LOGISTICS MANAGERS         The term "logistics" may not be familiar to

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LOGISTICS MANAGERS The term "logistics" may not be familiar to you, but the function is something that you benefit from every day. All the activities involved in moving an item-from the place where its raw materials are located, to the place where it was made or grown, to the place where it is used or consumed-can be described under the broad terms "logistics" or "distribution." People in a variety of logistics careers are responsible for getting the right products to the right places at the right time in good condition and at a reasonable cost. The act of supervising or managing this far-reaching activity is generally known as "logistics management" or "distribution management," and the people who work in this industry are generally referred to as "logistics managers" or "distribution managers. Because of the logistics process, there is fresh food in your local grocery store, regardless of the season. Next fall's fashions are available in the summer--in time for you to do your back-to-school shopping.

When you have a flat tire, you can replace it almost immediately regardless of size requirements, and you will be able to buy it for a reasonable price. In fact, Americans can usually find most products they need when they need them without being overcharged because of the successful efforts of the many people in logistics careers.

The individual components of a typical logistics system include customer service, demand forecasting, distribution, communications, inventory control, materials handling, order processing, parts and service support, plant and warehouse site selection (location analysis), purchasing, packaging, handling of returned goods, salvage and scrap disposal, traffic and transportation, warehousing and storage, and the information technology needed to support all these operations. A position in a small company may include all of these functions, while one in a large corporation may involve...