What is the difference between supply chain management and supply chain process integration?
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4 minutes to read Do you have difficulty understanding the difference between the terms Integrated Logistics and Supply Chain? That’s ok! Sometimes they get confused, but actually the idea of the two definitions is to cooperate with each other. You still don’t understand, do you? Then, follow this text and we will explain what each of these areas is about and you will discover how they can cooperate with companies. Be sure to read this content! Getting to know better what integrated logistics and supply chain areThe first thing you need to understand is that both integrated logistics and supply chain are important, however the two are interdependent. That is, one depends on the other for good performance. But here is a simple explanation of each area: Integrated Logistics involves several departments of an organization that work in sync so that distribution operations gain quality and agility, while the Supply Chain involves logistics, but goes beyond distribution and the organization itself. It manages operations between other organizations ranging from resource acquisition, production to delivery to the end customer. Now that you know what these two terms are about, let’s understand what the differences are. Integrated logistics would be responsible for intra-company integration, while supply chain would be inter-company management, among other organizations. Regarding the differences between integrated logistics and supply chain, we can say that the first seeks integration within organizations. This connection between departments is intended to make operations in a more flexible way, thus offering a quick response to demands. The supply chain has a more strategic role. It works in partnership with suppliers, manufacturers and others to increase competitive advantage. See what advantages of integrated logistics synchronized with the supply chain areThere is no doubt that integrated logistics are capable of significantly increasing the performance of the supply chain and making processes in a more flexible way. But let’s get to know in detail some of the benefits of this union: . An integrated logistics in the supply chain increases knowledge between partners and thus gains more possibilities for launching new products and services; . The exchange of information increases trust throughout the chain, as it creates an environment with less uncertainty; . It increases efficiency in activities ranging from planning, manufacturing to distribution; . The supply chain becomes more effective in managing risk; . It increases commitment between partners; . It improves customer satisfaction regarding the quality of services and products. After knowing all these advantages, it is clear that it is worth investing in the synchronization between integrated logistics and the supply chain, because this is the way to a well-coordinated supply chain and a way to stimulate joint benefits, and particularly for companies that want to achieve greater chain productivity and innovation capacity. If you want to have access to more content about the management of logistical processes, follow our pages on Facebook and Linkedin to keep up to date on the main news in the sector! There are plenty of similarities between supply chain management (SCM) and logistics, but there are key differences that separate the two practices. Understanding the role each plays can help companies make operational improvements, enhance customer service and build a competitive advantage. In this article:
Supply chain logistics coordinate the storage and shipping of goods and services across the supply chain. The practice begins with raw materials, continues on to manufacturing and/or distribution and ends when a business delivers finished goods to the customer or when products are returned to their final destination. Key Takeaways
Are Logistics and Supply Chain Management the Same Thing?Logistics focuses on the movement and storage of items in the supply chain. Supply chain management (SCM) is more comprehensive, covering all of the coordination between partners that have a role in this network, including sourcing, manufacturing, transporting, storing and selling. The ultimate goal of SCM is to find processes that ensure a smooth, efficient flow of goods that give customers an excellent experience and drive the business forward. While supply chain management handles activities between separate entities, logistics focuses on the internal movement of goods. Additionally, SCM supports all purchasing, production and distribution of goods. Logistics, meanwhile, moves and stores goods between different points in the supply chain. To learn more, read our article on inbound and outbound logistics. Supply Chain Management vs. LogisticsSCM includes the high-level processes involved in sourcing and buying raw materials and eventually creating finished goods. SCM uses logistics to deliver goods to the consumer, but it ultimately strives to boost the bottom line and increase a business’s competitive edge. In other words, SCM sets the strategy and directs daily logistical activities that happen in factories, warehouses, local shipping centers and other facilities. Logistics is an aspect of the supply chain that stores or delivers finished goods or services to the customer, whether that’s a manufacturer, distributor or consumer. The goal of logistics is to get goods and services to the customer on time and at a competitive price. Learn more in our introductory logistics guide. What Is Supply Chain Management?Supply chain management refers to the activities that create finished goods from raw materials and deliver them to the customer. SCM also focuses on improving supply chain processes, which can benefit both customers and business partners. A company can only optimize and continuously refine SCM when it has visibility across its supply chain. This visibility enables companies to track goods and services as they move through each stage of the supply chain, which makes it much easier to see if everything is running as planned. It also gives decision-makers more time to respond to disruptions or other roadblocks. SCM involves overseeing an often-vast network of sub-suppliers (like raw materials providers), suppliers, manufacturers, logistics partners, wholesale distributors, retailers and end users. The relationships between these various stakeholders in the supply chain vary. They can be vertical, such as between parts and materials suppliers, manufacturers and retailers, or horizontal, where a company merges with or acquires a similar business that operates at the same stage of the supply chain. To illustrate how supply chain management works, let’s use a home cleaning products manufacturer as an example. As part of the SCM function, the company sources the chemicals and containers it needs from suppliers, makes the end product and