Chapter 20: The Role of GIS in Routing and Logistics

According to the Council of Logistics Management (CLM), logistics is the process of planning, implementing, and controlling the efficient, effective flow and storage of goods, services, and related information from the point of origin to the point of consumption for the purpose of conforming to customer requirements. To accomplish this requires the optimal location and number of depots and warehouses, as well as the efficient management of vehicle fleets to meet delivery schedules together with effective planning of vehicle routes. Today, logistics and routing is an integrated activity involving multiple modes and trans-shipment at intermodal facilities. The use of the latest routing and logistics tools that can help plan, allocate, and track vehicles and shipments in space and time is necessary to meet customer requirements for supply chain management and just-in-time delivery.