover, by the term “function” we will further understand a set of actions that are homogeneous from the point of view of the purpose of these actions, and noticeably different from another set of actions that also have a specific goal. The logistics function is an enlarged group of logistics operations aimed at achieving the goals of the logistics system.

Basic, key and supporting functions are distinguished. Basic are functions performed by any commodity producer. These include: supply, production, sales. Let's look at the key logistics functions:

1. Maintaining customer service standards, ensuring a given level of product quality, distribution and after-sales service. The ideology of total quality management has become widespread, and mandatory product certification based on ISO 9000 standards has been adopted.

2. Procurement management, including: - selection of suppliers of material resources, - planning of resource requirements, - determination of rational timing and volumes of supplies, - selection of forms of supply and distribution routes, - selection of types of transport for delivery of material resources.

3. Transportation management. Transportation is understood as a set of processes of transportation, loading, unloading and other related operations. Transportation management involves: - choosing a carrier and forwarder, - choosing a type of transport, - determining rational routes, - selecting a vehicle for a certain type of cargo.

4. Inventory management, i.e. the process of creating, monitoring and regulating the level of inventories in supply, production and sales.

5. Management of order procedures.

6. Management of production procedures (operations management). The function is to manage the flow of material resources and work in progress, aimed at minimizing inventory levels and reducing production cycle times.

7. Pricing related to the marketing and logistics strategies of the manufacturing enterprise. The logistics strategy sets the level of total costs. The planned level of profitability and the final selling price of finished products to the consumer depend on the marketing strategy.

3 Organizational structure of logistics at the enterprise

The organizational structure of the logistics service and its divisions (departments or groups) depends on a number of factors, which include the following:

direction of production and economic activity of an enterprise or organization;

size and capacity of the enterprise (room occupied, volume of machine tools);

the number of names, types, brands, grades and sizes of material and technical resources used in the enterprise;

the structure of material and technical resources consumed by the enterprise by areas of production and economic activity;

the number of suppliers of material and technical resources and their territorial location;

the purpose and number of warehouses at the enterprise intended for storing material and technical resources;

availability of mainline and in-plant vehicles owned by the enterprise, their number by type and type; the number of consumers of intermediate or final finished products produced by the enterprise.

Depending on the listed factors and other factors of the external and internal environment, the appropriate organizational structure of the logistics service is established at each individual industrial enterprise or trade intermediary organization.

In the theory and practice of organizing logistics services at enterprises, there is a so-called classic three-level organizational structure of the logistics service (Figure 1).

Figure 1 – Classic structure of a three-level organization of logistics services at an enterprise

The main functions of the first level - general management (general planning) are: checking the entire logistics organization at the enterprise and, if necessary, adjusting previously developed plans for various areas of logistics activities; development of an organization strategy - a long-term plan for the development of the logistics service in accordance with the possible diversification of the enterprise - the process of creating fundamentally new areas and directions of production and economic activity of the enterprise in an unstable and heterogeneous external environment (segmented and saturated market); assessment of the activities of individual logistics subsystems and the system as a whole; coordination of tactical activities of departments (groups) of the logistics service in relation to the strategic goals of the enterprise; implementation, if necessary, of certain changes in the procedures and operations performed by the logistics service; establishing cost standards for performed logistics procedures and operations, as well as service standards.

The initial information of this level of management is indicators of the production and economic activity of the enterprise on a wide scale, general problems of logistics subsystems and external factors affecting the system as a whole, for example, increasing or decreasing competition in the market, as well as other changing market conditions.

The functions of the second level - program management (program management) include almost all functions of logistics subsystems: receiving and processing orders; organization of procurement of material and technical resources; organization of transport facilities, organization of warehouse and sales activities.

This level of management consists of executive managers, but in areas of logistics activity (materials and technical supply, warehousing and transport, distribution of material resources among production divisions of the enterprise, sales activities). In addition, this level of management has personnel providing logistics activities - engineers, controllers and analysts who plan logistics activities, check changes that have arisen in the system and its individual subsystems, develop directions and solutions for restoring the planned process, and also resolve issues service, return on logistics costs, local and general tactics of behavior in the market (for each logistics subsystem), effective implementation of the overall strategy of the enterprise.

