Most businesses various forms running a business needs the organization of logistics, as this allows you to competently make the delivery of various products and goods to the final consumer. Not everyone knows that a well-organized work of the logistics department will significantly reduce the cost of products, avoid production downtime, and minimize costs, which ultimately affects the increase in net profit.

What is logistics in simple words?

Logistics is a science that studies the rational transportation of various resources from the producer to the final consumer at the lowest cost. It is an essential tool for running a profitable business for every company. Today, without logistics, it is impossible to imagine the stable operation of most trade and manufacturing enterprises.

Logistics (as a practical activity) is a system of planned management of information, material and cash flows any company. Let's take a closer look at the definition of each of them.

Under the material flows it is customary to understand the raw material base, components and all kinds of materials that are used in production. For its smooth operation, the purchasing and supply department is obliged to purchase everything necessary in advance, and it is also important that the delivery of raw materials is carried out strictly on time. This should also include intra-production transportation and movement of materials and equipment.

The distribution of money and their receipt on the accounts of the company are financial flows. Control over production costs, movement Money, payment of bills and profits is carried out by the financial department of any company.

With regard to information flows, in simple terms, this can be explained as follows: logistics provides a system for distributing the necessary information in such a way as to establish a relationship between the company's divisions and with the end consumer.

As a result, logistics determines the method of transportation (delivery) of the necessary products at the appointed time to the right place, while ensuring the optimal cost of services and the proper conditions for their provision. At the enterprise, the logistics department performs a number of important functions, which include:

• selection of transport companies and suppliers, conclusion of cooperation agreements with them;
• conclusion of contracts with supplier companies on certain conditions;
• consumer segment analysis;
• organization of work with government services and regulatory authorities (customs, traffic police, etc.);
• conclusion of contracts for cooperation with buyers;
• organization of transportation of products and raw materials to the enterprise;
• delivery of goods to the buyer.

The activities of the logistics division are aimed at improving the operation of the enterprise and increasing profits. It is important to understand that most companies invest in the efficient operation of logistics, and these costs are the most significant part of the cost item, which emphasizes the exceptional importance of working in this direction.

Who are logisticians?

Logisticians are specialists who organize the delivery of products from the manufacturer to the end consumer, while ensuring minimal waste of time and financial resources.

Without fail, the logistician takes into account the interests of the manufacturer, consumer and carriers, because the quality of the services provided and the profit of the company ultimately depend on this. This specialist also deals with:

• management of the material base and technical means of the enterprise;
• registration of accompanying and customs documentation;
• control and organization of warehouse activities;
• organization of delivery and forwarding of transported goods;
• search optimal solutions for the sale of finished products.

In addition, the logistician manages a complex of information and service services related to his activities. One of the most important skills that a logistician must possess is the ability to foresee possible risks. For example, when working with a supplier located at a considerable distance from the enterprise, the probability of a failure in the delivery of raw materials increases. This means that traffic accidents and breakdowns of trucks are possible along the way. Therefore, for the fastest possible delivery of the raw materials necessary for the company, the logistician will choose the supplier closest to it in order to eliminate the risk of production downtime.

Important: the specifics of doing business, the features of production and its location, weather conditions, the remoteness of suppliers from the company and many other factors directly affect the development of the work of the logistics department. For this reason, there are no standard schemes for distributing funds, organizing delivery, optimizing routes, and other important functions performed by logisticians. This leads to the fact that specialists, taking into account the specifics of the enterprise, develop optimal logistic models of work, aimed primarily at minimizing costs and making a profit.

Tasks and goals of logistics

Speaking in simple terms about the goals and objectives of logistics, it must be understood that they are aimed at optimizing the movement of products from the manufacturer to the buyer. To do this, the specialists of the logistics department take a comprehensive approach to solving all kinds of issues even at the stage of production of goods, their storage, delivery and marketing.

Production logistics is designed to ensure the planning of the manufacture of various products in accordance with consumer demand. This data and a detailed market analysis are provided by specialists from the sales and marketing departments.

This should also include the solution of problems aimed at ensuring necessary conditions for the smooth operation of the enterprise and production required amount goods. This obliges logisticians to ensure the purchase of equipment and raw materials in the right amount required at all stages of production.

The main tasks of the logistics department should also include the optimization of the work of the warehouse and the delivery of products to the warehouses of the final consumer. Specialists without fail plan the volume of warehouse stocks and monitor the shelf life of goods.

Logistics plan routes for trucks, aircraft and ships, which is necessary to minimize the cost of transporting goods. They also draw up the documentation necessary for transportation, including waybills and customs declarations.

Types of logistics services

Let's take a closer look at the types of logistics services.

Production

Considering the types of logistics services, it is necessary to start with the logistics of production, since it is designed to manage the flow of cash, raw materials and finished products directly within the company. Besides this species activity has an impact on the development of the technological process.

The logistics of production pursues the most important goal, aimed at optimizing the costs of the enterprise. Professionals in the industry do:

• consumer demand analysis;
• production volume planning;
• optimization of work and plans of all production departments;
• tracking the interaction of production departments with the supply and marketing departments of finished products.

Logisticians exercise control over the production process at the enterprise. If necessary, they can make adjustments aimed at optimizing work and increasing profitability.

Informational

This type of logistics activity is aimed at the competent management of information flows, which in parallel accompany the material ones. This is due to the fact that right job with information (timely notification of employees about various delivery problems, changes in production activities, ensuring interaction between departments, etc.) is just as important as the competent management of financial resources.

Specialists in this area are engaged in the optimization of internal and external information flows, channels for their receipt and transmission, as well as the development of internal regulatory documentation.

Transport

These services are aimed at optimizing and developing routes used for the delivery of finished products, raw materials and equipment for manufacturing enterprise. The logistics of road transport is the most relevant, since most of the transportation is carried out trucks. One of the most important goals of this direction is advice, which consists in the delivery of products to the final consumer strictly on the agreed date and time.

