When it comes to understanding the differences between logistics, operations, and supply chain management, it can be quite challenging. Logistics is only one part of operations, as it deals with the storage and transportation of materials, resources, work in progress, and finished products. Supply chain management includes the logistics aspect and is interrelated and dependent on operations management. In some organizations, supply chain management is an operations management department.
Logistics is mainly concerned with organizing the distribution, shipping, storage, and preparation of orders in an efficient manner. Confusion often arises because these terms and functions are closely related to each other. To be successful in this competitive era, companies must have an experienced and effective team of supply chain, logistics, and operations managers. Higher productivity is required in freight vehicle operations and in warehouse processes throughout the supply chain to ensure profitability. Many industries require both supply chain management and operations management. It's essential for business professionals to understand how organizations use supply chain management and operations management to improve efficiency and value and increase profits.
Operations management focuses on running a business effectively and efficiently, including maintenance, material planning, and analysis of production systems. Supply chain management controls the product production process; without it, operations management would not have a product to oversee operations. While these roles share many skills that overlap and even intersect, aspiring professionals should consider whether they would prefer the external approach taken by supply chain managers or the internal perspective of an operations manager. Supply chain management activities are generally the same in all industries; however, the functions and responsibilities of operations management can vary widely depending on the product or service that the company produces. Operations are basically what the company does; marketing and finance are there so that the company can maintain driving operations. Operations management tends to be associated more with the production of goods than with the movement of goods.
It deals with the design and control of the production process and commercial operations related to goods or services. Alternatively, if you prefer to spearhead production, planning, workflow, and staffing, you can thrive as an operations manager. There are strong parallels between the skills required for effective operations management and those needed in both logistics and supply chain management.