Logistic Architecture Based on Models

A selected bibliographical research and a study of the outsourcing process of the logistic activities inside a large Brazilian wholesaler distributor have brought, as a main consequence, the development of an architecture for logistic organization inside the company based on models. Actually, this architecture is an interesting tool, which aims to guide companies outsourcing logistic services in designing their structure, planning and strategic management of their logistic systems.

The main reason for designing such architecture was the study of this case done by the author and the new awareness that it has raised. The companies included in the study were going through a transition period, in a complex scenario, which involved a decision by the wholesaler to outsource or not its logistic activities with a logistic operator. There was a series of concerns related to this decision, specially the potential impact that it would have on the internal elements of both organizations.

This paper contributes to supply chain literature with the development of an integrated view of logistics infrastructure and logistics intelligence, in a way that the balance of these two managerial efforts can generate better results in the processes of customer value transfer. In a practical context, wholesaler companies seems to focus more on the infrastructure side than on the logistics intelligence or on a balance of these.

In this context, the logistic architecture developed has conjugated models with clear pre-determined goals to be used in the execution of a certain activity and/or administrative actions. This theory focuses on the client and aims to integrate and manage all the interface elements of the logistic system, by connecting and uniting strength for the organized and structured exercise of all logistic activities. Considering a practical aspect, this paper provide explanation of supply chain processes in wholesalers distributors companies, in a way to detail some specific problems and suggestions to improve its management. Therefore, each model cited here, when well structured, can leverage the client satisfaction level, as long as the client is well served in his/her needs, satisfied with the solution provided, rendered with the right service and product at the right time and under the right conditions, with reasonable costs, and receives information concerning the logistic operations, content, times and positions of a certain order to support his decision making process.

Article by Márcio Lopes Pimenta,et al,from Federal University of Uberlandia

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