ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the management and control systems of European distribution logistics. New distribution structures can be extremely complex, and it is essential that the various activities performed by the distributors, the logistics partners, and the sales organisations connect seamlessly. Distribution logistics must meet marketplace demand. The right place and the right time are the keywords, and the process must be as efficient as possible. Since physical distribution processes link the marketplace and the manufacturing/purchasing area, they will both have an effect on the process. In distribution control, the predictability of customer demand is a very important factor. Imagine that customer demand were totally predictable. Logistics’ increasing focus on both internal and external integration has given rise to the need to allow logistics information systems to communicate with the other information systems in the logistics process. The chapter deals examines some of the ways in which information and communication technology can support distribution logistics.
