Chapter 1. Basic Concepts of Logistics
Chapter 1. Basic Concepts of Logistics
Management
MSc. Dang Thuy Long Chau
Course Assessment Methods
Attendance 1
Evaluation of students' regular participation in
class, including arriving on time and engaging in
class activities. 2 Short Tests
Students will have 7 short tests, each with 20
theory questions and 10 selft-thinking
questions in multiple choice. The test duration is
Presentations 3 from 30 to 40 minutes at the end of the self-
Starting from Chapter 3, students will be divided study session (based on the duration of chapter).
into groups of 5 to give 30-minute presentations.
1-2 groups will present per session.
4 Final Exam
The final exam will consist of 30 theory
questions and 30 selft-thinking questions, with a
test duration of 60 minutes.
Course Content
This course will provide students with basic knowledge and skills in Logistics management. The main content includes:
"What role does logistics play and at what stage in the supply chain?"
1.1. Concept of Logistics
Logistics plays a crucial role in the supply chain, ensuring smooth operation from raw materials to the final product. In the
supply chain, logistics is present in the stages from raw materials to the final product, including the distribution process to
the customer.
1.1. 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 condition, warehousing, packaging, order
movement and storage of goods, at the right place, at the right time processing, inventory
services, or information from the and at the most reasonable cost management, and customer
point of origin to the final for right customer. service.
destination.
Stages of Logistics Service Development
Stage 1: Physical Distribution (1960s 1
- 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 Management 3 activities such as transportation, warehousing,
(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.
Phase 1: Distribution
Transportation
1
Timely and efficient transportation of goods
Distribution
2
Optimized 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 phase, 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 purpose is to meet
customer needs in the most optimal way.
Activities in Phase 1
The first phase of the logistics service focuses on physical distribution, moving products efficiently from the manufacturer
to the customer's hands. This is a period when businesses recognize that optimizing distribution is a competitive
advantage.
Transportation: Optimize transportation modes such as road, rail, and sea to ensure goods are delivered on time at the
lowest cost.
Storage: Manage warehouses to maintain a continuous flow of goods, reduce waiting time, and increase efficiency.
Inventory management: Includes activities such as receiving, inspecting, storing, packaging, and distributing goods.
Although more scientifically organized, the logistics processes in this phase still operate in silos between different
departments.
Phase 2: Logistics System
In this phase, 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 efficient manner.
Activities in Phase 2
Phase 2 marks the transition from simple distribution to an integrated logistics system. This system combines various
activities to optimize the supply chain.
Warehouse Management
1 Storage, handling, and control of goods.
Transportation
2
Moving goods from origin to destination.
Inventory Management
3
Tracking, forecasting, and adjusting inventory levels.
Order Processing
4
Receiving, processing, and delivering orders to customers.
Information
5
Collecting, processing, and sharing logistics information.
These activities are connected through an information system, allowing businesses to effectively control the entire logistics
process.
Stage 3: Supply Chain Management (21st
Century)
Urban Logistics
Developing efficient transportation and distribution solutions in dense
urban environments, utilizing small distribution centers and flexible
delivery vehicles.
Space Optimization
2 Modern storage systems not only help 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/Retrieval Systems (AS/RS) are applied
to enhance efficiency.
Risk Minimization
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.
Search for 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 adjust replenishment plans in a
timely manner. 6 Kitting
Assemble related products into complete
product kits to meet special customer
requirements.
Transshipment Hubs in Logistics Services
Operating 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.
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.
Strategic Level includes capacity and capability planning, alliances and collaborations, as well as system customization to
meet long-term business objectives.
Control Level focuses on monitoring and evaluating the performance of the system, including customer service, system
productivity, cost control, and effective asset utilization.
Workflow of the Logistics Management
System
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 such as delivery time, cost, and
customer satisfaction, the system's
effectiveness is evaluated.
Additional Services in Logistics
1 2 3
Advantages
High Proactivity: The owner of the goods can independently provide Logistics at any time.
Tight Control: The company has tight control over the transportation process and service quality.
Long-term Cost Reduction: For large companies, investing in Logistics infrastructure can reduce long-term costs
compared to outsourcing.
Disadvantages
High Initial Investment: Investing in infrastructure, transportation, and human resources requires a large initial
investment.
Management and Operation Capability: For companies without sufficient scale, experience, expertise, and quality
of personnel, the 1PL model can pose many difficulties, reduce efficiency, increase risks, and be quite costly.
