However, a variety of weaknesses still continue the most notable would include: a decentralized system, no standardized protocol for evaluating container packages and a lack of training. This is significant, because it highlights an obvious weakness that has not been addressed in the aftermaths of the September 11th terrorist attacks. If such issues are not addressed, it could mean that the improvements in other areas are ineffective, as terrorists can use this as a potential weakness they can exploit. ("Homeland Security, 2003) The changes in Logistics and its impact on our global economy.

Logistics is having an impact upon the global economy, by making the world smaller and more competitive. What has been happening is a variety of companies have been using the increased amounts of reduced trade barriers and low transportation costs, to produce a variety of products inexpensively. To deliver these low cost goods to consumers requires: effectively using technology and logistics to manage the supply chain at various locations. Those organizations that can utilize logistics to respond to changes in demand from consumers will be able to adapt quickly to changes in the economic cycle. Where, they can use their supply chain to tell them if they need to lower the number of trips to a location or deliver more of a certain item. This will ensure that a location will always have those items that consumers demand, at the lowest prices possible. A good example as to how the supply chain can impact an organization and the global economy can be seen with Wal-Mart. Where, the company will utilize technology and have their distribution centers located in close proximity to their retail locations. This is significant,...

When a location is running low on various items, the supply chain management software will inform the distribution center. At which point, they will send a truck to the location with the items that are needed. The fact that each distribution center is close to each store, allows the company to be able to offer lower prices in comparison with their competitors. This has an impact upon the global economy, as the location of a Wal-Mart store in the community will offer consumers lower prices. Yet, it will have a negative effect on many local businesses that are forced to close, because they can't compete. What this example shows is that logistics is helping to fuel the trend towards globalization, as it offers an effective way of producing or purchasing products for the lowest cost. At which point, it provides an effective way to deliver these different goods to consumers. ("Supply Chain," 2010)
Bibliography

The Bush Administration's Analysis of Homeland Security Legislation. (2002). Retrieved July 13, 2010 from Gov Exec website: http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0602/061802hsleg2.htm

The Freedom of Information Act. (2010). Retrieved July 13, 2010 from NFOIC website: http://www.nfoic.org/foi-act

Homeland Security. (2003). Retrieved July 13, 2010 from GAO website: http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d04325t.pdf

Supply Chain. (2010). Retrieved July 13, 2010 from ASA Research website: http://www.asaresearch.com/ecommerce/supplychain.htm

Olson, S. (2006). Introduction. The Homeland Security Act of 2002. (pp. 4 -8). New York, NY: Rosen Publishing.