Customs

As for customs services in logistics, it is worth noting that this industry is one of the most important in companies engaged in international transportation of various goods. Specialists bear a great responsibility for their activities, since the timeliness of cargo delivery depends on the quality of their work.

Logisticians are responsible for accompanying products to the place of delivery, as well as the availability of all necessary documentation. In addition, specialists are savvy in many legal matters, which allows them to competently draw up customs declarations and accompanying sheets. This makes it possible to avoid cargo delays, production downtime at the enterprise, as well as loss of products.

Purchasing

Procurement logistics services are essentially the work of the supply department, since this industry deals with material flow management. This should include the purchase and distribution of component materials, equipment, raw materials and other components that are necessary for the smooth operation of production. Specialists in this area also perform the following functions:

• organize the delivery of raw materials for production;
• looking for suppliers;
• conclude cooperation agreements;
• ensure proper storage of raw materials prior to their direct use in production units.

The responsibilities of logistics also include optimizing the purchase of raw materials and auxiliary materials so that they are enough for all production cycles (including continuous ones) and there is no downtime. Specialists in this industry play an important role in the development of the company, since the amount of expenses and the cost of goods produced ultimately depend on the quality of their work.

Warehouse

This industry is necessary for the management of warehouse processes. These include the receipt, issuance of materials and raw materials from the equipment warehouse, their storage, as well as the shipment of finished products. Warehouse logistics specialists are directly involved in the selection of storage facilities for the organization and construction, selection of special equipment.

Also, the responsibilities of the logistics department in this area include organizing the work of industrial warehouses, maintaining accounting activities and monitoring the processes of receiving and shipping products.

Inventory Logistics

The efficient operation of production at an enterprise directly depends on the organization of processes for managing stocks of finished products, raw materials and necessary materials. This is what inventory logistics does. The specialists of the department calculate the required volume of stocks of raw materials and finished goods (products) in the production as a whole and form them. The main task of this industry is to ensure the continuous operation of production processes at the enterprise.

Problems of logistics in Russia

As practice shows, the logistics system in the Russian Federation is an order of magnitude more complicated and requires significant costs compared to other countries. This is due to certain reasons and the specifics of the state.

First of all, it should be noted that the territory of the country is vast, so enterprises that are engaged in the transportation of goods have to face the problem of overcoming significant distances. This leads to significant costs for the purchase of fuel and lubricants, spare parts, performance repair work. It is easy to guess that even those logistics companies that carry out cargo transportation within their region incur significant costs due to the need for long distances.

Next major problem all logistics enterprises is poor quality pavement on Russian territory. The performance of repair and service work cannot but affect the final cost of transporting products.

Logisticians are also not happy with harsh climatic conditions, because winter time in most regions, it is quite long, which leads to significant fuel consumption and an increase in the cost of services for storing products in warehouses. This is because the cost of heating large areas essential, and without providing the necessary temperature conditions, the storage of most goods is simply not possible.

Logistics problems also include shortcomings in legislative framework RF. For example, companies are often faced with the impossibility of obtaining monetary compensation (of course, by decision of the judiciary) from suppliers or transport organizations that are guilty of disrupting the supply of products or raw materials, as well as idle production.

Important: due to some gaps in the legislation, the legal department of the enterprise is obliged to foresee possible force majeure circumstances and write down a penalty clause in the cooperation agreement with suppliers.

How to choose the right logistics company?

In order to choose the right company that can competently organize all logistics processes, the management of enterprises needs to take into account several important factors. These should include:

• reputation of a transport and logistics company;
• opportunity to provide professional assistance general issues logistics;
• the cost of the services provided;
• delivery time of goods;
• condition of the applicant's car park;
• professionalism of drivers and forwarders;
• guarantees for the services provided.

When choosing a logistics company, you need to find out reviews about its work and the quality of services. To do this, you can ask colleagues or find user opinions on the Internet.

An important factor to consider is the time and distance of product delivery. Some companies carry it out only within the city, while others, on the contrary, specialize in regional and international cargo transportation. It is very important at the initial stages of cooperation to discuss the delivery time and the nuances of the work ahead.

It is important for every business to have qualified assistance in dealing with various situations. For this reason, it is necessary to ask the applicant for cooperation whether there are specialists in the state who are able to quickly solve logistics problems of any complexity and provide assistance in case of any questions.

When looking for a transport and logistics company, you should pay attention to the cost of the services provided. This is an important factor, since it directly affects the expense item of the enterprise. Perhaps it makes sense to turn your attention to organizations providing rail freight services. As practice shows, such transportation is cost-effective, especially when it comes to delivering products or raw materials over long distances.

Pay attention to the condition of the applicant's fleet. A large number of trucks and special equipment in proper technical condition, speaks of the seriousness of the logistics company's business.

It is also necessary to inquire about the classiness of drivers and the experience of forwarders who will accompany the goods during transportation. If constant transportation of oversized items is required, it would be useful to learn about the skill and experience of drivers.

Every businessman interested in cooperation with transport company, wants to receive guarantees for the services provided. They consist in the fact that the carrier undertakes to deliver the goods, maintaining its integrity. This should also include the exact time of the order. It is not recommended to cooperate with logistics companies that cannot guarantee safe transportation.

Save the article in 2 clicks:

As you can see, logistics at the enterprise is the most important subdivision, the scope of which is multifaceted. Not only the uninterrupted operation of production, timely delivery of products to the end consumer, but also the amount of profit depends on its work.

In contact with

Currently, logistics has become an independent business, which employs thousands of employees, and is also an integral part of large companies. Global logistics costs account for about 15% of global GDP, which is over seven trillion dollars. Although logistics has recently appeared on the country's market, nevertheless, it is in great demand among employers.

