Explain integrated logistics management and the different ways through which a company can achieve it

What will be an ideal response?

The concept of integrated logistics management recognizes that providing better customer service and trimming distribution costs require teamwork, both inside the company and among all the marketing channel organizations. Inside, the company's various departments must work closely together to maximize its own logistics performance. Outside, the company must integrate its logistics system with those of its suppliers and customers to maximize the performance of the entire distribution network. This can be achieved by:
1. Cross-functional teamwork inside the company: This can be achieved by creating close working relationships between departments. Some companies have created permanent logistics committees composed of managers responsible for different physical distribution activities. Companies can also create supply chain manager positions that link the logistics activities of functional areas. Companies can also employ sophisticated, system-wide supply chain management software, now available from a wide range of software enterprises.
2. Building logistics partnerships: This can be achieved by working with other channel partners to improve the whole-channel distribution. The success of each channel member depends on the performance of the entire supply chain. Smart companies coordinate their logistics strategies and forge strong partnerships with suppliers and customers to improve customer service and reduce channel costs, while other companies partner through shared projects.
3. Outsourcing logistics to third-party logistics (3PL) providers: Companies use third-party logistics providers for several reasons. First, because getting the product to market is their main focus, using these providers makes the most sense, as they can often do it more efficiently and at a lower cost. Outsourcing typically results in a 10 to 25 percent cost savings. Second, outsourcing logistics frees a company to focus more intensely on its core business. Finally, integrated logistics companies understand increasingly complex logistics environments.