Supply Chain vs Logistics: What are the differences?
Here is a great start to learn about supply chain. This cheat sheet gives a high level view and the links below will help people quickly get up to speed on supply chain.
Collection of CHEAT SHEETS.
Supply Chain and Logistics Defined
There are various definitions of supply chain and logistics so provided a couple for each.
- Supply Chain Definition 1: A supply chain is the network of all the individuals, organizations, resources, activities, and technology involved in the creation and sale of a product, from the delivery of source materials from the supplier to the manufacturer, through to its eventual delivery to the end user.
- Supply Chain Definition 2: The supply chain encompasses the entire production flow of a good or service, starting from the raw materials stage, through manufacturing, to distribution to the final consumer. It includes all processes and entities involved in producing and delivering the final product.
- Logistics Definition 1: Logistics refers to the detailed coordination and implementation of complex operations involving the movement, storage, and flow of goods, services, or information within the supply chain, from the point of origin to the point of consumption.
- Logistics Definition 2: Logistics is the management of the flow of resources, including goods, services, and information, between the point of origin and the point of consumption to meet the requirements of customers or corporations, often involving transportation, warehousing, and inventory management.
Supply Chain and Logistics Quotes
- “Without logistics the world stops.” ~Dave Waters
- “There’s nobody who has as big of a real-time logistics network than Uber.” ~Jason Calacanis
- “At Wal-Mart, it goes back to Sam Walton and the foundation and business model that we simply operate for less, or everyday low cost. We’re known for operating in a very efficient way and then giving those savings to customers.” ~Mike Duke, former CEO Walmart
- “I say an hour lost at a bottleneck is an hour out of the entire system. I say an hour saved at a non-bottleneck is worthless. Bottlenecks govern both throughput and inventory.” ~Eliyahu M. Goldratt, The Goal
- “You will not find it difficult to prove that battles, campaigns, and even wars have been won or lost primarily because of logistics.” ~Dwight D. Eisenhower
- “Self-driving vehicles will automatically choose the most efficient route. Artificial intelligence will dramatically improve logistics.” ~Dave Waters
- “I actually think it’s better I started by being close to customers. That foundation early on helped me later when I went into logistics and other kinds of management.” ~Mike Duke
- “Great leaders are almost always great simplifiers who can cut through the argument debate and doubt to offer a solution everybody can understand.” ~ Colin Powell
- “Supply Chain is like nature, it is all around us.” ~ Dave Waters
Logistics and Supply Chain Resources
- Need Distribution Center and Warehouse Training? Try these resources.
- SCM Resources by Topic
- Shipping and Transport Training
- Supply Chain Training Resources
- Top Supply Chain Companies & Training
Top 10 Supply Chain Trends for 2025.
Why Companies Get Involved with Artificial Intelligence.
Key Steps in the Supplier Selection Process.
Procurement Interview Cheat Sheet.