Who is a logistician?

A logistician is a person who is professionally involved in the delivery of goods, their further warehousing, as well as the one who develops the most profitable supply chain. This is a person who is looking for reliable partners, makes calculations, analyzes the transport services market, prepares Required documents. Simply put, the logistician's task is considered fully completed if the ordered product was delivered to the customer of the appropriate quality in the right amount and volume at the right time minimal cost funds and forces.

A good logistician always has in reserve a siding for the delivery of goods, so that in the event of force majeure (problem with customs, train breakdown, road repair, aircraft delay), the goods will still be delivered on time. In addition, he must constantly be aware of changes in legislation that relate to his work.

The specialty of a logistician is most suitable for people who can work independently and think creatively, be mobile and sociable. These are the people who have developed analytical skills, that is, they are able to fully represent individual supply chains.

So what should a logistician know in his work?

Good logisticians are those who have excellent knowledge in jurisprudence, economics, mathematics and other exact sciences, who are able to use new technologies in their work. At a time when computer technologies are used in all spheres of human activity, when many companies use integrated IT solutions, a logistics specialist must use software at a high level.

What is the price of hiring a logistician, how much does a logistician receive?

As it was written above, the main goal of logistics is to save the company's resources. Therefore, the profession of a logistician is not cheap and the demand for them is constantly growing. What salary a specialist will be offered depends mainly on his experience in this field and professionalism. Employers are willing to pay 600-1500 dollars a month to young people who do not have work experience, and who are represented in the labor market in considerable numbers. At the same time, there are almost no true professionals in the market industry, to whom companies are willing to pay $2,500 or more. The “middle link”, which is represented by specialists with two to three years of experience and who are able to manage small departments, is the most in demand, their salary ranges from one and a half to two thousand dollars.

Due to the lack of a “middle link”, companies are forced to hire either insufficiently qualified logisticians or very experienced and expensive ones. In many cases, the employer prefers two new logisticians who will harm the company less than it would be necessary to spend on the salary of one expensive professional. However, this strategy may eventually prove unprofitable.

What are the basic requirements for professional logisticians?

Since logistics is difficult process, consisting of a set different processes, which must be perceived as one, one of the main requirements for a logistician is the ability to see the whole process. The most sought-after candidates are those who understand not only various types transportation, but also know warehouse and purchasing logistics, own several foreign languages who worked in large companies with three to five years of work experience.

The greatest demand is for professionals in the field of international transportation, as well as procurement specialists. If a person is ready for professional growth, knows the basics of economics, has a higher education in the humanities, then he has every chance of achieving success in the field of logistics. Many companies want to employ multidisciplinary logisticians who understand warehouse logistics, the organization of cargo transportation and much more, and there are no special requirements for education in the specialty. This is primarily due to the fact that there are very few universities in the country that teach this specialty, and, secondly, experience in this area is valued much more than education.

In many cases good start a career could be a trainee job in one of the well-known companies that works using the latest technology, and the logistics processes are well structured. And, in case of a successful start, in five years it will be possible to take the place of a middle manager in one of the areas (warehouse logistics, transport, procurement logistics).

A professional logistician should be able to perform such basic official duties:

• Design and develop logistics systems;
• Develop methods and forms of reporting;
• Coordinate external and internal communications of the company;
• Analyze the efficiency and cost of the company's logistics operations;
• Coordinate the work of the logistics department with other departments of the company;
• Direct and coordinate finance related to logistics processes;
• Participate in the formation of the budget, which will be allocated for logistics.

Logistics is an area in which a huge number of tasks are performed daily and large flows of information circulate, so logisticians need to be able to think strategically, strictly adhere to deadlines and be very careful. A logistician who does not fulfill the agreement and disrupts deliveries is unlikely to receive praise from his superiors, and even more so an increase in salary. Companies are always trying to cut their costs, and logistics is one of the most costly items, so the professional who can successfully conduct a trender with minimum consumption Money.

Hello! Today we will talk about logistics. This is a whole science that requires an attentive attitude and deep study. If you approach it correctly, you can count on good profit from production activities. Read more in this article!

Logistics in a nutshell

Logistics – this is a set of measures aimed at finding the best ways to deliver goods (services), information, materials from any point to the destination. The task of logistics in the enterprise: the search for the most profitable and economically less costly ways for the flow of material resources.

Logistics is similar in many aspects to marketing, and there are even points of intersection of these two areas. The main feature that unites these two sciences is their goal: to increase efficiency in business and, as a result, increase income.

Logistics at the enterprise has two directions:

1. Delivery, movement of services, materials, information, goods, raw materials from the place of production (suppliers) to a specific enterprise.
2. Moving finished products or services to any type of consumer: retail, wholesale.

For the organization of logistics at the enterprise, both directions are important. Each affects the final price of goods, services, and hence the volume of sales.

The enterprise logistics system consists of the following important aspects:

1. Selection of suppliers of goods, services or materials, raw materials;
2. Signing an agreement with suppliers;
3. Formation of joint actions and relations with customs authorities and other government departments;
4. Organization of the process of bringing finished products and / or raw materials to the enterprise and from it;
5. Selection of the most suitable transport company;
6. Evaluation, research and identification of a group of potential buyers;
7. Conclusion of agreements with buyers.

At many large-scale enterprises, the cost item for transportation, shipment of goods or raw materials is one of the largest. This once again confirms the importance of logistics in the activities of the enterprise.

Main types of logistics

The logistics process is huge and to make it easier to understand and study, it has been divided into types. Let's look at the main ones below.

Production logistics

It occurs directly at any plant or firm and is part of the technological process. The logistics of a manufacturing enterprise manages the flow of money, raw materials, materials and final products, goods. As a result of the activities of specialists in this field production costs are being optimized. This is precisely the purpose of production logistics.

