Sample Essay on Key Factors that Affect International Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Logistic is a procedure in management that incorporates planning, implementation and the control of physical flow of commodities. This is inclusive of goods from the original location to access consumers who intend to purchase them. International logistics involves management of the resources from a company’s supply chain to reach other nations. Logistic management refers to the useful constituent of a firm. In essence, this attributes to the management of staff and control of information across borders.  Individuals involved in this procedure ensure that they create awareness to clients concerning supply and delivery of goods. This is achieved via integration of vital details such as material handling, production, transportation and packaging.

Supply chain management is the oversight of materials, information, and finance from suppliers to clients in various business stages.  Supply chain management can be divided into three categories. They include flow of information, finances and products in a firm. The product flow involves the movement of goods from a supplier to the customer. The information flow concerns transmission of orders and updating the status of delivery. The financial flow consists of credit terms, and title ownership. Two forms of supply chain management incorporate planning application and execution application. Some of these applications are based on the data models that support the sharing of information. This takes place in and out of the trade.  It also includes key supplies, manufacturers and lastly the customers. Organizations that embrace this application have the potential to improve the time which they market their goods. This further contributes to reduction of costs and allows all the parties in the supply chain management to improve and plan for their needs in future.

Key Factors That Affect International Logistics

Energy is one of the major aspects that affect international logistics. Clearly, any considerable change in expenses that affect either fuel or electricity energy influences the costs of operation. This further affects distribution of products across foreign nations. For instance, numerous feasible projects fail when energy becomes an issue. In this regard, it is essential to coordinate with all providers of energy to formulate effective ways that will aid in conserving it.

Another aspect that influences international logistics is flexibility. This happens if the current business is not predictable. Flexibility is a significant factor in trade when it determines its survival and success. In designing a facility that is intended for distribution, individuals in business need to use adaptable tools. In this case, modern technology may be effective from the beginning. Later, it fails to handle events that are perceived to be unpredictable. As a result, it makes the individuals who are involved in logistic business to loss funds. The best way to curb factors in most distribution operations is to make a practical choice of using tools that are flexible.

Global condition at the market place is another aspect that causes issues that affects international logistics. In the current society, business is changing in a drastic manner. This implies that for any forms of international logistics to be successful, they must be ready to fulfill the requirements of clients in different locations. Dealing with global situation as a main factor at the market requires individuals involved in logistics operations to incorporate exports. This is vital because it serves as a part of their project in transportation. In international logistics, participants should always be prepared to keep up with the global pace at the market.

Furthermore, involvement of the government in international logistics affects its operations. Based on whether it makes decision at state or local level, its outcome is evident via its distribution activities. Increase in taxes and restriction to transportation systems by administration affect logistics practices that are executed internationally. This Implies that lack of effective communication from authority tend to affect transportation and distribution. As a result, this renders people involved in this trade to incur huge loses.

Key factors that influences supply chain management

The main factors that affect supply chain management depend on the nation and its origin. Lack of knowledge about production equipments and suppliers subjects business partners to security threats. This implies that a nation that supply commodities and are prone to threats contributes to delay in supply chain. Another aspect that affects management of supply chain is physical security. This factor becomes worse especially when the states involved in this trade experience terrorism attacks. Before engaging in supply chain operations, this forces participants to take precautions. This is to ensure that their supply locations and cargos are secure from threats.

In addition, environmental and social responsibilities are aspects that affect supply chain management. In this situation, these factors are facing a huge risk to enhance safety regulations of their products. Furthermore, lack of information concerning internal procedures in supply chains makes it hard for clients to know about procedures that are involved in manufacturing. As a result, this factor makes it difficult to access cargos due to electronic data that is controlled. Delay in shipment is another aspect that affects supply chain management. This can make suppliers to loss their clients when they change their supply routine.