Modern logistics

Author: Wang ZhiTai
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-06-01
Features: This book aims to comprehensively reflect the new developments and concepts in logistics science, while also covering various fields of logistics science in a systematic and complete manner. It presents logistics science to readers in the form of a systematic and comprehensive book, introducing some research achievements and modern logistics technology equipment in China.
Chapter 1: Basic Concepts of Logistics
Section 1: Definition of Logistics
Logistics is composed of two fundamental elements: "materials" and "flow." When these elements exist in their independent forms, they have general interpretations. However, when combined together, their interpretations become more specific and no longer strictly follow their original meanings.
1. The Concept of "Materials"
In logistics, the concept of "materials" refers to all physical substances that can be moved in terms of their physical location. These materials can be tangible or intangible. Tangible materials include things like steel and cement, while intangible materials include natural gas and coal gas. It encompasses all materials in solid, liquid, and gaseous states that can undergo physical displacement. A key characteristic of "materials" in logistics is that they must be capable of undergoing physical displacement, with the reference frame being the Earth. Therefore, fixed facilities and infrastructure are not the subject of logistics research.
There are many narrow interpretations of "materials," some of which only cover part of what was mentioned above, or are even mutually inclusive with the aforementioned definition. None of these provide a correct and comprehensive understanding of "materials" in logistics. It is necessary to clarify the following points:
1. Materials: In China, this term specifically refers to means of production and sometimes broadly refers to all material resources, primarily industrial production materials. The distinction between "materials" and "materials" in logistics lies in the fact that a significant portion of means of production in "materials" cannot undergo physical displacement and thus fall outside the scope of logistics research. Examples include construction facilities and land. Additionally, various living materials that are logistics objects cannot be included in the concept of "materials" as understood as means of production.
2. Raw Materials: This is a specialized term in China's production field. Producers tend to refer to all materials circulating in the production field outside the final products (regardless of whether they come from means of production or living materials), as well as fuels, parts, semi-finished products, subcontracting, and inevitable by-products such as scraps, offcuts, waste materials, and various waste materials, all collectively referred to as "raw materials."