Chapter 2. Overview of Logistics
Chapter 2. Overview of Logistics
Overview
of Logistics
MSc. Dang Thuy Long Chau
2.1. Historical Milestones
of Logistics
Logistics is a concept with a long history of development, originating from
the need to transport and manage goods, people, and resources in military,
economic, and commercial activities. From ancient times to the present,
logistics has gone through many important stages of development, adapting
to changes in technology, economy, and society.
Ancient and Medieval Periods
2 Ancient China
Sun Tzu, in his work "The Art of War," also emphasized the importance of supply and transportation in
warfare.
4 Age of Exploration
Explorers like Christopher Columbus and Vasco da Gama relied on logistics networks to expand trade
routes and connect continents.
The Industrial Revolution
Era
Transportation Development
The development of railroads, steamships, and transportation systems
completely transformed transportation and logistics activities.
Large-Scale Transportation
The ability to quickly transport large quantities of goods helped drive the
development of the economy and industry.
Logistics Optimization
Logistics during this period were also more optimized with the
construction of large-scale warehouses, seaports, and distribution
systems.
The 20th Century and
World Wars
Development of Military Logistics
1 Military logistics underwent significant advancements during
World War I and World War II.
E-commerce
The development of e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Alibaba has
changed the way logistics operates. Companies must develop fast and
timely distribution and delivery systems.
Logistics 4.0 Trends and
Sustainable Development
(from 2010 to present)
1 Logistics 4.0
The emergence of Logistics 4.0 is based on technologies such as
Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Blockchain, and
Big Data. This helps optimize processes from warehousing,
transportation to distribution.
2 Green Logistics
Pressure from environmental issues and climate change has driven
the development of more sustainable logistics solutions such as
transportation vehicles powered by renewable energy, and optimized
routing to minimize carbon emissions.
Summary of the History of Logistics
Development
Period Key Characteristics
"What role does Logistics play and in which stage of the supply chain?"
2.2.1. Concept of Logistics
Logistics plays an important role in the supply chain, ensuring smooth operation from raw materials to the final product. In
the supply chain, logistics is present at all stages from raw materials to the final product, including the distribution process
to the customer.
2.2.1. Concept of Logistics
Definition Objectives Scope
Logistics is the process of The main objective of logistics is Logistics includes various
managing and optimizing the to ensure the right product, the activities such as transportation,
processes related to the right quantity, the right quality, warehousing, packaging, order
movement and storage of goods, at the right location, at the right processing, inventory
services, or information from the time and with the most management, and customer
point of origin to the final reasonable cost. service.
destination.
2.2.2. Stages of Logistics Service
Development
Stage 1: Physical Distribution 1
(1960s - 1970s)
In this stage, logistics services focused on the
movement and distribution of goods efficiently, 2 Stage 2: Logistics Systems (1980s
aiming to meet customer demand. - 1990s)
This stage witnessed the development of
logistics systems with the integration of
Stage 3: Supply Chain 3 activities such as transportation, warehousing,
Management (21st Century) inventory management, and order processing.
In the new era, logistics has become a critical
part of supply chain management, connecting
all the stages from suppliers to end customers.
Stage 1: Distribution
Transportation
1
Efficient and timely transportation of goods
Distribution
2
Optimal distribution of products and goods to customers
Warehousing
3
Safe and efficient storage and preservation of goods
Packaging
4
Attractive packaging and labeling to protect goods
In the Distribution stage, the related activities such as transportation, distribution, storage, and packaging are closely
coordinated to ensure the effective and timely delivery of products and goods to customers. The goal is to optimally meet
customer needs.
Stage 2: Logistics System
In this stage, logistics activities such as inventory management, transportation, and order processing are integrated into a
complete logistics system. This helps optimize operations, meet customer needs in a timely and more efficient manner.
Stage 3: Supply Chain Management (21st
Century)
3 Enhanced Competitiveness
Businesses with an efficient logistics system can quickly meet market
demands and adapt to changes in the supply chain.
2.3. Basic Contents of
Logistics Management
2.3.1. Concept of Logistics Management
Space Optimization
2 Modern storage systems not only save space, but also optimize the time for searching and processing goods.
Supporting Technologies
4 In some cases, technologies such as robots and automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) are applied
to improve efficiency.
Risk Reduction
5 Effective storage management ensures that goods are always ready when needed and minimizes the risk of
shortages or damage.
Warehouse Operations Process
Warehouse Operations Process
Receiving 1
Receive and inspect incoming goods to ensure
accurate quality and quantity.
