ABSTRACT
Logistics has assumed greater and greater importance as a strategic variable, so that excellent logistics and supply chain management are essential elements of successful companies. This chapter looks at supply chain management and logistics from all perspectives. Most of the developments discussed in even very early columns remain true; thinking in some areas has advanced further, and some trends noted are just beginning to assume real importance. While these columns range widely, the collection is no encyclopedia of supply chain management and logistics. The objective in writing these columns has been to raise awareness of logistics and supply chain issues in the strategic and competitive contexts and to provide some insight in how to analyze and address those issues. The limits of space and the need to tailor the approaches to the particulars of varied industries and specific companies preempted a comprehensive treatment of each area.
