The central task of operative logistics is the efficient supply of the required quantities of the right goods in the right order within the right time at the right place. The tasks of logistic management are to plan and to realize the necessary logistic systems and supply networks in accordance with the latest findings of analytical logistics and to organize order and performance processes in a cost efficient manner.

This book is a about the planning, management and operation of logistic systems and supply networks. It contains methods, rules and tools for the solution of a broad variety of problems. The algorithms and formulas can be used for the computer based planning of logistics systems and for the dynamic scheduling of processes in supply networks. The practical application of the analytically derived rules, strategies, algorithms and formulas is demonstrated by several examples and findings from industry, trade and logistics service providers. They enable substantial improvements of logistics performance, service quality and profitability.

Part 1 discusses Principles, Strategies and Organization and provides a top down approach to macrologistics and micrologistics. Performance systems and dynamic networks are analyzed and the basic principles of logistics are derived. The focus is on organization, scheduling and control, planning and realization, potentials and strategies, costing and pricing, time management and forecasting, and on the scheduling of orders and inventories. Related topics are logistic units and master data, filling and packing strategies, limit performances and queuing effects and the connections between sales, purchase and logistics.

Part 2 examinesSystems, Networks and Operations and constructs a bottom up analysis of logistic networks made up from elements, modules and subsystems. On the lowest level, the principles, strategies and methods of Part 1 are applied to design, optimize and calculate storage systems, commissioning systems and transport systems. In the next level, logistics centers and production systems are considered. In the highest level, logistic networks are designed and supply chains are optimized. Resulting from this are general rules, approved strategies and practical recommendations for the selection, design, planning and operation of the different logistic subsystems and of supply, distribution and freight networks. Special subjects are logistics service providers and the central role of people in logistics.

The contents of this book are essential for supply chain management and offer thought-provoking insights into the optimization potentials of logistic systems. This comprehensive and logically structured handbook on logistics serves supply chain managers and practitioners, as well as scientists and researchers.