INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND THE LIFE CYCLE OF LOGISTICS DEPARTMENTS

There is a growing body of literature which focuses on the complexities of organising the logistics function(s) within an industrial firm. While some of the literature discusses traditional variables, such as centralisation‐decentralisation and staff versus line, there is also a wide variety of suggested organisational patterns. The reason for this diversity is that logistics cuts across traditional organisational lines and has no obvious and inherent position in the classic organisation chart. The consequence is that there may be as many patterns of logistics organisation as there are firms attempting to organise. Further, the fact that any formal logistics department will cause some conflict with related functions suggests that the precise structure and role of such a unit may be quite dynamic oyer time. For example, it may find itself expanding and contracting in relationship to the political winds. The purpose of this article is to explore means of reducing such conflict while still implementing an effective logistics organisation.