The functions of the third level include operational management (operational components), which are simple components of the activities of individual subsystems. Operational management includes:

management of operations and procedures for the movement of material and technical resources;

work with deliveries of products for which the movement schedule is violated; preparation and provision of information about recorded violations of activity in subsystems to the program management level;

operational management of subsystems in the time and cost mode established by program level management; reporting to the program management level on the results of subsystems' activities in accordance with planned time and costs.

Management at this level is, in principle, a “routine” process and includes the functional responsibilities of employees of departments (groups) of the logistics service, as well as special functional control operations and administrative activities, which does not require special responsibility, since almost every problem arising in the subsystems has a defined, regulated and approved solution method.

Information flows occupy a special place in the three-level structure of the logistics service organization at an enterprise. At the same time, the hierarchy of the movement and use of information flows in logistics activities, as a rule, also has three independent levels (Figure 2). At each management level, the information flow performs its strictly defined functions.

Figure 2 – Hierarchy of information flow in the logistics service

Operational level of control. The information flow at this level has a fairly wide range of data. Here the implementation of decisions of an operational nature is carried out - a reaction to any content of the received regulatory, reference, operational, analytical or other information. Information at this level, as a rule, is used to carry out operational planning in various areas of activity of the logistics service, as well as to monitor decisions made at the operational level of management.

Level of tactical decision making. The range of information flow at this level is somewhat narrower than at the operational level of control, but the information here is more concentrated, maximally processed and grouped. At this level of management, management information is often used, necessary for carrying out tactical planning and making management decisions on various processes of production and economic activity of the enterprise's logistics service.

Level of strategic decision making. The entire information flow at this level of management is concentrated as much as possible. Reference, regulatory, operational and analytical information in this case is intended for strategic planning of production and economic activities of the logistics service. Based on analytical information (its analysis and evaluation), global long-term decisions are made for the development of the enterprise’s logistics service.

There are 6 options for modular construction of the logistics service structure at an enterprise:

The first option can be used at industrial enterprises with a full production cycle, a significant range of consumed material resources and a wide range of products.

The second option is typical for trade and intermediary organizations that have a small range of purchased and sold products, as well as for consumer service enterprises.

The remaining four options are used in enterprises and organizations based on the areas of their production and economic activities, the number of items of material and technical resources consumed, the number of items of basic products and modification products produced. These options can be used in incomplete, short, single-link production chain and production-service chain.

The modular organization of the logistics service involves the use of the spatial structure of its formation and is a multi-iterative process carried out in the following sequence (in iterations):

a set of functional logistics blocks is produced, the number of which depends on the areas of activity of business entities;

departments or groups of the logistics service are arranged depending on the number of employees at the enterprise and the range of material and technical resources used;

the principles of forming an organizational structure for each department or group of the logistics service are established;

the functions of departments and groups of the logistics service are determined based on the full range of logistics operations performed at the enterprise, depending on the direction of its production and economic activities;

the required number of employees is calculated for each department or group of the logistics service based on the volume of logistics operations performed;

material and information flows are formed through the interaction of the logistics service with other organizational structures of the enterprise.

The implementation of the material flow management function in historically established management structures is shown in Figure 3.

Figure 3 – Traditional material flow management system in enterprises

The fundamental disadvantage of this structure is that the groups of logistics operations listed in the figure are connected into a material-conducting function according to the classical, but not the systematic method. Let's analyze this figure in terms of four properties of systems (elements, connections, organization, integrative properties).

There are elements (operations), but their composition is formed randomly, i.e., it is possible that when designing an end-to-end logistics process, some operations will have to be added and some excluded. The connections between operations are not clearly defined and are often established randomly. The organization of these operations into a single function is not specifically carried out, and there is no carrier of this function in the enterprise.

The integrative properties of such an interconnected and organized set of operations as a result do not provide the opportunity to optimize the management of material flows in the enterprise. In practice, this means that the logistics function is “pulled apart” among various services.

