More than thirty years in the development and maturation of logistics activities within companies should be a sufficiently long period for the full consolidation of logistics management. However, nothing could be further from the truth. While we can speak of leading companies with a fully developed logistics concept, especially multinationals, the reality is that the concept of logistics has not yet taken sufficient root, particularly in SMEs, which represent between 80 and 90% of a country's economic activity. The problem lies in the fact that, unlike pure technology, logistics is fundamentally based on philosophical and organizational concepts around which a series of techniques have been grouped. The application of these techniques, in turn, depends on other developments, especially in the fields of Organization and Information Technology.
Responsible for managing physical flows and operational information systems, logistics has established itself as a key business function. The combination of cutting-edge techniques enables logistics to develop comprehensive directional coordination. Its impact is therefore considerable for large industrial groups as well as small and medium-sized enterprises.
In this way, logistics offers the customer a high level of overall quality at the lowest possible cost. It is a comprehensive tool that guides all changes, both structural and cultural, within companies, thereby increasing competitiveness and profitability. Logistical changes within companies must be led by managers trained in logistics implementation courses, where the skills, responsibilities, and experience they acquire enable them to develop and implement innovative solutions, as well as foster a shift in mindsets.
Currently, there is a real shortage of logistics managers capable of assuming new functions in their entirety. Therefore, it is important that a logistics management and engineering program be developed in Spain with the following objectives:
-To train specialists in piloting and directing flows so that they are able to manage the interfaces between various sectors of activity in the company.
-To present the latest technical elements for the scientific management of industrial operations.
-Develop the essential management qualities of logistics managers.
The current situation in Spanish logistics must address and solve problems caused by a lack of foresight and development:
1. Spanish logistics costs are higher than the European average.
2. The transport and distribution systems are several years behind Europe.
3. Modern technology is not widely implemented.
4.- Delivery volumes and units are not standardized and are of small size.
5. There are no true logistics hubs where services, methodology and costs can be concentrated and reduced.
6.- Distribution is not yet focused in logistical terms.
7. Planning and control technologies are poorly implemented.
8. There is a real lack of awareness of the true logistics costs.
9. The application of common coding and language standards is still lagging.
Therefore, the level of European competitiveness of Spanish industries, as well as of the retail sector itself, is lower than that of other European companies, primarily due to inferiority in global logistics techniques. Many companies still lack a dedicated logistics department. Although small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) may not consider it necessary to establish a logistics department, due to the small volumes of goods handled and perhaps a lack of in-depth knowledge on the subject by management, it is highly advisable and beneficial for any company to have an area that controls, manages, and directs the two basic flows: the physical flow and the information flow.
Regarding foreseeable trends for the future, we are in the era of quality, market internationalization, and increasing competition. It is characterized by a series of significant changes in market forces, among which we can mention the following:
– Globalization of the economy.
– Homogenization of tastes in different markets.
– Diversification of products and presentation formats.
– Increased importance of logistics costs relative to added value.
– Growing importance of ecology in packaging design, recycling and waste treatment.
Furthermore, numerous opportunities arise in the search for synergies among the main market players, with the aim of improving service and reducing costs. In this regard, the following points are particularly noteworthy:
– Significant application of Information Technologies and new management concepts.
– Emergence and strengthening of logistics operators at both national and international levels.
– Implementation of long-term links between manufacturers, distributors and logistics operators.
– Implementation of new handling and storage technologies.
– Strengthening of international logistics infrastructure (communications, logistics centers, dry ports, etc.)
Differentiation and innovation in Customer Service constitute a competitive weapon that allows maintaining and increasing market share.
On the other hand, it is worth noting that the increasing concentration of commercial distribution has increased their power in negotiations with manufacturers regarding service requirements, such as fixed-time deliveries, handling units, logistics platforms, etc.
The increased demand for shorter lead times, smaller batch sizes, and a proliferation of commercial options makes the concepts of "tight flows" and "diversified flows," typical of just-in-time environments, strategic, as well as the need to shorten product launch times…
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