A logistic manager is responsible for collaborating with the other officers of the company such as purchasing officers, transport

and warehouse managers, to ensure that the goods produced or sold by the company are received in the company's depot on time. A logistic manager is also responsible for making sure that the goods are stored in a proper and safe manner in addition to looking after their timely dispatch. This, of course is done through the medium of specialist computer packages, monitoring the levels of stock, tracking the movement of the goods and when necessary, re-ordering goods on behalf of the company. He may also be assigned duties relating to packaging of goods and ordering process. He is also, at times, assigned the task of analyzing the prevailing systems and networks and to make plans for the development of new systems and networks for enhancing efficiency. The qualities which are required in a logistics manager are the abilities that relate to managing, coordinating, and enhancing complete supply chain management. The person must have a high degree of analytical, numerical and geographical know-how. A capability to think on his feet and manage people would come in very handy. The knowledge of IT packages and methods of electronic communication such as Internet and email etc. would also be important. He must be able to perform under strict deadlines and must be able to prioritize his work and be a selfmotivator. In business terms, it can be summarized as a competitive strategy adapted by the enterprise to meet and exceed the expectations of its existing and prospective customers. It refers to a complete process of total supply chain management that is established to achieve a state of perfection through efficiency and integration. Logistics does not mean a single work activity but refers to a group of activities performed to attain the goal of a business enterprise that is maximizing the Profits. This may involve steps like purchasing, planning, coordination, transportation, warehousing, distribution and customer service. A business can run without profits, but it needs money to fund its services, pay its employees and grow its customer base. Logistics play an important part in the present business world; it cannot be neglected by an enterprise focused on growth and profitability. Logistics is a mixture of several professional disciplines, such as: 1. Planning 2. Controlling 3. Directing 4. Coordination 5. Forecasting 6. Warehousing and transportation 7. Facility location 8. Inventory management As per the Council of Logistics Management, logistics has been defined as the part of the process of supply chain that plan, control and implement an effective and efficient flow for the purpose of storage of goods and services and other related information from the point of commencement to the point of final consumption with a aim to satisfy the requirements of its existing and prospective customers. All activities that are involved in the movement of goods and services from the point of origin to the point of final consumption are grouped under the term 'logistics'. The art of managing or supervising all these activities when grouped together as a collective unit, are placed under 'logistics management'. People who are authorized or given the task of managing the aspect of logistics management are referred to as 'distribution managers' or 'logistics managers'. Logistics is said to have evolved from the ancient times of the Greek and Roman dynasties when some people were assigned with the task of ensuring a timely supply of goods, services, food and ammunition to make sure an easy passage for the soldiers shedding their blood in the war. These individual were known as 'Logistikas'.

Nowadays the logistics executives and managers have updated the concept of ancient days' Logistikas to ensure that there is achievement of business goals and that the tasks related to logistics can be performed at an economical cost under strict deadlines. There are enormous job opportunities available in the logistics market these days, such as : Commercial Contracts Manager Makes sure that all the commercial and legal support is provided in relation to the sales, logistics and marketing aspects of an organization. Logistics Analyst Role is to make sure enhanced customer service through cost reductions, process improvements and understanding of warehousing and distribution aspects of the organization. Lean Implementation Consultant His role extends to delivering of lean implementation projects with emphasis on human element cultural changes. Supply Chain Logistics Consultant Job is to assist the clients of the organization in leveraging the value of logistics. She also designs various networks and framing of steps to efficiently manage and implement orders of an organization. Procurement Consultants This position relates to procurements made by the organization. He must ensure accurate and timely delivery of goods at an economical cost. This requires consultations with vendors, industrial managers, quality managers and accounts department. Supply Chain Manager Role is to make sure that the entire supply chain which is being interfaced with the purpose of development is going in the right direction. Job duties also extend to customer service, production planning, warehousing and material supply. Asst Manager - Logistics & Stores Is responsible for updating ERP records and negotiating with transport vendors besides being responsible for inventory and material control. Warehouse Manager The role of a warehouse manager is to plan, implement and direct the entire operations that concern the warehouse. His role also extends to bar-coding, pricing and maintenance of documentary records. Thus, the logistics and transportation sector are considered to be an important criterion in judging the overall growth and development of an economy. All organizations, irrespective of their size and employment capacity, must realize the importance of role played by logistics in the achievement of common business goals of the organization, which creates opportunities for logistics employment on a regular basis.

Logistics can be defined as providing the right type of products and/or services at the right price, at place, time and in the right condition. A quick look back at some logistics history may prove very enlightening. The birth of Logistics can be traced back to ancient war times of Greek and Roman empires when military officers titled as 'Logistikas' were assigned the duties of providing services related to supply and distribution of resources. This was done to enable the soldiers to move from their base position to a new forward position efficiently, which could be a crucial factor in determining the outcome of wars. This also involved inflicting damage to the supply locations of the enemy and safeguarding one's own supply locations. Thus, this lead to the development of a system which can be related to the current day system of logistics management. During the Second World War (1939-1945), ogistics evolved greatly. The army logistics of United States and counterparts proved to be more than the German army could handle. The supply locations of German armed forces were inflicted with serious damages and Germany was not able to wreak the same havoc on its enemy. The United States military ensured that the services and supplies were provided at the right time and at the right place. It also tried to provide these services when and wherever required, in the most optimal and economical manner. The best available options to do the task were developed. This also gave birth to several military logistics techniques which are still in use, albeit in a more advanced form. Logistics has now evolved itself as an art and science. However, it cannot be termed as an exact science. Logistics does not follow a defined set of tables nor is it based on skills inherited from birth. A logistics manager performs his duties and responsibilities based on his educational

experiences, skills, past experiences and intuition. These skills are nourished by a constant application of the same by him for the betterment of his organization. The logistics manager ensures that the company is benefited by an effective and efficient system of logistical management. He also needs to ensure that the right kind of products and services are provided at the right time and for a right price, whether inside the organization's premises or delivery of shipments outside the premises of the organization. Logistics has come to be a kind of relief for many organizations that formerly looked upon it as a burden. Companies nowadays are hiring people with the requisite knowledge to deliver sustainable enhancements in the field of supply chain management. As has been the case throughout most of logistics history, the task of a logistics manager involves a clear vision and a drive within to deliver results under strict deadlines in addition to his usual responsibilities.