For example, one division manufacturing enterprise deals with the purchase of materials, another with the maintenance of inventories, and the third with the sale of finished products. Moreover, the goals of these divisions may often not coincide with the goals of the rational organization of the total material flow passing through the enterprise. The logistics approach involves managing all operations as a single activity.

To do this, the enterprise must allocate a special logistics service that will manage the material flow, starting from the formation of contractual relations with the supplier and ending with the delivery of finished products to the buyer.

The possible structure of the end-to-end material flow control body at the enterprise is shown in Figure 4.

Figure 4 – Structure and functions of the end-to-end material flow control body at the enterprise

The proposed structure makes it possible to identify a single function for managing end-to-end material flow at the enterprise.

Conclusion

The organization of a logistics service at an enterprise is very important nowadays. Since, thanks to this service, all products must be ordered strictly for a specific consumer and after confirmation of payment. And also that the products are delivered from the customs warehouse or from the supplier directly to the recipient’s warehouse. Thus, there is a reduction in costs for loading and unloading operations, warehousing, storage, transportation and eliminating the danger of the appearance of illiquid goods. The activities of the logistics service in an enterprise or organization are aimed at achieving the necessary final results through a number of management influences carried out both within the enterprise (internal environment - internal logistics) and outside it (external environment - external logistics). But in order for the logistics service to work well, it is necessary to train the organization’s employees. It is necessary to carry out work to develop a uniform, standardized logistics terminology. Specialists from functional departments of the company must speak the same language, use similar terms and understand each other.

One of the most important resources that determine the degree of efficiency of a company is people. One of the important conditions for the penetration of the logistics idea into all areas of the company’s business is the presence of highly qualified logistics specialists.

Currently, there is a certain shortage of specialists who not only have practical experience, but also have fundamental theoretical knowledge in the field of logistics. Good logistics specialists must have knowledge from various areas, as well as know the general relationships between functional areas of the business.

If we pay more attention to the training of logistics workers, the enterprise will have less costs for the acquisition and transportation of raw materials and finished products.

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Logistics concept

Logistics concept– management activities for the implementation of procurement, supply, transportation and storage of goods material assets, including materials, finished products, raw materials, equipment, equipment, etc.

According to this definition, logistics is aimed at optimizing costs associated with the supply of inventory items (inventory items), rationalizing the processes of production, supply and storage of inventory items necessary for the activities of the enterprise. These processes can be carried out within a specific enterprise or group of enterprises, and depending on the specifics of the activity and the goods and materials being moved, different approaches to logistics activities can be applied.

The concept of logistics also includes the management of information and information flows directly related to logistics processes, as well as a number of management actions within the framework of the overall financial flows of the enterprise.

It is necessary to distinguish from the concept of logistics a logistics system, which is a complex of actions of different participants in the processes of supply, transportation and storage of goods and materials; such actions are organized in such a way that the goal is achieved and the tasks of logistics are fulfilled.

Logistics, as a special economic activity, represents the sphere of management of all types of flows that take place in the practice of economic entities.

Management of objects that relate to the field of logistics is based on the development of specific solutions and their subsequent implementation.

In accordance with this, the essence of logistics is manifested in scientific and economic activities.

The essence of logistics as a science lies in the development of methodology, scientific approach and methods of planning, control and management of transportation, warehousing, distribution and other tangible and intangible operations that take place in activities economic agents. The scope of application of scientific methods of logistics includes operations for the delivery of raw materials and materials to a manufacturing enterprise, the redistribution of raw materials, materials, semi-finished products within the enterprise, the delivery of finished products to the end consumer, as well as the transfer and processing of information related to these operations.

The essence of logistics as a special area of ​​economic activity lies in the management of transportation, warehousing and distribution of raw materials, materials, semi-finished products, finished products within the framework of the economic activity of an economic entity. Thus, logistics covers the entire economic process, starting from the primary source of raw materials for production activities, ending with the distribution of finished products in order to bring them to the final consumer, as well as the processing of information related to logistics operations.

The importance of logistics as an economic activity for managing, first of all, the material flows of business organizations, is determined by the needs of socio-economic development and the economy as a whole, which are directly related to the growth of cargo transportation volumes various types transport and multiple directions of movement of raw materials and finished products between entities economic system.

