In order to collaborate effectively and build shared understanding, it is important that we use consistent definitions and concepts when discussing logistics and supply chain management. This text has been written as part of the LOBRA project.
Logistics and supply chain management are key functions in the movement of goods, services and information. They support the flow of materials and products from origin to destination, ensuring availability in production, retail and service environments.
Logistics involves the planning and coordination of transportation, warehousing, inventory, and related data flows. It is concerned with how materials are stored and moved to meet operational needs. Transportation is one of its main components and covers the use of different modes such as road, rail, sea and air to move goods efficiently and safely.
According to the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP), logistics is:
“The part of the supply chain process that plans, implements and controls the efficient, effective forward and reverse flow and storage of goods, services and related information between the point of origin and the point of consumption in order to meet customer requirements.”
— CSCMP, 2013
Supply Chain Management (SCM) refers to the broader coordination of activities across suppliers, manufacturers, logistics providers, distributors and customers. It includes sourcing, production, logistics and the management of information and relationships across the entire chain. The goal is to align operations, reduce inefficiencies and meet customer demand.
Martin Christopher, a prominent author in the field describes SCM as:
“The management of upstream and downstream relationships with suppliers and customers in order to deliver superior customer value at less cost to the supply chain as a whole.”
— Christopher, M. (2016). Logistics & Supply Chain Management (5th ed.)
SCM includes tasks such as:
- Managing supplier relationships
- Coordinating production and distribution
- Monitoring inventory and demand
- Responding to disruptions
- Tracking performance and cost
While logistics focuses on execution, SCM covers strategy and integration across multiple actors. Logistics is considered a subset of supply chain management.
This is the area of focus for the Logistics Laboratory (LOBRA). The laboratory studies logistics and supply chain systems, including transport corridor modeling, to support planning and policy development through data analysis and applied research.
If you are interested in the field of logistics and supply chain management and want to stay informed about developments and trends, keep in touch with the project!
Project number: 404191