Differences in goals between military and business logistics

Logistics difference goals military business logistics term management, operations, design administration.

Military and Business Logistics

The difference between the goals of military and business logistics in terms of management, operations, design and administration

The planning, conceptualization and administration of military and business logistics are similar in many respects but there are marked difference in terms of their aims, orientations and objectives. Many management centered business processes and logistical methods have in fact been adapted from the military. However, the aims and goals in business are very different in certain cardinal ways to those of a military establishment. The following discussion will outline the main aspects of both military as well as business logistics as they pertain to management planning and processes. The central factors in each context will then be compared and contrasted to establish the main differences in terms of management, operations, design and administration.

Definitions

A business definition of logistics is as follows:

Logistics is defined as a business planning framework for the management of material, service, information and capital flows. It includes the increasingly complex information, communication and control systems required in today's business environment.

( logistics)

The above can be compared to a general definition of military logistics.:

The science of planning and carrying out the movement and maintenance of forces.... those aspects of military operations that deal with the design and development, acquisition, storage, movement, distribution, maintenance, evacuation and disposition of material; movement, evacuation, and hospitalization of personnel; acquisition of construction, maintenance, operation and disposition of facilities; and acquisition of furnishing of services.

(What is logistics?)

There are obvious points of similarity between these two definitions. For example, both are concerned with the management and processing of materials and services. One could continue with an exposition of those often slight similarities and differences; however the real differences and the central focus of this paper are the goals and objectives of these two areas of logistics. This will be discussed in detail in the following sections.

The Goals of Military Logistics

The terms logistic is derived from the Greek "logistikos," which means "skilled in calculating" ( Molana, 2009). It was first used in terms of the organization of military activity and in relation to "… an organized military administrative science" (Molana, 2009). However, in terms of logistical administration 'logistics' goes back to Roman and Byzantium times and to the functioning of a military official with the title 'Logista' ( Molana, 2009).

The administrative and procedural aims of military logistics are therefore aimed at the smooth running and operation of the military. A very important component of this is the planning and maintenance of supply chains and support in times of war. This means that a central goal of any military campaign is to achieve military or strategic success and this success is heavily dependent on the necessary supply of food, water, ammunition and other materials and supplies that are essential to facilitate any successful military action. In other words, military strategy and judgment are based on a professional knowledge and expertise in logistics. As one expert states; "In major military conflicts, logistics matters are often crucial in deciding the overall outcome of wars" ( Defence logistics and role of society towards the Armed Forces and war fighting) .

An example of logistics and supply in war can be seen in the fact that the sinking of cargo ships that were transporting supplies to the Allies during the Second World War was seen as a crucial factor that could determine the outcome of the war -- hence the intense energy and effort that was put into ensuring that logistical supply ships reached their intended destination. As one pundit notes: "The failure of the German Navy to sink enough cargo in the Second Battle of the Atlantic allowed Britain to stay in the war" (Molana, 2009).

Comparisons and Differences

From the above discussion it becomes clear that the most obvious and fundamental difference between the goals and objectives of business and military lies in their different contexts and environment. In other words, while many for the principles and procedures of logistics may be shared between these two areas, their goals are not essentially the same. Military logistical planning and administrative procedure cannot afford any lack of integration or cohesion as the result would be a loss of human life and defeat and not merely a decline in profitability. This leads to as number of basic differences between logistic supply chain planning and administration in the military and business.

Some central logistical management procedures found in business are not present in the military. This includes, for example, concepts such as the Just-in-time or the JIT model. This logistical model places stress on holding little or no inventory. "Just in time (JIT) is a production strategy that strives to improve a business return on investment by reducing in-process inventory and associated carrying costs" (Just-In-Time (JIT) Manufacturing).

This is a good example of the difference in context between military and business logistics. In this sense, military logistical operation and design planning is more prone to keeping large inventories than business due to the " ... high costs of a stock-out (potentially placing lives in danger)" (Just-In-Time (JIT) Manufacturing). One could refer in this regard to the example of an ammunition supply dump where an extensive supply of material is part of the logistical design.

Another important example that illustrates the difference between business and military objectives in terms of logistics can be seen in the procurement process. In this area of logistics and administration the requirements of the military differ substantially from the business and corporate world. The focus in the military is rather on the reliability of the vendor and the quality of the product rather than the emphasis on profitability that is found in business logistics. This again refers to the different context of the military as compared to business, where human life and possibly national safety and security are at risk.