Thus, in modern conditions, essence of logistics manifests itself in the rationalization of material flow management and is based on the following provisions.

Thus, we can draw an objective conclusion that logistics allows business entities to use a scientifically based methodology for managing material flows, while solving a set of problems related to the movement of resources and finished products.

Purpose and objectives of logistics

The main goal of logistics is to achieve maximum efficiency of material flows with minimal costs for transport, warehouse and distribution operations based on the creation of a rational logistics system.

In accordance with this goal, we can distinguish main and private logistics tasks.

The main tasks of logistics are related to the organization of regulation of material flows and are reduced to aspects of management activities. Particular logistics tasks are associated with specific actions in this area.

They consist of certain actions that are a priori aimed at developing and planning a rational material flow. In accordance with this, logistics performs 4 functions:

• system-forming
• integrating
• regulating
• resulting

The system-forming function of logistics is to organize logistics systems focused on rational, effective and targeted management of the resources of an economic entity. This function also includes coordination of the actions of internal divisions of the enterprise and other enterprises that are participants in the material flow, starting from the supplier of raw materials to production process, ending with wholesalers and retailers providing distribution of finished products.

The integrating function of logistics is directly related to the system-forming function and consists in ensuring the synchronous work of the supply department, warehouse, and sales department of the enterprise with external suppliers of resources and intermediaries for the sale of finished products. It should be taken into account that the implementation of this function is impossible without achieving coordination and consistency of actions of all participants in the material flow within the framework of the system-forming function of logistics.

The regulatory function of logistics is the effective management of material, financial and information flows in order to ensure an economically rational production process through control and influence on the logistics system of the enterprise.

The resulting logistics function is aimed at reducing costs, ensuring rational material flow, organizing timely delivery of resources for the production process and distribution of finished products. This function determines the efficiency of logistics at the enterprise based on the final result obtained from organizing the supply of raw materials and distribution of finished products.

Logistics functions coordinate production and distribution.

Coordination of production through logistics functions comes down to determining the material and financial needs of the production process at the enterprise, assessing the needs of consumers for manufactured products and ensuring a level of production that will be in demand by the market.

Distribution coordination, thanks to logistics functions, allows you to organize and control the flow of finished products from the enterprise to consumers directly or through wholesalers and retailers, depending on the level of the distribution channel.

1. At the operational level logistics functions serve as the basis for managing the movement of material assets, starting from the production supply stage and ending with the distribution of finished products.
2. As part of supplying production activities, logistics functions are concentrated in the area of ​​managing the movement of raw materials, materials and semi-finished products from suppliers to the enterprise warehouse, as well as in the area of ​​managing their movement from the enterprise warehouse directly to the place of their use in production.
3. As part of the production process, logistics functions are responsible for moving raw materials, materials and semi-finished products between production stages, as well as sending finished products to the enterprise warehouse or directly to the distribution system for subsequent distribution to end consumers in the target market.
4. As part of the distribution of finished products, logistics functions are reduced to managing the material flows of finished products as they move from the enterprise to the retail warehouse and to the final consumer.

The role of logistics in modern conditions

Thus, it can be concluded that the role of logistics consists of operational planning of the supply schedule of raw materials, materials and semi-finished products for production needs, determining the rational level of finished product inventories and planning their sales in accordance with market demand.

In modern conditions, logistics occupies a special place in management economic activity economic entity and is of priority importance for multi-product enterprises, geographically distributed companies, vertically and horizontally integrated holdings and other organizations that need to have a unified supply, production and sales system. The approach to the management and distribution of material flows based on a functional logistics system is widely applied and used in various sectors of the economy. Moreover, for large enterprises The presence of a logistics department is an absolute factor in the effective management of production and commercial activities and further development. Logistics is integrated into the enterprise management system in such a way as to ensure rational management of the production and distribution of finished products at all levels in accordance with the functions and objectives of logistics. At the same time, at different stages of its development, the enterprise constantly increases production capacity and increases material assets, which invariably leads to a complication of the structure of material flow, necessitating the need for continuous improvement of logistics at the enterprise.

