A Case Of Application Of Anticipatory Logistics In Corporate World: Success And Challenges

LOG 301 module 1 case 01 09 2014
Name:
Institution:
Course:
Tutor:
Date:
A case of application of anticipatory logistics in corporate world: Success and challenges
The corporate world can effectively implement the aspects of anticipatory logistics. Anticipatory logistics can be defined as a process used to predict future trends in the requirements of the customer by using information systems, procedure and technologies. It is also essential in sustaining the need for anticipatory logistics. The U.S. army has over the years applied anticipatory logistics but it is believed that the concepts have a huge similarity with supply chain management (SCM) and that it can be applied in the corporate world (Lenzini, 2002). There are various techniques that can be used to merge SCM and anticipatory logistics. If anticipatory logistic has been effective in the army, then it can also be applied in the corporate world. This is because just like in the army, the corporate world must adhere to the principles of SCM. Anticipatory management is made up of a number of processes, which include procuring, producing and delivering different kinds of services to clients. This also applies in the army where logistics are delivered to the combat forces. SCM and anticipatory logistics have seven common components.
This commonality is used to merge the anticipatory logistics principles in the business world. The corporate world and the army put into consideration the following aspects: supplies, procurement, management of orders, manufacture, consumption, warehousing and transport services. Although there can be some differences between the two, it is not possible to ignore these components since what has been applied in the army has also been applied in the corporate world (Harrington, Boyson & Corsi, 2010). Both the army and private sector have to satisfy two different and diversified needs. For instance, a private organization hopes that its operations will expand while at the same time fulfilling the needs of its customers. An external principle which is SCM is required to satisfy these diverging needs. The needs of the customers are always changing and the business must have the capacity of recognizing and fulfilling future customer expectations in terms of price of a product and availability.
Anticipatory logistics evaluates the future and long terms needs of supply management of the business since they are the means used by business to meet these needs. In addition, the army must also fulfill two diverging needs which include reducing logistical aspects while at the same time fulfilling the needs of the combat forces. These needs have a similarity since the m...