Logistics Readiness

Logistics came from the word logos (), which remembers calculation, ratio, reason, speech and oration. Since antique epochs, logistics is already used to supply, move and maintain armies especially during war succession. diachronic leaders such as Alexander the Great, Hannibal Barca, and the Duke of Wellington are give tongue to to be logistical geniuses who mobilized their army through great distances, and won numerous battles. During World war II, logistics played an great role for the United States since the resources is during that time is limited due to the depression and most of the battles happened in enemy territories in Europe.Today, logistics is now also known as supply chain concern (SCM) and defined as the art and science of planning, operation, control, design and development, procurement, inventory, maintenance, storage, distri moreoverion and permutation of personnel, materials, supplies and other resources. (LogisticsWorld) Logistics or SCM does not only app ly to the military but to business, yield and trade well. The main objective of logistics is simple, that is, to use the resources without waste to get wind or exceed the demands of the party in need.These resources that must be lessen (or sometimes maximized) include fuel, personnel, equipment, storage facilities, handling facilities, transport vehicles and most importantly, time and m iodiny. There are two criteria for which all logistics decisions and policies are based. These are production efficiency and enduringness. (Eccles, 1959) By using the resources streamlinedly and effectively is to have the benefit of getting bigger opportunities, higher(prenominal) revenues, strategic advantage in reporting and location, and preparedness for crucial events that might happen.Developed from James A. Hustons Sinews of War are some of the important principles considered in logistics. These principles areTiming. Should be comparative to the objective and dependent in the level of pr ocurement, whether a high-level or a just simply a tactical supply. Proper measure is important especially when certain risks are bear on in executeing a certain task.Feasibility. Logistics planning and design should also consider the musical arrangements capabilities of carrying out come ins. It is crucial to determine whether the organization can possibly accomplish the task given the difficulty of the demands.Flexibility. A logistics organization must be capable of adapting to new or changes in requirements or terrain conditions. A logistics organization must be able to convert according to the present conditions or problems that are encountered anytime along the style.Information. Accurate and up-to-date study on every(prenominal) aspect is vital to logistics planning and diffusion. False or unseen information may lead to accidents or loss of revenue.Economics. Resources allocated for logistics are almost invariably limited and it is necessary to use them in the best w ay to pass or exceed the primary goal.Relativity. Logistics military action is all relative to time, location, availability of resources and circumstances and can never be absolute. Each logistic activity is unique and changes according to different conditions and demands.Location is also an important portion being considered in logistics. This applies for both the dissemination center and the computer addresss at which the infallible product or good is needed. It is crucial to determine the location in logistics as it determines the distance, total time needed to travel, and how big is the coverage of the distribution center at which it can slant the desired goods at minimize represent. The nearer the location of the distribution center, the shorter the time it takes to deliver and the lesser the cost of travel that will be used. Location does not only mean the distance but also the topography of the region.The topography of the place between the source and destination dic tates the appropriate or best mode of transport that should be used. For example, to deliver supplies in mountainous area from a lowland city, the best way to deliver the product or good in a time-efficient mood is through air by helicopters. But if there is an acceptable and rubber eraser road present towards the destination, delivering by land is more cost-efficient.To attain higher logistic efficiency, there are a lot of factors that are involved depending on the demands and level of procurement. Location is only one but an important factor that must be considered to have a more efficient and effective method of procurement and distribution of goods. Some of these factors include the distribution strategy resource availability network configuration, and inventory management.Logistics, added with efficiency and effectiveness translates to power. (Boutelle, 2007) This applies to both the military and in trade & industry. Logistics can be seen as military power or economic power d epending on the one who perceives it. As of today, the United States military does not content itself of having the most brawny army, but now also develop ways in order to create a the most cost-effective military that can keep the long-term war on terrorism. The knowledge and foresight of supply and vogue factors are the basis of a logisticians plan. Only thence he can know when and how to take risks that will win him battles and strain the ultimate goal which is the betterment of his fellow men. (Wavell, 1946)ReferencesBoutelle, L. G. (2007). CIO View. Retrieved lofty 18, 2007, from Defense Systems Website http//www.defensesystems.com/issues/1_5/cio_view/464-1.htmlCox, M. D. (1999, September). LogisticsWorld. Retrieved August 17, 2007, from LogisticsWorld Website http//www.logisticsworld.com/logistics.htmEccles, A. H. (1959). Logistics in the National Defense. Harrisburg, Pa.How The Army Runs. (n.d.). Retrieved August 17, 2007, from US Army contend College Website http//carl isle-www.army.mil/usawc/dclm/linkedtextchapters/CHAPTER12.pdfHuston, J. A. (1966). The Sinews of War Army Logistics, 1775-1953. Washington Office of Military History, United States Army.Wavell, F. M. (1946). communicate Generally. London Macmillan.Worthen, B. (n.d.). ABC An Introduction to Supply Chain Management. Retrieved August 18, 2007, from championship Technology Leadership Website http//www.cio.com/article/40940