2 Put away
Classify and arrange goods in optimal storage
locations based on their characteristics and
Picking 3 usage frequency.
Locate and retrieve the correct items according
to order requirements, ensuring accuracy and
efficiency. 4 Packing
Pack goods safely, attractively, and appropriately
for each product type.
Inventory 5
Monitor and update inventory status to forecast
demand and make timely replenishment
adjustments. 6 Kitting
Assemble related products into complete
product kits to meet special customer
requirements.
Transport service include Transshipment
Transportation Modes Transportation Management
There are various transportation modes, including Transportation Management Systems (TMS) help track
road, rail, sea, and air. The choice of mode depends on routes, optimize routes, and ensure on-time delivery at
distance, delivery time, and type of goods. reasonable cost.
The Operational Level includes activities such as order registration, order processing, inventory planning, warehousing
and distribution, transportation, and delivery. These are the daily tasks that need to be performed to maintain a seamless
and timely logistics operation.
The Tactical Level involves issues such as inventory management, facility planning, channel integration, vehicle routing
and scheduling, as well as outsourcing services. These tasks help optimize operational efficiency in the short and medium
term.
The Strategic Level includes capacity and capability planning, alliances and collaborations, as well as system
customization to meet long-term business objectives.
The Control Level focuses on monitoring and evaluating the performance of the system, including customer service,
system productivity, cost control, and effective asset utilization.
Logistics Management System Workflow
Logistics Management System Workflow
Order Placement 1
Customers place orders, generating information
about products, quantities, and delivery times.
2 Planning
The logistics management system plans the
order processing, including scheduling
transportation, arranging goods, and allocating
Execution 3 resources.
Activities such as receiving goods, inspecting,
warehousing, packaging, and transportation are
carried out to fulfill the order.
4 Monitoring
The system tracks the order processing, updates
the status, and provides information to the
Evaluation 5 customers.
Based on KPIs like delivery time, cost, and
customer satisfaction, the system's effectiveness
is evaluated.
C. Additional Services in Logistics
1 2 3
Disadvantages
High Initial Investment: Investing in infrastructure, transportation, and human resources requires a large initial
investment.
Management and Operation Capability: For enterprises without sufficient scale, experience, expertise, and
quality of human resources, the 1PL model will create many difficulties, reduce efficiency, increase risks, and be
quite costly.
Limited Scope: Small enterprises have limited transportation scope and cannot expand to a large or
international scale like other Logistics models.
Vinafco
Vinafco provides transportation, warehousing
Viettel Post management, and goods distribution services for
Viettel Post is a major logistics company specializing in various industries. The company specializes in
freight delivery, providing road transportation and transporting goods for multiple sectors, including
delivery services for domestic customers. manufacturing, retail, and consumer goods.
Third-Party Logistics (3PL)
1 Comprehensive 2 Diverse Services 3 Integrated System
Management Handles import/export Integrates with the customer's
Manages the execution of procedures, freight system, providing higher
logistics services for each transportation, combined efficiency.
functional department on circulation, inventory storage,
behalf of the business owner. and information processing.
Advantages and Disadvantages of 3PL
Advantages Disadvantages
Optimize logistics processes: Professional Loss of direct control: Dependent on the provider
providers manage all logistics activities. for logistics operations.
Cost savings: No need to invest in logistics Service costs: Can be high, especially for complex
infrastructure or personnel. services.
High expertise: Utilize expertise and wide networks Quality risks: Quality depends on the provider,
to improve efficiency. which can impact service.
Flexible scalability: Services can be easily adjusted Complex relationship management: Requires close
to business needs. coordination with the provider.
Data security: Risk of information security when
sharing with a third party.
Gemadept Logistics
Gemadept offers 3PL services with an extensive
DHL Express
warehousing network and a robust transportation
DHL is one of the world's largest logistics service
system. Gemadept provides logistics solutions for
providers, offering 3PL services in Vietnam. DHL
various industries, including automotive, consumer
provides comprehensive supply chain management
goods, and manufacturing.
solutions, including transportation, warehousing, order
processing, and inventory management.
1 2 3
1 2
Inventory Management No need to store inventory, Sellers own the inventory, but the
suppliers hold and manage the warehouse and management are
inventory. handled by 3PL.
Initial Cost Lower, as no investment is required Higher cost due to the need to
in warehousing and inventory. invest in inventory and 3PL service
fees.
Process Control Lower control, as the supplier is Higher control, can customize and
responsible from production to manage the quality of the delivery
delivery. service.
Delivery Speed Depends on the supplier and their Faster delivery speed as the goods
location, often slower as the goods are stored domestically or in
may be shipped from overseas. warehouses closer to the customers.
