Logistics effectiveness is key to competing in today's global business environment as competitors, vendors, and customers are worldwide. The significant costs of logistics and distribution affect the entire supply chain. Logistics integrates vendors, suppliers, and customers to develop long-lasting alliances while contributing to a competitive advantage by making products more competitive in the marketplace. A formal logistics program can create competitive advantages for a business by distinguishing it from competitors through service and cost benefits and enhancing its status as a global supplier.

1. Logistics Effectiveness Effectiveness, is key to competing in today’s business environment. Logistics is a process, the supply pipeline which connects you with your vendor/supplier and your customer. Whether you compete domestically or globally. Competitors, vendor/suppliers and customers are worldwide.

2. Logistic Impact The significant cost of logistic/distribution effects the entire supply chain. Logistics importance integrates and develops long lasting alliances between vendors/suppliers and customers. Logistics contributes to a competitive advantage, viewed as a comprehensive process objective, making your product more competitive in the marketplace.

3. Key Issues Movement of product. Movement of information. Time/Service. Cost/Price. Integration: Internal, business unit/vendor/supplier, business unit/customer.

4. Logistic Process Customer requirements. Transportation/Distribution costs. Inventory requirements. Sales forecasting. Systems. Order/Delivery cycle time. Market changes. Production/JIT. Procurement.

5. Questions How does your business unit measure up? Is your logistic/distribution network competitive? Does your current logistic/distribution network meet the requirements of your customer? Is it effective?

6. Summary A formal logistics program can/will create a competitive advantage for your business unit. Service and cost benefits can distinguish you from competitors. A formal logistic network program can/will enhance your status as a supplier globally.