In modern conditions, it is impossible to ignore the importance of logistics, given that its functions cover the entire production and marketing process at the enterprise, from supplying production with raw materials, materials and semi-finished products to the distribution of finished products, and its tasks cover not only the movement of material resources, but also production aspects of the enterprise's activities. At the same time, logistics makes it possible to develop and implement measures for the redistribution of material, financial, information and transport flows, both within the enterprise and outside it within the framework of supply and distribution channels. Thanks to this, the enterprise achieves maximum flow efficiency with minimal costs for logistics operations based on a rational approach, which is the basis of logistics.

Literature

1. Anikin B.A. Logistics. – M.: Infra-M, 2012.
2. Anikin B.A., Tyapukhin A.P. Commercial logistics. – M.: Prospekt, 2013.
3. Johnson D., Wood D., Wardlaw D., Murphy Jr. P. Modern logistics. – M.: Williams, 2009.
4. Dybskaya V.V., Zaitsev E.I., Sergeev V.I., Sterligova A.N. Logistics, MBA course. – M.: Eksmo, 2013.
5. Panasenko E.V. Logistics. Personnel, technology, practice. – Vologda: Infra-Engineering, 2011.
6. Protsenko O.D., Protsenko I.O. Logistics and supply chain management - a look into the future. – M.: publishing house RANEPA, 2012.
7. Uvarov S.A. Logistics. – M.: Yurayt, 2012.

Hello, dear readers of the business magazine “site”! Today we'll talk about logistics- what it is in simple words, what tasks and goals it has, and also provide tips on how to choose a logistics company.

IN modern world The issue of cargo transportation is an integral part of the work of any enterprise. Properly organized delivery allows you to save the organization’s resources when conducting commercial activities. There is probably no area where such services are absolutely not needed. These and many other problems are solved by properly carried out logistics policy.

Modern universities prepare specialized specialists in this field, and the science of logistics itself reveals the secrets of successful business and teaches how to optimize the flow of materials, funds and information.

From this article you will learn:

• What is logistics and what are its tasks?
• What types of logistics are there;
• How to choose the right transport company for cooperation;
• About the specifics of Russian logistics and the logistician profession itself.

This article will be useful for beginners logisticians, business representatives who want to optimize the transport process, organize logistics control within the enterprise itself (for example, a business system), and also choose the right partner for long-term and profitable work in the field of delivery and freight forwarding.

Do you want to get acquainted with all the intricacies of logistics science? Then read about it right now!

About logistics - what it is and what functions and tasks it has, how to choose a logistics company and who is a logistician - read on

🔔 Logistics- This modeling, control And rationalization process transfer of goods , services or information from supplier to consumer. It can be assessed as strategic management of the supply process. Logistics control is aimed at reducing costs in the implementation or transfer of material, financial and information flows.

The logistics structure can be represented by the following processes:

• management by the buyer or consumer in order to minimize costs;
• management by the supplier aimed at increasing the profitability of delivery.

The logistics management process cannot be reduced to one constant action; it includes several aspects at once:

• execution of contracts;
• inventory management system;
• product delivery scheme;
• close communication with customs authorities;
• market demand monitoring;
• And so on.

For optimization this process Various logistics models are used at different stages. Some of these models can be classified as marketing, but they all boil down to the ultimate goal - increasing the profitability of business activities.

Logistics, as an independent region, arose due to a number of difficulties, related to the delivery of goods.

There are specialized logistics organizations that entrepreneurs turn to and legal entities who do not have their own logistics department.

Although, in fact, logistics arose quite a long time ago. Even in the days of an agrarian society, international trade existed, and its participants tried to reduce the cost of transporting goods. In modern economic conditions and industrial scale production, logistics has reached a new level.

Logistics costs are one of the largest items in determining the cost of production.

2. Objectives, functions and goals of logistics 📑

The subject of logistics science is the state material, financial or information resources at various levels in a particular system and optimization of their flows.

The purpose of logistics is to increase the efficiency of the economic system through the management of logistics processes.

