LOGISTICS, OPERATIONS, AUTOMATION
DR. M.A. CHERKAWANI (IMAN)
LOGISTICS
Definition: The management of
transporting goods, services, and
information from origin to
destination.
Key Elements: Transportation,
warehousing, inventory
management, and coordination.
Real-World Example: How
online orders arrive at your door
(ordering, packing, shipping,
delivery).
OPERATIONS
Definition: Day-to-day activities
involved in producing goods and
services.
Importance: Ensures businesses
run efficiently and meet customer
demands.
Examples: Manufacturing cars,
producing food in a factory,
processing transactions in a bank
PROCESSES & PROCEDURES
Process: A series of steps or activities to complete a task or achieve an objective.
Example: Organizing a wedding is a complex process.
Procedure: Specific instructions on how to carry out a process.
Example: 1-Finding out how many
guests there are, 2-Asking if they have
Allergies, 3-Ordering food & drinks,
4-Arranging a band, 5-Booking a hall,
6-Designing the hall, 7-Arranging
Transportation, 8-Providing security,
9-Choosing and sending invitations, …
WHY ARE PROCESSES AND PROCEDURES IMPORTANT?
Consistency: Ensures tasks are done the same way
every time.
Efficiency: Saves time and resources.
Reliability: Reduces errors, increases customer
satisfaction.
Example: Fast-food restaurants have standard
procedures to prepare and serve food quickly.
AUTOMATION IN MODERN INDUSTRIES
Definition: The use of technology to perform tasks without human intervention.
Purpose: Increases speed, accuracy, and reduces costs.
Examples: Robots in factories, self-checkout systems in stores, AI in customer service
BENEFITS OF AUTOMATION
Efficiency: Speeds up repetitive tasks.
Accuracy: Reduces human errors.
Cost-Effective: Saves money by
reducing labor costs.
Example: Automated assembly lines in
car manufacturing.
DRAWBACKS OF AUTOMATION
Efficiency: Speeds up repetitive tasks.
Accuracy: Reduces human errors.
Cost-Effective: Saves money by reducing labor costs.
Example: Automated assembly
lines in car manufacturing.
TECHNOLOGY IN LOGISTICS
High Initial Cost: Setting up automated
systems can be expensive.
Job Impact: Some jobs may be replaced
by technology.
Maintenance Needs: Automated systems
require regular maintenance to function
smoothly.
THE ROLE OF AI IN OPERATIONS
Definition: AI (Artificial Intelligence)
helps make smart decisions by
analyzing large amounts of data.
Applications in Operations:
Predicting product demand, quality
control, customer service.
Example: AI algorithms
recommending products based on
past purchases.
THE FUTURE OF LOGISTICS AND OPERATIONS
Trends: Increased automation, use of data for efficiency, environmentally friendly practices.
Future Technologies: Self-driving delivery trucks, more advanced AI, drone deliveries.
Why It Matters: These advancements shape the way we receive goods and services quickly and
sustainably.
SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
Description: The coordination of all activities
involved in sourcing, manufacturing, and
delivering goods.
Key Components: Suppliers, manufacturers,
warehouses, distribution centers, and retailers.
Example Topic: How raw materials are
transformed into products that reach consumers.
JUST-IN-TIME (JIT) INVENTORY
•Description: A strategy where materials are received only
when needed in the production process.
•Purpose: Reduces waste and saves
storage costs.
•Example: Car manufacturers receive
parts just before assembly, minimizing
inventory costs.
LEAN MANUFACTURING
Description: A production method focused on minimizing
waste while maximizing productivity.
Key Principles: Waste includes underused talent,
excess inventories or ineffective or wasteful processes
and procedures.
Example Topic: How companies like Toyota use lean
manufacturing to reduce costs and improve quality.
ROBOTICS IN WAREHOUSING
Description: Use of robots to
automate tasks like picking, packing,
and moving goods.
Benefits: Increases efficiency, reduces
labor costs, improves accuracy.
Example Topic: How Amazon uses
robots to streamline warehouse
operations.
DATA ANALYTICS IN OPERATIONS
Description: Using data to make
informed decisions and optimize
operations.
Applications: Forecasting demand,
managing inventory, improving delivery
times.
Example Topic: How data is used to
predict shopping trends and stock
products accordingly.
RFID TECHNOLOGY (RADIO-FREQUENCY
IDENTIFICATION)
Description: Uses electromagnetic
fields to automatically identify and
track tags attached to objects.
Usage: Tracking inventory, preventing
theft, improving supply chain
transparency.
Example Topic: How stores use RFID
to track products from warehouses
to shelves.
QUALITY CONTROL AND ASSURANCE
Description: Processes ensuring
products meet quality standards.
Methods: Testing, inspection, and
compliance with safety and quality
regulations.
Example Topic: The importance of
quality control in industries like
pharmaceuticals and electronics.
AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES IN LOGISTICS
Description: Self-driving trucks and drones
used for transportation and delivery.
Benefits and Challenges: Reduces human
error, improves efficiency; faces regulatory
and technological challenges.
Example Topic: The role of autonomous
delivery drones in the future of e-
commerce.
PROCESS MAPPING
Description: Creating a visual diagram of a
process to improve understanding and
identify inefficiencies.
Purpose: Helps teams understand each step
and find ways to improve workflow.
Example Topic: Mapping out the process of
delivering an online order to highlight areas
for improvement.
AUTOMATED MAINTENANCE
Description: Using sensors and data analysis to predict when equipment
will need maintenance.
Benefits: Reduces downtime, prevents breakdowns, and saves repair
costs.
Example Topic: Boeing
checks the health of the
plane parts for safety.
INTERNET OF THINGS
Description: Connecting devices
and sensors to the internet to
share data and improve efficiency.
Applications: Real-time tracking of
shipments, monitoring warehouse
conditions.
Example Topic: How IoT sensors
monitor temperature-sensitive
shipments like vaccines.