Production logistics functions:

• Analysis of the demand for manufactured goods, services, products;
• Continuous improvement of schedules and work plans of all production departments;
• Establishing and improving the interaction of sales and supply departments with other production departments;
• Monitoring production processes and making adjustments to it, if necessary and aimed at increasing profits.

Inventory Logistics

Designed to manage stocks of finished products, raw materials, materials. Logisticians involved in this area monitor the volume of all stocks, make appropriate calculations and optimize these stocks in production. With ideally established logistics, goods should be continuously produced and sold, but not stale in warehouses.

Transport logistics

The most popular logistics division. Main task: determination of the optimal route for the supply of goods from production and delivery of raw materials to production. This is especially true when suppliers of materials and consumers of goods are in different parts country or mainland. This also includes cargo logistics.

Information logistics

Manages the flow of information that is attached to material flows. Certain information and the ability to work with it correctly can provide big influence to the production process. Ignoring important information also has a negative effect.

It implies the management of external and internal information flows, the processing of this information and the execution of regulatory documents for production activities.

Customs logistics

As the name implies, it is about regulating the crossing of goods through customs control. This direction of logistics is the most serious, because we are talking about international relations and processes.

Functions of customs logistics:

• Maintaining customs documentation;
• Compliance with all rules of customs control;
• Finding the best ways to pass customs;
• Checking the availability of cargo in full and complete set according to the attached documents;
• Checking the availability of declarations;
• Cases related to obtaining certificates for goods and their issuance;
• Monitoring the implementation of all rules of customs legislation;
• Issues related to the payment of customs fees and duties.

Warehouse Logistics

Supply logistics (purchases)

This is the regulation of the flow of raw materials, components, materials and other items entering production from outside. The goal is to ensure a smooth production process.

This type of logistics consists of the following parts:

1. Selection of the most suitable suppliers and signing contracts with them;
2. Formation of the process of delivery of raw materials, materials to production facilities;
3. Saving materials and raw materials before transferring them directly to production;
4. Minimizing the cost of purchasing resources with the least likelihood of supply disruptions;
5. Organize the supply of goods with materials and goods as reliably and efficiently as possible;
6. Reducing the overall cost of logistics processes.

The main problem of procurement logistics is the choice of supplier.

Here are the main evaluation criteria for the selection of suppliers:

• The level of quality of the supplied materials, raw materials, goods, services;
• Reliability;
• Price for services;
• Ability to meet the needs and desires of the manufacturer;
• Location;
• Other additional bonuses and attractive conditions.

An important role is played by the image of the supplier, his popularity and feedback on his work.

This is the part of logistics that controls the distribution of finished products to the consumer.

Manages such stages of production as warehousing, transportation, delivery of tangible and intangible resources created in production. In other words, all the operations that are necessary to bring the final product to the consumer. In this case, all the interests and requirements of the buyer must be observed.

Often such logistics is called marketing and erroneously - sales. But these concepts have a difference. Distribution logistics is systematically interconnected with the processes of production, supply, and management of the flow of goods and services. All functions within a process are closely related to each other.

Depending on which subject of the economy takes responsibility for the supply, the flow of finished products may take the form of a commodity or transport flow.

Distribution logistics functions:

• Design, formation, construction and regulation of the transportation process in the post-production process;
• Inventory control and coordination;
• Receiving orders for the import of products;
• Packing, collecting and checking the configuration and other actions to prepare the flow of goods for the next journey;
• Building the most reasonable and expedient shipment;
• Control over delivery and management of transport operations in logistics chains;
• Management, planning and organization of logistics services.

Distribution logistics in the enterprise requires significant costs. Some of the costs are associated with processes such as warehousing, packaging, transportation, processing, escorting cargo, storing finished products, processing and transmitting information about orders, deliveries and stocks.

The logistics of production processes in the field of distribution performs the following functions:

• Designing sales processes for products, goods, services;
• Building the processing process and receiving orders;
• Establishing a network of warehouses;
• The choice of packaging, configuration;
• Control over other operations that precede shipment;
• Product shipment management;
• Organization of transportation.

An indicator of the successful operation of logistics in any enterprise is making a profit.

To increase profits, it is important:

• Create a unified transport and storage system and organize fast delivery to the buyer;
• Combine economically marketing and production;
• work out optimal schemes warehousing and replenishment of these stocks.

Distribution logistics includes a set of tasks for organizing and controlling the material flow at the supplier-consumer stage. The beginning of the logistics of the material flows of the enterprise lies at the moment of setting the implementation and ends with the exit of the supplied product from the supplier's attention.

Thus, it becomes clear that logistics is a complex and multifaceted concept. It consists not only of the transport movement of goods, but of other important processes.

The fundamentals of enterprise logistics should be centered around optimizing the movement of goods and raw materials. The end result of the work of this large structure is the efficient operation of all processes in the enterprise and, as a result, an increase in profits.

Optimization of the internal logistics of the enterprise

Logistics in Russia does not have a clear concept. Therefore, in order not to get confused, it is necessary to define the term internal logistics. This is a combination of certain functions aimed at ensuring the flow of material assets within the enterprise. Most often, this concept means transport services and a warehouse.
Often, the heads of enterprises are faced with the question of improving the logistics of the enterprise or its complete reorganization. The reasons for this may be:

• Planning a new development of a company, enterprise, firm, which will require new solutions from logistics;
• Entering new sales platforms and their niches;
• The growth of passive, active assortment and the difficulties associated with it;
• Reducing the turnover of stocks of goods at points of sale, distribution points and warehouses;
• Increase in costs associated with logistics processes with stable sales or with their decrease.

To make the process of optimizing logistics business processes easier, you need to develop a specific plan. After all, it is problematic to perform the optimization/reorganization of the entire logistics chain at the same time.