Logistics tasks include:

• commodity flow management;
• development of a system for managing the flow of goods, services and information;
• market monitoring and identifying demand for materials and goods, forecasting the future situation on the market.

Logistics includes the following concepts:

Logistics operation– operations aimed at changing material flows or service flows.

Logistics system is a system for planning and implementing all logistics operations.

IN modern science Logistics systems are divided into:

• direct (establish a connection between supplier and consumer);
• mediation (include at least one additional participant).

Material flow– an object of logistics actions, which is measured by physical indicators of weight, size and time.

Logistics function– actions aimed at increasing operational efficiency at one or another stage of the logistics process.

Among them are:

• transport services;
• product storage;
• purchase of goods;
• creation of reserves.

Logistics costs– expenses associated with carrying out and processing logistics operations. They can become components of sales expenses or be included in the cost of production.

In fact, the formation of a logistics system represents a balancing of production interests and ensuring liquidity.

The efficiency of the logistics system directly depends on the volume of inventories available to the organization, which can be represented as comparative table:

From this table it can be seen that the amount of inventory of an enterprise determines that the operation of the logistics system is related to the amount of resources of the enterprise.

3. Concept and main types of logistics - 7 most popular types ✈🚚⛴

The logistics management process includes various components that ensure optimal results from the system. Based on this, several types of logistics can be distinguished.

1) Transport logistics (Transport logistics)

Determining the most profitable route for the movement of funds, ensuring the transfer of material resources in the required volume and the required time frame from one point to another, for the purpose of further processing, redistribution or consumption of these resources.

2) Customs logistics

Exercising control over the material flow passing across state borders.

Customs logistics allows you to solve several problems at once:

• carrying out the transportation of goods;
• obtaining the necessary certificates for imported goods;
• registration of customs documentation;
• assessment of the value, condition and compliance with customs requirements of the cargo;
• support for further movement of cargo that has passed the customs border;
• ensuring compliance with currency legislation.

Customs logistics requires taking into account legal customs requirements and the costs associated with their implementation.

3) Production logistics

When production resources go through several stages within the enterprise itself in the process of creation and processing, it is necessary to establish control over this process in order to optimize it.

This is what production logistics does by solving the following tasks:

• coordination of work schedules performed in various production departments;
• compliance of work deadlines by all departments with the processes of purchasing resources and selling products;
• identifying consumer needs in order to effectively plan the production process;
• quick response to disruptions in production, its adjustment and control of the completion of assigned tasks within the given time frame.

4) Inventory logistics

The main task of inventory logistics is to establish a constant, uninterrupted process for the production and sale of a product. Its solution is carried out by monitoring existing stocks of goods and production resources, taking into account risks, seasonal specifics and consistency of supply.

5) Purchasing logistics (Supply logistics)

Monitors the movement of material flows that provide the production process with the necessary resources. Includes supply of production, supply of materials, their storage until release into production.

The need for supply logistics is determined by:

• Inconsistency in the supply process inevitably leads to downtime in production. It is necessary to control purchases in terms of quantity, quality, delivery organization, packaging integrity and assortment.
• More than half of the cost of manufactured goods is created in the supply process.

To increase and maintain the required level of business competitiveness, the organization of supply logistics is mandatory. To do this, the state of the market for purchased materials is constantly monitored and the profitability of purchases or self-made necessary raw materials.

6) Information logistics

This area of ​​logistics deals with the control and coordination of data flows that come in addition to material ones. In relation to the enterprise itself, such flows can be divided into internal And external, and within the organization - horizontal And vertical.

The provisions of information logistics are determined by internal regulations on document flow at the enterprise.

In cases of desynchronization of material and information movement, important so that the informational one does not go ahead of the material one.

If it is impossible to synchronize material and information flows, it is desirable that the information flow is somewhat ahead of the material flow.

7) Warehouse logistics

This type of logistics is aimed at controlling the operation of the warehouse - acceptance, storage, issuance of materials. Issues such as the optimal location of warehouses and warehouse accounting, which directly affects the assessment of product costs in accounting, are also determined.

