TRANSPORTATION AND LOGISTICS
Transportation
Transportation is a process in which objects are moved from one place to
another. Such objects may be living beings or goods that require transportation
to shift from their present location to a new location. The term
“transportation” has been derived from the Latin word “trans” which means
‘across’ and “portare” which means ‘to carry’.
Components
An effective transportation system requires a good design. Such design is
the domain of urban planning where civil engineers work to prepare a good
transportation plan. Similarly, vehicles in transportation are the domain of
mechanical, nautical, or aerospace engineering while finance in transportation
is the domain of financial administrators.
Transportation and communications
The two terms transportation and communication are complements of each other.
They may at times substitute each others. Communication is vital for
transportation. For example, to run two trains on two parallel rails, to fly
multiple aircrafts on the sky, or to run vehicles on a busy road requires both
traffic control devices and communication system. Else, transportation may end
up in disastrous accidents. Increase and improvement of transportation needs
better communication and vice versa.
Logistics
Logistics ordinarily means putting everything in order. Logistics can be
defined as having the right quantity at proper place at appropriate price.
Logistics is indispensable for industries and this is because logistics deal
with perfect life cycles and uninterrupted supply chains. Thus logistics helps
in increasing the efficiency and productivity in an organization.
Origin
It is believed that the concept of logistics first evolved in defense
organizations. History reveals that Greek and Byzantine military forces had
officers with the title ‘Logistikas’ dealing with logistics. Logistics was
essential for systematic and fruitful movement of the forces. Logistics thus was
originally closely connected with military transportation system.
Logistics in business
Logistics made its appearance in the world trade when exports and imports
became complicated during the late 1940s. By 1950, logistics had a firm footing
in any progressive business concept. The focus of logistics was on internal
process and external supply chain. Procurement, storage, and transportation
required proper planning and thus became heavily dependent on the concept of
logistics. This also gave rise to a set of professional logistics managers who
had good knowledge of all the three wings of logistics. Logistics can therefore
be termed as the art and science of managing and controlling flow of goods, and
other resources including information, in an organization.
|