then distributes the finished goods to convenience stores, drug stores and supermarkets. Supply chain management touches on every process involved in the movement of those products. What Are Logistics?Logistics includes planning and executing the storage and movement of goods between different points in the supply chain. Logistics coordinates facilities, people, equipment and other resources to ensure products move when they’re supposed to and there is space for them at the next stop. Demand planning, transportation (including fleet management), inventory management, material handling and order fulfillment are all processes that fall under logistics. To learn more, read our article on logistics management. How Are Supply Chain Management and Logistics the Same?Both supply chain management and logistics focus on the flow of goods from the point of origin to the endpoint. Both disciplines require careful coordination of supplies, labor and facilities to make sure items can move through the supply chain as required. Logistics is a key component of supply chain management, but just one piece of the equation. Similarities of Supply Chain Management and LogisticsSupply chain management and logistics both work to move, store and deliver goods as efficiently as possible. Supply chain management provides the strategic direction that guides inbound and outbound logistics. Some common aspects of SCM and logistics are:
How Are Supply Chain Management and Logistics Different?Supply chain management outlines the strategy and activities that go into planning, sourcing, producing and delivering goods, as well as handling returns. Logistics focuses on the right products being in the right place at the right time, and how to get them there. Key Differences Between Supply Chain Management and LogisticsAs should be clear at this point, supply chain management and logistics definitely intersect, but they differ when it comes to their scope and focus. Key differences between SCM and logistics include:
The Differences Between Supply Chain Management and Logistics
Role of Logistics in Supply Chain ManagementIn supply chain management, logistics are responsible for the movement and storage of goods and services, along with the documents and reports that record those movements throughout an item’s journey to the customer. Logistics include the numerous transportation methods that get inventory from one location to another. This component is responsible for figuring out where goods can be kept at each stage until they’re needed at another location, which is essential to effective supply chain management. Why Logistics Are So Important to Supply ChainsLogistics are a critical piece of supply chains because it manages and tracks the people and resources needed to store and transfer goods and services. Logistics ensure that materials and products reliably move at the right time and on budget. Specific aspects of logistics that support supply chains include:
Why Is Logistics Training So Important to Supply Chains?The field of logistics is constantly evolving as customer trends change. Logistics training helps employees and their companies stay current with best practices. Training gives a company the tools it needs to analyze and improve customer demand, product design and distribution strategies. Why Use Logistics and Supply Chain Management?Logistics and supply chain management help businesses stay competitive. These practices track and coordinate the efficient and cost-effective movement of goods and services, which is key to an organization’s profitability. Logistical Components of the Supply ChainSupply chain logistical components help to manage goods or services. Each element helps move materials, finished goods and services through the many steps in the supply chain. The following are the logistical components of supply chains:
The Role of Logistics within Supply Chain Management
How Both Supply Chain Management and Logistics Are Fundamental to SuccessSupply chain management and logistics both support customer needs and improve the buying experience. Logistics provides direct feedback on customer demand. SCM uses this data to understand what consumers want and plan production and inventory levels. Reliable, cost-effective logistics pave the way to efficient supply chain management. A well-managed supply chain results in filling orders accurately and on time, which over time will attract new clients and grow the bottom line. Many businesses have realized the benefits of using supply chain management software to help mitigate the complexities and challenges of supply chains. This software can unify various aspects of the supply chain, from sourcing to production planning to inventory and order management, to help organizations meet rising customer expectations while keeping costs stable. It can also provide in-depth reporting on various aspects of your operations to highlight opportunities for process improvements or call attention to potential problems. One company transformed its business after adapting supply chain management software. Initially a candy company, Green Rabbit built a heat-sensitive supply chain to help preserve its products during shipment. Other companies took notice, began to pay for the service, and Green Rabbit became a leading cold-chain logistics provider for perishable goods. Green Rabbit implemented NetSuite to manage its growing business, which includes three warehouses and an expanding list of customers. The solution automated many processes and it can now ship orders to all customers in one day. What is the difference between supply chain and integrated supply chain?Integrated Logistics involves several departments of an organization that work in sync so that distribution operations gain quality and agility, while the Supply Chain involves logistics, but goes beyond distribution and the organization itself.
What is supply chain process integration?Supply chain integration defined
Supply chain integration essentially means that the information and communication systems of all stakeholders are able to seamlessly exchange information through all planning, execution and completion of transport and logistics operations throughout a product's life time.
What are the 4 stages of supply chain integration?Integration, operations, purchasing and distribution are the four elements of the supply chain that work together to establish a path to competition that is both cost-effective and competitive. Communicating and collaborating with all parties is a business strategy that eliminates errors and saves money.
What is the difference between supply chain management and supply chain logistics?Logistics focuses on the movement and storage of items in the supply chain. Supply chain management (SCM) is more comprehensive, covering all of the coordination between partners that have a role in this network, including sourcing, manufacturing, transporting, storing and selling.
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