Limited Scope: Small companies have a limited transportation scope and cannot expand to a large or
international scale like other Logistics models.
1 2 3
1 2
Inventory Management No need to store inventory, suppliers Merchants own the inventory, but
hold and manage the inventory. the warehouse and management
are handled by 3PL.
Initial Costs Lower, as there is no need to invest Higher costs 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.
Dropshipping vs. Third-Party Logistics (3PL)
Criteria Dropshipping Third-Party Logistics (3PL)
Customer Experience May be inferior due to longer Improves customer experience with
delivery times and difficulty faster delivery and easier returns
handling returns or warranties. management.
Scalability Easy to scale quickly without Scalable, but dependent on the 3PL's
worrying about warehousing or warehouse capacity and
inventory management. capabilities.
Returns More complex, as the seller needs Easier, as the 3PL can assist with
to work with the supplier to handle processing returns and warranties.
returns.
Profitability Lower profit margins due to high Potentially higher profit margins as
competition and the need to share the seller controls the entire supply
profits with the supplier. chain.
Suitable for Small businesses, startups, or those Larger businesses that want to
who don't want to invest heavily in optimize their logistics processes
warehousing and logistics but still maintain control over
management. inventory and customer service.
Fourth Party Logistics (4PL)
Comprehensive Integration Design and Operation Holistic Management
As an integrator: consolidating, Design, build, and operate a Responsible for managing the flow
connecting the resources, potential, complete Logistics chain. of logistics, 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 the 4PL
Model
Advantages Disadvantages
Comprehensive management: Integrates the entire Loss of direct control: Completely dependent on the
supply chain, helping to optimize logistics. 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 Dependence on a single partner: High risk if there
logistics according to needs. are issues with the provider.
Difficulty in partner selection: Need to choose a
suitable and reliable provider.
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
Step 3: Notification: when transporting raw materials, the supplier will electronically declare the tracking information of
the shipment for the company.
Step 4: Load Arrival: move the received goods to the yard/warehouse or the designated recipient according to the
company's instructions.
Step 5: Receiving: employees unload the goods, scan the barcodes, and inventory the goods to ensure they match the
purchase order. After that, the goods will be transferred to the production warehouse at the factory or the production
facility to continue the production activities.
Step 6: Reverse Logistics: the team receives and transports the returns from customers due to defective goods, issues
in the delivery process, repairs, etc.
Outbound Logistics
Objectives Ensure products are delivered to customers quickly, in the right quantities, and at the right time
to effectively meet their needs.
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.
Outbound Logistics Process
Step 1: Customer Order: customers place orders through the company's sales channels.
Step 2: Order Processing: the company confirms the order, receives the requested quantity, and checks if the inventory
has enough to fulfill the order.
Step 3: Order Confirmation and Replenishment: at this stage, the reserved inventory will be transferred to the main
storage, replacing the products the customer has purchased. This process may trigger the production of more goods or
the procurement of raw materials from suppliers to maintain a stable inventory level.
Step 4: Picking: warehouse staff select the goods from the reserve inventory to complete the order.
Step 5: Packing, Staging & Loading: staff pack, label, and document the order according to internal and customer
requirements. They then proceed to load the goods onto the trucks.
Step 6: Shipping & Documenting: the order leaves the warehouse and is transported to distributors or partners. The
company's system will record the shipment and send detailed information to the customer for tracking.
Step 7: Last Mile Delivery: the order is transported from the distributor to the end consumer.
Inbound Logistics vs. Outbound Logistics
Strategic Planning Provide the necessary raw materials Meet customer demand, support
for the factory to produce the the sales process to increase
products. profitability.
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.
Foward Logistics & Reverse Logistics
Classification of Logistics Activities by
Commodity Object
1 2 3
Production Logistics
Manage activities such as production planning, storage
arrangement, and transportation of products between
production stages.
a. Procurement Logistics
Supply Management Transportation & Delivery
Procurement logistics involves managing and Activities such as transportation planning, warehouse
organizing the processes related to the supply of management, order processing, and delivery are carried
necessary input factors for the production and business out to ensure that input factors are supplied in a timely
operations of the enterprise. and efficient manner.
The classification of logistics activities, based on service levels, commodity objects, and scope of operations, was
discussed, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of the field. Finally, we examined the different types of logistics by position
in the supply chain, including purchasing, production, and distribution logistics.