Denotation of Process- and Flow Orientation for Integral Logistics

Seminar paper from the year 2014 in the subject Business economics - Supply, Production, Logistics, grade: 1,0, University of Cooperative Education Mannheim, language: English, abstract: According to Schönsleben 'The link between process management and logistics management is evident' (2007). In order to be able to agree to Mr. Schönsleben, the thesis on hand focuses on processes and flows involved in integral logistics. In this context, touching supply chain management is indispensable. The author also wants to sensibilise the reader for recognizing the omnipresence of processes and accompanying flows in daily operations and their increasing significance for business success. Questions answered during the following elaborations concern the development from logistics to integrated means, the existence of different process types and how to design the same. Additionally, process implementation and the position of a chief process officer are discussed. The paper also tries to point out reasons for the status quo of process handling within companies. Demonstrating the current relevance of the given topic, the results are mainly based on literature originating from the previous 15 years plus contemporary sources available via Internet. A study conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers dealing with business processes also influenced the findings. Complexity of business models and widely-branched supply chains long for a sophisticated organisational effort. Nearly every part of an integral logistics chain is related to a process and IT-support is inalienable for handling them. Physical and information flows are of equal importance. Companies do acknowledge the benefits of process management but yet the majority stays behind possibilities. Necessary investments still represent obstacles but advantages of well-working processes outweigh related concerns increasingly. Thus, further clarification is necessary among the management level to enhance sustainable awareness about process implementation for staying competitive.