Each enterprise has its own unique logistics system, but in practice it turns out that the mistakes and problems are almost the same for everyone. Here are the most common difficulties when a logistics structure is performing poorly:

• Lack of information interaction between the purchasing department and logistics;
• Difficulties with document flow, deadlines for delivery of invoices;
• lack of understanding of the capabilities of the logistics system and the profitability of some processes;
• There are no clear information flows between the supply department and other logistics structures, exact dates, the type and content of information are not determined;
• Failure to provide complete information and in due time to the accounting system of the enterprise, which is necessary for the optimal operation of logistics;
• The absence of a clear leadership structure, when no one is brought to the attention of the executors technical process in full;
• Lack of a system for accounting for defective products;
• Lack of unified management of all warehouses in production;
• The inability of the logistics service to serve several machines at once for loading and unloading raw materials or goods.

Enterprises that have a logistics service in their composition must certainly evaluate the effectiveness of this department. This should be done periodically or when an urgent need arises. The process usually looks like this. The head of the enterprise gives the task to the management units, who, in turn, transfer them to the logistics service. They make decisions and get the job done. The following is an assessment of the performance of the unit.

There are three main methods for evaluation. Each implies a comparison of the result of the logistics service with previously set goals. As well as the calculation and analysis of the costs of completing the task. Let's consider each verification method in more detail.

productivity method

With this method, the evaluation of the effectiveness of the logistics service is quantitative. When an action is calculated and expressed in units of measure. For example, the unloading of materials in tons, the number of shipments of batches in hours, and so on.

They compare two values: according to the plan and what happened with the logistics service in fact. As a rule, indicators such as the number of equipment involved, the number of hours of work of people, total personnel needed to perform a specific task, the scale of the area of ​​​​warehouses. The assessment is made up of the total amount of work in relation to the unit of finished product.

Cost method

The company sets cost criteria for each logistics option. Such a criterion can also be set for a unit of weight of a shipped or delivered product, a specific order or a shipped product.

The total costs and expenses in all areas are compared in accordance with previously established cost criteria and goals. Discrepancy values ​​are calculated that give a picture of the effectiveness of logistics activities.

Service Method

In this case, the criterion is the assessment of the services provided according to the following characteristics:

1. Time, which shows the duration of the provision of services;
2. Accuracy - the execution of the task on time;
3. The sequence of doing business according to the plan of technological operations;
4. The amount of losses is a defect and damage to finished products during unloading, loading, transportation and storage in warehouses.

In the face of growing competition every day, the quality of service becomes great importance in international and domestic markets. All methods of assessment together make it possible to identify the advantage of an enterprise in the effective operation of the logistics service.

Logistics service at the enterprise

Logistics at the enterprise involves managing it as a single system. Therefore, it is necessary to work special service. She manages material flows. This includes the execution of contracts with suppliers and the delivery of finished goods to the consumer.

Main functions of the logistics service:

1. Controlling the release of finished products and drawing up a plan for transportation processes;
2. Design of information processes;
3. Monitoring budgetary funds;
4. Control over activities in warehouses, in servicing production cases;
5. Forecast of demand for finished products, raw materials, materials;
6. Packaging selection.

The logistics service in the form of a whole unit or represented by one specialist performs the following tasks:

• Drawing up a plan with a timetable for the release of finished goods or services;
• Control over technological production processes;
• Support for quality control, production and service standards;
• Planning for the import of materials, raw materials;
• Creation of a functioning warehouse;
• Drawing up a forecast, a plan for the expenditure of material resources;
• Control and adjustment of the functioning of transport within the production;
• Management and supervision of raw materials, materials, finished products at all stages of production;
• Ensuring the information transfer processes needed to manage production systems.

Basic principles of logistics

When creating logistics in commercial enterprises importance have principles. They define the essence and character of the entire unit. Here are the main principles that serve to reflect approaches to solving problems in production and economic activity firms.

The principle of synergy

The essence of the principle lies in the systemic and integrated approach to solving a specific problem. Actions are consistent with all the structures of the logistics system and the processes taking place inside. This achieves a better result as a whole than if each structure worked in isolation from each other.

Principle of dynamism

The logistics structure in an enterprise is a constantly changing system. It always reflects the essence of the processes that it covers and does not stop at one point.

Logistics is characterized by progressive dynamics and the desire for continuous improvement.

Completeness principle

This principle lies in the commonality of several logistics departments and the close relationship between them. Offline work, any structure groups are not allowed. Exceptions are emergency cases and extraordinary circumstances.

The principle of initiative

The principle is that the whole structure reacts to the event and offers its own ways of solving problems and problems together. At the same time, decisions have a positive effect on the entire production process as a whole.

The principle of expediency

It is based on attracting only such potential that can give a positive result on the way to the goal. Signs of the principle - the desire to reduce costs or time, in the choice between several ways to solve one problem.

All principles of logistics are designed to improve the methods and quality of organizational planning. Provide a unified approach to the activities of transport, storage, information, communication systems.

Conclusion

1. The logistic structure has criteria that determine its effectiveness;
2. The director of this structure can manage logistics. If the firm is small, then directly CEO or his deputy;
3. The internal logistics of an enterprise is a combination of functions aimed at managing material flows inside production process firms; Most often it includes two main elements - transport service and warehousing;
4. If you believe the practice, then the introduction of even small new ideas to improve the quality of logistics processes leads to lower costs for the entire enterprise;
5. To optimize and reorganize the logistics system, you need to create a responsible group. It must develop plans according to time criteria. Each member of the group must keep records;
6. Before starting optimization, the head of the enterprise needs to check whether a sufficient number of specialists are involved in the process.

You will learn what logistics is, why it is needed and what types of logistics exist, as well as how to choose a logistics services company for a novice businessman

Good afternoon, Eduard Stembolsky is with you. I have several years of experience as an economist in large domestic corporations. Logistics is an area with which I am familiar firsthand.