Warehouse Logistics also solves the problems of organizing warehouse facilities and optimizing the placement of warehouses. The nature of warehouse accounting may influence the accounting estimate of cost.

Logistics company - the main criteria for choosing a logistician. company

4. How to choose a logistics company - TOP-8 selection criteria 📝

The Russian logistics services market is represented by many companies. There are no monopolies and high competition, but the quality of the services provided is not always at the proper level.

There are several criteria, which should be used when choosing such a company, even in a little-studied region.

Criterion 1. The carrier must have its own fleet of vehicles, otherwise it is an intermediary, which will increase the cost of transportation. Ask the company whether it even intends to seriously provide services or whether the company provides solely intermediary services.

Criterion 2. The carrier company must provide guarantees. The contract must indicate the exact time of delivery of the goods and travel time.

Criterion 3. If the company does not have its own fleet of vehicles or it is insufficient, the use of the services of transport companies is necessary. But, even if you have your own means of transportation, it makes sense to estimate the costs; perhaps delivery by a logistics company will be cheaper.

The fact is that those companies that specialize in transportation have more opportunities in this area due to cost savings, through the formation of consolidated cargo in one direction and preferences for the wholesale purchase of fuel, vehicle maintenance, and so on.

Criterion 4. Carrier liability insurance is an important aspect that allows you to obtain guarantees of cargo safety or compensation for damage in the event of an insured event.

Criterion 5. It is necessary to compare the conditions and costs of several carriers at once.

Criterion 6. The ability of a logistics company to work with non-standard orders indicates its seriousness. It is possible to conclude an additional agreement to provide alternative transport in case of emergency, but of course the tariff will be higher.

Criterion 7. It is important to read reviews about the company’s work via the Internet.

Criterion 8. Particular attention should be paid when using additional services of a customs broker. Errors in documentation can significantly delay deliveries.

5. Main problems and features of Russian logistics 📊

In Russia, the situation in the logistics sector is not the most favorable. This is due climatic conditions, long distances, the condition of the road surface and the technical capabilities of transport.

Transport costs in the Russian Federation greatly exceed the world average and amount to about 20% of GDP, this is, first of all, due to the specifics of the Russian Federation’s actions on the international market as one of the largest suppliers of raw materials, as well as its territorial size.

Russia has a number of problems in the field of logistics:

• high prices for warehouse and unloading services;
• the hidden nature of many costs;
• non-performance of the parties to the contract;
• unstable market conditions and ineffective sales planning;
• poor development of transport infrastructure, limiting economic growth to a limit of 4% per year, at best;
• limited number of suppliers;
• shortage of qualified personnel and, as a consequence, erroneous logistics models;
• difficult natural conditions in most regions.

Due to the crisis, many logistics systems are being reduced, which leads to a decrease in the profitability of many sectors of the country's economy. However, in conditions of decreasing competition, stronger firms remain that are able to maintain the appropriate level of logistics services provided and occupy vacant niches in the market.

6. Who provides logistics services - review of the TOP-5 companies in the Russian logistics services market 📄

On the Russian market there are many private carriers and large logistics companies capable of providing a wide range of services and operating throughout the country or most regions.

1) Business lines

The largest transport and logistics company in Russia. It has been operating throughout the country for more than 12 years and provides a variety of services in the field of logistics:

• road, rail and air transportation;
• transportation by separate transport;
• presence of branches and cargo delivery points in most regions of Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus;
• transportation of consolidated cargo;
• Availability of fast delivery services;
• the ability to comply with the temperature regime of transportation using specialized equipment on a special flight;
• the ability to track cargo and alert system;

This company cares about the peace of mind of customers and controls the quality of service, provides guarantees and insurance services

2) PEC

This company operates throughout the country and has more than 100 representative offices, constantly expanding.

For more than 10 years, PEK has been improving the quality of services and their variety:

• targeted delivery of cargo and collection from the client;
• a system for informing customers about the intersection of key points along the route;
• variety of packaging of transported material;
• loading and unloading of delivered goods.