Product Quality Cannot be directly controlled, Can control the product quality
depends on the supplier. before delivery.
Fourth Party Logistics (4PL)
Comprehensive Design and Operation Comprehensive
Integration Management
Design, build, and operate a
As an integrator: consolidating, complete Logistics chain. Responsible for managing the
connecting the resources, potential, logistics flow, providing solutions,
and scientific and technical facilities planning, logistics consulting, and
of its own with other organizations. transportation management.
Manage the entire logistics process.
Advantages and Disadvantages of 4PL
Advantages Disadvantages
Comprehensive Management: Integrates the entire Loss of Direct Control: Complete dependence on
supply chain, helping to optimize logistics. the provider.
Resource Savings: Businesses can focus on core High Costs: Service costs may be high due to
activities without having to manage logistics. complexity.
High Expertise: Ensures efficiency with the Quality Risks: Service quality depends on the
provider's advanced expertise and technology. provider.
Flexible Scalability: Easy to adjust the scale of Single Partner Dependence: High risk if there are
logistics according to needs. issues with the provider.
GEFCO
GEFCO is a renowned 4PL company, specializing in
providing integrated logistics services for complex
supply chains, particularly in the automotive industry DHL Supply Chain & Global Forwarding
and other manufacturing sectors.
DHL is not only a 3PL company but also provides 4PL
services. DHL has the capability to manage and
integrate the entire supply chain for large customers,
from suppliers and manufacturing to distribution.
Fifth-Party Logistics (5PL)
1 New Model 2 Advanced Technology 3 Comprehensive
5PL is an advanced logistics Utilizing information Management
service model. It focuses on technology and data, 5PL 5PL providers have the
optimizing the entire supply efficiently manages logistics capability to comprehensively
chain, from raw material operations, optimizing manage the supply chain,
procurement to final customer transportation cycles, including selecting other
delivery. warehousing, and order logistics service providers for
processing. transportation, warehousing,
order fulfillment, etc.
Advantages and Disadvantages of 5PL
Advantages Disadvantages
Integrated supply chain management: Dependence on technology: Requires a complex
Comprehensive management of multiple resources technology system and the ability to manage large
and suppliers, leading to optimization across the amounts of data.
entire chain. High costs: The complex services and high-tech
Cost optimization: Use of advanced technologies integration can lead to higher costs.
and data analysis to optimize logistics processes Loss of control: Businesses become fully dependent
and reduce costs. on the 5PL provider to manage the supply chain.
High scalability: Suitable for businesses with large- Security risks: Sharing data with multiple third
scale, complex, or cross-border transportation parties can increase the risk of information leaks.
needs.
Requires appropriate scale: Not suitable for small
High automation: Application of advanced businesses with simple logistics needs.
technologies like artificial intelligence and process
automation to improve efficiency.
Multi-supplier management: Ability to coordinate
and manage multiple different logistics suppliers
within a single system.
1 2 3
Outbound Logistics
The process of transporting, storing, and controlling
finished products from the business to the customer.
The purpose is to meet customer needs in a timely and
efficient manner.
Inbound Logistics
Location Track and manage the location of products during transportation, ensuring products are
Management delivered to the correct customer address.
Time Develop detailed transportation plans, forecast demand and delivery times to ensure products
Management are delivered within the customer's required timeframe.
Cost Management Optimize transportation, storage, and delivery costs to minimize distribution expenses and
meet the company's profit objectives.
Reverse Logistics
1 Reclamation 2 Reuse 3 Recycling
Reclaiming by-products, waste Processing and reusing used Recycling recyclable materials
materials, and elements that products. to minimize environmental
impact the environment. impact.
4 Environmental Protection
Contributing to environmental protection through effective waste management.
C. Classification of Logistics Activities by
Commodity
1 2 3
Production Logistics
Manage activities such as production planning, storage
arrangement, and transportation of products between
production stages.
a. Purchasing Logistics
Supply Management Transportation & Delivery
Purchasing logistics involves managing and organizing Activities such as transportation planning, warehouse
the processes related to the supply of necessary input management, order processing, and delivery are
factors for the production and business operations of carried out to ensure that input factors are supplied in a
the enterprise. timely and efficient manner.
Urban Logistics
Developing efficient transportation and distribution solutions in densely
populated urban environments, utilizing small distribution centers and
flexible delivery vehicles.
Digitalization in Logistics
Digitalization helps automate processes, enhance transparency, improve
tracking and data analysis, allowing businesses to optimize operational
efficiency and reduce costs.
Chapter 2 Summary