A smart approach to logistics will allow you to optimize the process of managing working capital and stocks, reduce the cost of final products, increase your ability to respond to market demands, and, as a result, make your business more efficient.

Also at the end of the article, I will share 7 practical tips for choosing a logistics company. So be sure to read this article to the end!

1. What is logistics in simple words - we give a definition

In the most universal format, logistics is the process of planning and organizing the flow of material values, services and information from the places of their origin to the places of their consumption in order to ensure the operation of the enterprise.

Such a comprehensive definition requires some clarification.

Modern logistics in terms of structure includes two large-scale processes:

1. Formation of the parameters of the relationship of your business with resource suppliers and management of the movement of resources in the process of creating products.
2. Building a mechanism for the receipt of products created by your enterprise to its consumers.

The logistics process is multifaceted.

In practice, it contains:

• contracts with suppliers;
• inventory management policy;
• organization of cargo transportation;
• interaction with customs authorities;
• market needs analysis;
• features of the conclusion of contracts with buyers and much more.

Individual stages of the logistics process can be optimized in different ways in accordance with the accepted overall logistics model. Some functions are on the "borderline" of logistics and marketing. However, their ultimate goal is the same - to increase business efficiency.

It is the complexity of the process of transporting goods that led to the fact that such an activity stood out in a separate direction.

Therefore, in modern world firms very often resort to the services of logistics companies, and training in logistics and supply chain management is a special area of ​​​​knowledge.

Historically, logistics appeared early. Even in the period of agrarian society, it was closely intertwined with international trade in luxury goods (the logistics structure of the caravans of the Great Silk Road or Phoenician trading fleets was rather complicated) and military craft (the first treatises on military logistics arose even before our era).

Everything changed with the release of the industry to new level modern economic relations and the role of logistics has increased.

Now, what is logistics know at every enterprise.

Fact

General logistics costs are a large item in the cost structure of industrial products. Here, logistics outstrips the cost of wages and second only to material costs.

2. Features and key problems of logistics in Russia

The state of logistics in Russia is far from ideal. Unfortunately, this has happened in the past as well. The well-known saying about the fact that one of the two main domestic troubles - bad roads was not born yesterday.

The share of transportation costs in our country in the structure of GDP reaches 20%, which significantly exceeds the world average (in fairness, it should be noted: this is partly due to the fact that the Russian Federation is one of the largest oil suppliers, as well as the significant size of our country).

Among the problems of logistics in Russia, it is worth highlighting:

• underdeveloped logistics infrastructure, which, according to experts, limits the growth of the Russian economy at the level of 3-4% per year (under other optimal conditions);
• high costs for warehouse services, storage, unloading and loading;
• market volatility and low quality marketing plans;
• limited number of suppliers for a number of positions;
• opacity of a large list of costs;
• low quality of contract execution;
• severe climatic conditions in many regions;
• staff shortages and poor logistics management models.

Case Study

Minor violations of supply contracts in Russia are almost impossible to challenge in court. Under the conditions of domestic legal system the size of the amounts to be recovered does not justify the effort expended.

In the case of problematic situations with natural monopoly enterprises (Russian Railways, electricity suppliers), litigation is absolutely hopeless.

In a crisis, most logistics systems begin to shrink. This may lead to the fact that a number of sectors of the domestic economy will lose an acceptable level of profitability.

The reverse side of the situation is the opening up opportunities for logistics companies. With the competent organization of such a business, it is possible to penetrate into market niches with an extremely low level of competition.

3. Theoretical aspects of logistics: subject, goals, objectives and logistic models

The subject of logistics as a science is the state of resources in a certain system (both micro and macro levels) and the management of their flows.

Purpose of logistics– increasing the economic efficiency of the system by optimizing the logistics process.

The main tasks solved by logistics:

• goods movement management,
• control over the flows of material values, services and information by creating a developed system,
• analysis of demand for materials and goods, forecast of these indicators.

Logistics explores a number of facilities:

1. logistics operation- the action to transform the material flow or the flow of services.
2. Logistics system- a set of principles for planning and implementing the entire set of logistics operations. Modern logistics systems are adaptive and use feedback with your surroundings. There are logistics systems that operate on the basis of direct links (flows are directly stretched from producers to consumers) and echeloned (multi-level systems that include at least one intermediary).
3. Logistic function- a set of actions pursuing a common goal corresponding to the stage of the logistics process. Among the logistics functions are: transportation, warehousing, purchasing, stockpiling.
4. material flow- physical products undergoing a logistics procedure. The material flow is measured by quantitative indicators (volume, mass) presented in time.
5. Logistics costs- the cost of providing the logistics process. When administering accounting may be partly included in the cost of production, and partly be the cost of marketing.

In practice, building a logistics system involves finding a balance between "production interests" and "liquidity optimization".

The system of "working from wheels" (one of the extreme points of the dual model mentioned above) is good from the point of view of activating the use of working capital. In this case, there are no funds dead in stocks of raw materials or finished products, and storage costs are minimized.

The reverse side is a high risk of production downtime or violation of the terms of contracts concluded with counterparties. The system becomes extremely fragile.

Fact

Industrial enterprises of the Russian Federation are forced to form reserves that exceed the same indicator in the EU and the USA by 18%.

A comparison with Japan shows that the volume of reserves in this country is 64% lower than in Russia. The reason for this situation is the low quality of the domestic logistics system.

Below I provide a comparative table of the effectiveness of the logistics system, depending on the volume of available stocks:

№	Index	Large inventory	Low inventory
1	Logistics costs	High (-)	Low (+)
2	Working Capital Efficiency	Low (-)	High (+)
3	Risk of breach of contractual obligations	Low (+)	High (-)
4	Ability to adapt to changes in volume demand	High (+)	Low (-)
5	Ability to adapt to changes in demand across the range	Low (-)	High (+)
6	The complexity of managing the logistics system	Low (+)	High (-)

4. Main types of logistics - TOP-7 popular types

In order to simplify the mechanism for managing the logistics system, the logistics process is divided into a number of components. Based on this, separate types of logistics are distinguished.