3) Delko

The company has been operating for more than 17 years, has more than 1000 vehicles and delivers any cargo weighing up to 20 tons using various vehicles throughout Russia and Kazakhstan:

• refrigerated semi-trailers (±20C mode);
• semi-trailers with awning - 90 m3;
• tent semi-trailers 110 m3 (16.5 m, 40 pallets) using bunks.

4) TTG

The company has been operating for about 5 years in Russia and the CIS, transporting cargo from 0.5 to 20 tons, and has more than 5,000 units of various equipment, which allows you to quickly load vehicles in any region of the country and just as quickly find a replacement if necessary.

In the electronic database of ATI carriers, TTG has the most high rating and several hundred positive feedback from clients. The company was awarded the “Guarantor of Quality and Reliability” award in 2014 and provides its services to many large clients on an ongoing basis.

5) YES-TRANS

This company provides both logistics and forwarding services in full. Transportation is carried out throughout the Russian Federation, including the Crimean Peninsula, as well as to the CIS countries - Armenia, Kazakhstan, Belarus. There is a possibility of delivery “to the client’s door”. Loads from 500 kg or 2 m³ in volume are accepted for transportation and are delivered both by separate transport and by a groupage vehicle. Oversized cargo and cargo requiring temperature control are also accepted for processing.

The company’s specialists optimize cargo routes, having complete data on the condition of the route, road repair work and traffic jams, which helps reduce transportation costs.

The calculation of the amount of payment for transportation in any direction is calculated in 15 minutes.

7. What is the difference between forwarding activities and logistics 📎

Forwarding activities are an integral part of the work of a logistician, but they are limited only to coordinating the movement of goods, escorting and delivery to their destination.

Logistics, in itself, is a broader concept. It involves optimizing material and information flows in parallel with forwarding activities.

The full scope of transport expedition services includes:

• cargo collection, transportation and delivery to the destination
• loading and unloading of goods;
• control of payment for transportation;
• preparation of necessary documents;
• possible customs broker services;
• informing the parties to the contract about the route and stage of cargo movement
• And so on.

That is, forwarding activities is just one component of logistics.

8. Logistician - what kind of profession is this or who is a logistician 📄

A person engaged in logistics activities is referred to as "logistician" (logistician).

Logistics is responsible for optimizing product sales flows by performing various tasks to rationalize and increase the efficiency of material and information flows in conditions of limited time and specifying the starting and ending points.

The areas of work of a logistics specialist (manager) are as follows:

• transportation carried out by more than one vehicle under one contract, called multimodal;
• freight forwarding;
• warehouse management and control of materials storage;
• control of material and technical base;
• filling out and submitting the necessary customs documents;
• planning and management within corporate logistics;
• ensuring control over services related to information, reference and service activities;
• sales control of distribution of inventory items;
• other.

A successful logistician must master the free use of computer programs , such as: 1C , Bank-client And other , and also be able to quickly find high-quality and reliable information that is relevant at the moment.

A prerequisite for the activity of a logistician is the ability to make forecasts for sales, purchases and possible transport difficulties, assimilate and apply statistical data in daily work.

9. Conclusion + video on the topic 🎥

The importance of properly organizing the delivery of goods during sales, coordinating purchasing processes and controlling warehouse operations is undeniable. At the same time, it is important to understand exactly what services can be provided logistics company, as well as what logisticians should do within the enterprise.

The efficiency of any business directly depends on costs, including transport operations . For example, when managing, it is important to understand what part of the costs will be on delivery of goods, since, as a rule, buyers of Chinese “trend” goods (usually goods costing about $10-20) have to spend a third of the cost on delivery.

Nowadays, the Russian market is represented by a wide selection of transportation partners and a range of services provided. No less important are the guarantees that the forwarder can provide.

Logistics, as a separate branch of business, has emerged relatively recently, however, has already firmly established itself in the market. At the same time, there are many types and directions of it, which you have already familiarized yourself with in the article.

Now you know how important it is to choose the right partner for transportation, what skills a logistician should have, and which companies occupy top positions in the logistics services market.

Dear readers of the magazine “RichPro.ru”, we will be grateful if you share your wishes, experiences and comments on the topic of publication in the comments below.