Author Profile

Thomas Goertler is a senior supply chain executive and author specializing in global logistics optimization and digital transformation. He has over 20 years of experience managing complex international supply chains. He bridges the gap between traditional logistics and modern technology. His work focuses on building resilient operations, reducing carbon footprints, and integrating automation into warehousing. He managed multi-million-dollar logistics networks across Europe, Asia, and North America. Led the successful rollout of AI-driven forecasting tools for Fortune 500 manufacturing firms. Designed eco-friendly fleet routing models that cut transport emissions by 15%. Goertler is a seasoned logistics executive and supply chain strategist dedicated to streamlining enterprise operations. Over a two-decade career, he has successfully redesigned end-to-end distribution models, integrated automated warehousing systems, and mitigated risk across volatile global networks. Goertler has spearheaded major procurement and distribution overhauls for top-tier e-commerce and retail brands. Their pragmatic approach emphasizes agility, green logistics, and network collaboration. When not optimizing global trade lanes, he mentors early-stage logistics tech startups and contribute insights to industry publications.

About The Book

The key components of logistics have been an important feature of industrial and economic life for countless years, but it is only in the relatively recent past that logistics has been recognized as a major function in its own right. The main reason for this has probably been the nature of logistics itself. It is a function made up of many sub-functions and many sub-systems, each of which has been, and may still be, treated as a distinct management operation. Both the academic and the business world now accept that there is a need to adopt a more holistic view of these different operations in order to take into account how they interrelate and interact with one another. The appreciation of the scope and importance of logistics and the supply chain has led to a more scientific approach being adopted towards the subject. This approach has been aimed at the overall concept of the logistics function as a whole and also at the individual sub-systems. Much of this approach has addressed the need for, and means of, planning logistics and the supply chain, but has also considered some of the major operational issues. The global marketplace demands unprecedented efficiency, agility, and integration. Organization success no longer depends solely on internal capabilities. Success relies heavily on the strength and design of the overarching supply chain. This book, Logistics & Supply Chain Management, provides a practical framework for understanding the critical infrastructure that moves goods from origin to consumption. The text focuses on the core execution pillars of modern logistics operations. Managing these interconnected activities requires balancing cost, speed, and service quality. Designed for students, educators, and practitioners alike, this book blends theoretical principles with actionable industry insights. Understanding these concepts will equip readers to design and manage resilient supply chains capable of navigating a volatile global economy. Written for students, academics, and industry professionals alike, this text bridges fundamental concepts with cutting-edge industry practices. It serves as both a comprehensive guide to understanding operational workflows and a blueprint for driving organizational value through efficient supply chain architecture.

Table of Contents

Preface
1. The Context Of Logistics
Introduction
Definitions
The Supply Chain
Activities Of Logistics
Aims Of Logistics
Importance Of Logistics
2. Integrating The Supply Chain
Progress In Logistics
Current Trends In Logistics
Integrating Logistics Within An Organisation
Integration Along The Supply Chain
Achieving Integration
3. Logistics Strategy
Strategic Decisions
Logistics Strategy
Strategy Options
Designing A Logistics Strategy
4. Implementing The Strategy
Relating Strategy To Lower Decisions
Areas For Decisions In Implementation
Managing Change
5. Locating Facilities
Importance Of Location

Choosing The Geographic Region
Infinite Set Approaches
Feasible Set Approaches
Network Models
Location Planning
6. Planning ResourcesTypes Of Planning
Capacity Planning
Adjusting Capacity
Tactical Planning
Short-Term Schedules
7. Controlling Material Flow
Material Requirements Planning
Extending The Role Of Mrp
Principles Of Just-In-Time
Achieving Just-In-Time Operations
Extending Jit Along The Supply Chain
8. Measuring And Improving Performance
Measuring Performance
Comparing Performance
Analysing A Supply Chain
Improving Performance
9. Procurement
Definitions
Choosing Suppliers
Procurement Cycle Types Of Purchase
10. Inventory Management
Reasons For Holding Stock
Economic Order Quantity
Uncertain Demand And Safety Stock

Periodic Review Systems
Effort Of Stock Control
11. Warehousing And Material Handling
Purpose Of Warehouses
Activities Within A Warehouse
Ownership
Layout
Materials Handling
Packaging
12. Transport
Introduction
Mode Of Transport
Intermodal Transport
Ownership Of Transport
Routing Vehicles
13. Global Logistics
International Trade
Problems With International Logistics
Organising International Operations
Bibliography
Index