View 1. Production logistics

The material flow, passing through the enterprise, participates in a number of production operations and is transformed. It is managed at this phase on the basis of production logistics. Its goal is to optimize costs at the stage of technological processes.

Production logistics solves a number of tasks:

• production planning based on customer needs assessment;
• formation of schedules for individual production units;
• coordination of plans-schedules with departments of supply and sale;
• operational management of production, control over the fulfillment of tasks and their adjustment.

View 2. Procurement logistics

Material flow management in organizing the provision of an enterprise with components, raw materials and materials is the task of procurement logistics (supply logistics). The supply phase includes: procurement, delivery, temporary storage of resources before they are transferred to production.

The importance of procurement logistics is due to two factors:

1. Poor organization this process leads to production downtime. Purchasing must be coordinated with production in terms of assortment, quantity, quality, packaging, delivery schedule.
2. At the supply stage, about 55% of the cost is formed which determines the importance of this stage.

Competent organization of procurement logistics - required condition for a highly competitive business. This process requires research into the procurement market. Sometimes it is necessary to solve the problem of "buy or make yourself."

View 3. Inventory logistics

Inventory logistics is responsible for the management of production stocks and commodity stocks. As part of this process, the inventory rate is calculated based on an assessment of the rhythm of deliveries, seasonal fluctuations and risks. This parameter should ensure uninterrupted production and sale of products.

View 4. Transport logistics

It solves the problem of delivering material values ​​in a given volume and within a certain period of time from the point of the previous transformation of the material flow to the point of the subsequent transformation of the material flow. This determines the optimal route.

View 5. Information logistics

Information logistics is the management of the flow of data accompanying the material flow. At the same time, information flows are external and internal in relation to the enterprise. Horizontal and vertical flows are also organized separately.

Information logistics should be fixed in the internal position of the enterprise on document management (including electronic). If it is impossible to synchronize the material and information flows, it is desirable that the information flow is somewhat ahead of the material one.

View 6. Customs logistics

Customs logistics is a process that ensures the passage of a material flow between different countries.

At the same time, a number of tasks have to be solved:

• execution of a customs declaration and assessment of cargo;
• checking the conformity of the cargo and the declaration;
• organization of transportation;
• certification of goods, if necessary;
• post-customs support of the material flow;
• control over observance of currency legislation.

Customs logistics requires taking into account a number of legal nuances that can greatly affect the emerging obligations to the budget.

View 7. Warehouse logistics

The purpose of this type of logistics is to manage the procedure for accepting material assets to the warehouse for their storage and issuance.

It also solves the problems of organizing warehouse management, optimizing the placement of warehouses. The nature of inventory management can affect the accounting estimate of the cost.

5. How to choose the right logistics company - 7 golden tips

There are many logistics companies in Russia. The quality of services is not always high, but the market is not monopolized, which almost always leaves room for choice.

It is enough to use a small list of the rules below to make the right choice even in an unfamiliar region.

7 golden tips:

1. The services of a transport and logistics company should almost always be used unless the nature of your business requires a large fleet of vehicles. And even in such a situation, evaluate the option of engaging a third-party carrier. The fact is that in such a situation, the “scale effect” plays the role. Anyone who is professionally engaged in transportation does it cheaply. The logistics company saves on wholesale purchases of gasoline, on repairs (it has discounts or its own craftsmen).
2. If the carrier does not have its own fleet, then it is not a carrier. Don't do business with this company.
3. Look at what guarantees a potential partner is ready to provide. Whether the draft delivery contract specifies the exact time of receipt of the goods and transit time.
4. It is highly desirable that the carrier insure its liability for the safety of transported material assets in a third-party insurance company.
5. Compare the cost of services and the willingness of the carrier to work with "non-standard" delivery. If necessary, conclude an additional contract that guarantees the provision of a vehicle in the event of an emergency need for transportation (of course, you will not have to rely on “standard” rates in such a situation).
6. Check out company reviews. The World Wide Web will help you.
7. Pay even closer attention to company reviews if you are provided with the services of a customs broker. Declaration errors can have a negative "delayed effect".

6. Conclusion

So, in this article, I told what logistics is and formed an idea of ​​​​a multifaceted logistics process. Although the concept itself, at first glance, refers only to the distribution of ways of transporting goods, it is actually more extensive.

Currently, there are several dozen definitions of the term "logistics".

So, in accordance with the dictionary of terms of the Russian Academy of Sciences, published under the general editorship of prof. Rezera S.M., logistics means - the science of planning, control and management of transportation, storage and other tangible and intangible operations performed in the process of bringing raw materials and materials to a production enterprise, in-plant processing of raw materials, materials and semi-finished products, bringing finished products to the consumer in accordance with the interests and requirements of the latter , as well as the transmission, storage and processing of relevant information.

There is also a definition: transport logistics- the science of system integration of transport and logistics activities (actions of business entities) in the form of transport and logistics services to optimize cargo flows based on current legislation.

A number of leading Russian scientists (Doctor of Technical Sciences, Prof. Mirotin L.B., Doctor of Economics, Prof. Nekrasov A.G.) formulated a brief definition. According to this definition, logistics is the time-dependent location of resources, or the strategic management of the entire supply chain.

One of the largest logistics companies (Major) defines logistics as a science, the subject of which is the organization of a rational process for promoting goods and services from raw material suppliers to consumers. According to company experts modern stage The development of the industry (2000s) is determined by two main factors: the globalization of the world economy and the global scientific and technological revolution, which give rise to new customer needs for logistics services.

