Logistics and supply chain management involves planning, implementing, and controlling the efficient flow of goods, services, and information from suppliers to customers. Key activities include order processing, inventory management, materials planning, warehousing, and transportation. The objectives are to meet customer service standards, reduce costs and cycle times. Integrated supply networks involving partnerships between companies have been predicted to improve information sharing, decision making, collaboration and speed of execution. Third and fourth party logistics providers offer outsourced services to manage portions of companies' supply chains. Global logistics requires coordination of product and information flows internationally while addressing issues like transportation costs, integration across cultures and customer service consistency.