As competition gets tougher in every industry day by day, getting an additional qualification to stay relevant has become the need of the hour. Logistics is a significant industry across the world as it deals with the purchase, packaging, storing and delivery of products.

For those who are interested in working in this industry, logistics training might improve their chances of landing a job. Logistics training institutes offer courses to help them have a great start or go to higher-level positions in their current job.

What is Logistics?

Logistics is the process of planning and implementing the transportation of goods from the point of origin to the point of consumption. It involves anticipating customer needs, acquiring the capital, materials, people, and technologies required to meet those needs. Additionally, moving items is necessary to fully meet all consumer needs.

The important processes that come under logistics management are planning, procurement, transportation, handling, storage, and also distribution. Everything that is related to the transportation of goods comes under the umbrella term called logistics.

Several companies specialize in logistics thereby taking care of the transportation for the manufacturers, retailers or other industries. Industries that deal with a large number of goods. Usually, large retailers and manufacturers have their own logistics network, while others outsource it to third-party logistics providers.

Functions of Logistics

Effective management of logistics is important to every organization as it ensures that all products reach the destination at the right time and in the proper condition. The final outcomes are increased productivity and customer satisfaction. It is the function of logistics to facilitate the movement of goods into the enterprise and also from the enterprise out to the customers.

Order processing

This stage begins when a customer places an order with the supplier. The order is a legal document which mentions the payment terms and conditions for delivery that are agreed by the customer and the supplier. Product description, price, and other commercial terms are also given in the purchase order. The processing of this order involves completing all procedures on time to ensure that the materials reach the customer on time.

Inventory control

Inventory control is simply the process of ensuring that the right quantity of goods is manufactured as per the current demand in a cost-effective way. It also involves facilitating the flow of goods into the enterprise and to the customers in a timely and efficient manner. There must not be an excess or shortage of goods.

Warehousing

Warehousing deals with the storage of the goods for current and future use. This function ensures the safety and quality of the products. Flaws on the part of warehousing can adversely affect the logistics functions and also develop dissatisfaction in customers. Effective warehousing requires the consideration of factors like choosing the right location, packaging facilities, space for loading and unloading and material handling facilities.

Transportation

Transportation is an integral part of logistics management. It is about transporting goods from the supplier to the customers. This function is responsible for delivering goods to customers at the right time. The responsible people should make sure that the goods are safely transported and in the right condition. While selecting the means of transportation, the factors that are to be considered include the urgency of the products to be transported at the cost of the product and transportation.

Material handling

Logistics staff should know the proper handling of goods so that they reach the customer in good condition. They have to maintain the quality of the goods while transporting it from one place to another and there shouldn’t be any breakage which leads to a loss for the company.

Packaging

The packaging is also part of fulfilling the safety conditions to enable transportation of goods without breakage or spillage. There are two types of the package; one is the attractive package of the product that it has when it reaches the customer. The other one is packaging the products in bulk to transport them safely from one place to another.

Inbound and Outbound Logistics

As the name denotes, inbound logistics is all about the movement of goods inside an organization. Logistics managers are responsible for facilitating the efficient flow of goods to and from a company. Most organizations use different logistics and supply chain partners for inbound as well as outbound transportation. While the deal is between the vendor and company in case of inbound logistics, the supplier as well as the customer are the two points of communication in outbound transportation.

Logistics and Supply Chain Management

People often use the terms logistics and supply chain management interchangeably. However, they are two different terms that function together in enabling the movement of goods from the supplier to the customer. Logistics is a key process that comes under Supply Chain Management (SCM).

Supply chain management comprises all processes involved in delivering a product from a supplier to the customer. It is a chain connected by everyone who is responsible for the flow of products. Furthermore, Logistics is about the management of the movement of the products within the supply chain.

Two levels of Training

Individuals who would like to begin a career in the field of logistics and supply chain management have two levels of logistics training programs. It is also open to those who want to advance their position in this industry. Certified International Supply Chain Professional (CISCP) and Certified International Supply Chain Manager (CISCM) are two courses that are suitable for aspiring as well as experienced logistics professionals.

Certified International Supply Chain Professional (CISCP)

This is a course that gives an idea about the basics of logistics and supply chain management. It covers everything from inventory control, warehousing, and transportation to packaging. The professional qualification will make them competent in the global market. It will also equip them with the tools required to facilitate the movement of products from the supplier to the customer. It will surely follow all quality and safety standards. This is the first step that you have to take to fulfill customer requirements without fail.

Certified International Supply Chain Manager (CISCM)

Certified International Supply Chain Manager (CISCM) is a second-level qualification that only individuals who have completed CISCP can pursue. This IPSCMI certification program enables individuals to attain the designation of a Certified International Supply Chain Manager.

Only individuals who have a thorough understanding of the fundamentals of the profession through the completion of CISCP can complete this program. It gives them an idea about the changing technology in the field of logistics and supply chain integration. Also, in the impact of logistics on the strategic planning of an organization.

IPSCMI - International Purchasing and Supply Chain Management Institute, USA

The International Purchasing and Supply Chain Management Institute (IPSCMI) is a prestigious professional institute. It offers purchasing as well as supply chain management certifications across the world. Moreover, it has become the gold standard for the logistics and supply chain profession.

Perks of getting certified in CISCP/CISCM

• Higher chances of getting a good job in the respective field
• Stand out from your colleagues with additional qualifications
• Easy to climb up the corporate ladder
• Harness your skills in the field as per the emerging trends

Pursuing a career in logistics is much easier if you have corporate training in a specific field. Logistics training is the best way to create a foundation for your profession.