The Council of Logistics Management of the United States (Council of Logistics Management) in 1976 made changes to the definition of what logistics is - “ Logistics is the process of planning and ensuring (including control) the effective and continuous flow of goods, services and related information from where they are created to consumers, aimed at the full satisfaction of consumer needs». This definition does not cover absolutely all the special concepts that are included in the functional area, it reflects the need for a unified management of commodity and material flows from the source of raw materials and materials to the distribution point of the finished product.

The most striking manifestation is that logistics provides a comprehensive result due to the internal and external integration of one of the key competencies of a business enterprise.

The operational task of logistics is to organize such a geographical distribution of sources of raw materials, work in progress, stocks of finished products that would meet the needs for them and at the same time be associated with the minimum possible costs. It is thanks to logistics (management of material flows) in industrialized countries that raw materials and materials enter free production capacity and finished products are distributed through marketing channels to consumers. Logistics is an incredibly complex phenomenon! In the United States of America alone, the market structure is approximately 1.5 million retailers and over 460,000 wholesalers. To deliver products and materials to these business enterprises and from them, according to the official registration, 14.9 million units of commercial trucks were used. Cumulative investment in stocks in wholesale and retail trade exceeded $893 billion.

Logistics creates added value if inventory is properly placed to facilitate the sales process. However, value creation in logistics is costly. Although these costs are difficult to measure, most experts agree that the annual cost of maintaining logistics in working condition amounted to about 10% of gross national product (GNP). Otherwise: for every trillion dollars spent on the creation of GNP, there are more than 100 billion dollars. costs. Costs for transport logistics reached 425 billion dollars, which is 6.3% of GNP.

For individual companies, logistics costs usually range from 5 to 35% of sales, depending on the type of business, geographical scale of activity and the ratio of weight and price characteristics finished products and materials used. Logistics costs tend to be one of the largest cost items associated with doing business, second only to the cost of raw materials and materials in production or cost products sold in wholesale and retail trade.

The overall goal is to provide the intended (target) level of customer service at the minimum total cost. Logistics is a very complex field of activity, consisting of many separate private operations. Managers are responsible for planning and directing these activities. It is very important that people who perform daily work in the field of logistics have at least a basic idea of ​​how their work fits into the big picture. It is equally important that logisticians understand that the success of the overall strategy of a business enterprise largely depends on the shortcomings or, conversely, achievements in this area.

Base operations include special activities (transport and warehouse logistics) that are essential for smooth operation. They are extremely diverse - from taking orders and cargo transportation to the work of an executive director. The nature of logistics is such that many people are usually involved in the execution of basic operations. The wide geographic spread of operations means that a huge amount of critical work is beyond the direct control of the top management. Thus, with all the variety of activities related to logistics, there is a special need for specialized labor operations. Each of these operations is a potential object of standardization, simplification and even complete elimination with a possible reorganization of the logistics system.

In conclusion, it can be noted that the logistics of the company is an integrated process designed to promote the creation of use value with the lowest total cost. It exists in order to satisfy the needs of consumers, in particular indirectly - facilitating production and marketing activities. At a strategic level, logistics managers strive to achieve a predetermined quality of customer service based on accumulated competence, brought to the level of high art. The problem is to balance the expectations associated with the quality of service and the required costs according to the intended business goals.

Features of logistics in Russia

The results of the biennial study reflect the level of development of the various sectors of logistics. Russia has the following indicators:

Transparency and control systems - 79th place;

Quality of logistics and competencies - 92nd place;

Timeliness of delivery - 94th place;

Infrastructure (including transport and warehouse logistics) - 97th place;

International shipments - 107th place;

The share of transport costs in the structure of Russia's GDP - about 20% - is one of the highest in the world.

Without solving transport problems, the growth potential of the Russian economy is limited - up to 3% per year in the next 5-7 years

Key problems in logistics in Russia

• An undeveloped logistics infrastructure creates barriers to the creation of an efficient network, the development of the industry and the economy as a whole;
• Supply chain inefficiencies in Russia lead to low competitiveness of Russian industry
• Logistics planning: non-synchronization of actual sales with plans, production and purchases; a long lag in the correction of production and purchases in case of unstable demand.
• Organization of deliveries: a small number of "quality" suppliers - low competition; the risk of becoming dependent on suppliers; high cost in a do-it-yourself production scenario.
• Suboptimal supplier network;
• Inefficient flow map, load and type of transport, packaging, etc.
• Production and purchases: conflict of interest between production (adequacy of stocks) and purchases / controlling (minimization of "frozen" liquidity).
• Cost transparency: lack of transparency in the formation of the logistics component of the cost (purchases, transportation, storage, etc.)
• High unit costs for warehouse logistics: storage and cargo handling.
• Disruptions and impossibility of high-quality planning of transport logistics.

This year, the economic situation in Russia is worse than last year: consumption volumes are declining, which leads to a proportional (and often greater) reduction in the market for transport and warehouse logistics services. Also in Russia, there is still low level the quality of training of specialists, which leads to a shortage of professionals in the field of supply chain management, warehouse logistics and transport systems.

Logistics development trends are aimed at solving the following tasks:

1. Reducing supply chain security risks. Companies need to integrate to solve this problem.
2. Supply chain sustainability. With well-established supply chains, the results of logistics activities will be stable.
3. It is important to ensure that the value of products for consumers is created. the main objective logistics - meeting the needs of consumers. Companies should focus on implementing structures in order to obtain information from consumers about the satisfaction of their needs.
4. The transition of companies from B2B to B2C interaction due to the rapid development of online commerce and air travel.

• Optimize logistics costs throughout your supply chains.
• Focus on maintaining the current level and improving the quality of customer logistics service.
• Improve logistics efficiency and staff/resource productivity.
• Motivate competent people to improve operational/financial performance throughout the supply chain.