The article participated in the 4th edition of the “Logistics with a Pen” competition.
Nowadays, logistics has entered every area of life. However, its character and dimension vary. We increasingly encounter terms such as global logistics, eurologistics, state, city, agglomeration, enterprise, hospital, press editorial office logistics, etc. Without the application of systems theory, it would be difficult to establish proper classification levels of logistics, design rational logistics structures, or control logistics processes in an enterprise. Systems theory has allowed for the identification of a logistics system within enterprises, in which logistics processes were identified, serving as a starting point for creating logistics chains. These, through linear, internal, bilateral, and external forms, have transformed into multidimensional chains, now referred to as network logistics chains. [9]
The evolutionary and interdisciplinary nature of logistics makes it difficult to cite one universal definition of logistics. Various interpretations of the definition of logistics can be found in numerous monographs available on the Polish market. A synthesis of definitions indicates that logistics is a platform connecting theory with practice. It constitutes a field of knowledge dealing with the rational management of logistics processes, and in a deeper sense, the logistics chain. It emphasizes the necessity of overcoming the time barrier within a specific time horizon, creating logistics processes. It should be considered in three aspects:
- functional – as a process of event configuration and management in the logistics chain;
- substantive – as a system improving material flows and accompanying information;
- evaluative – as an effective process generating added value in the system being evaluated.
Thus, logistics as a theory and practice of physical flows of material and immaterial goods and the accompanying information is constantly undergoing evolutionary processes. The dichotomous nature of logistics testifies to its complexity and scientific character. On one hand – in the practical aspect – the multitude and complexity of processes and phenomena occurring in the logistics supply chain, and on the other hand – in the theoretical aspect – this is an attribute of the scientific nature of logistics, which allows for clearly connecting theory with the practice of action. The multitude of phenomena and processes makes it a subject of scientific research, creating theory. Understanding these phenomena forces researchers to systematize, classify, formulate hypotheses, research problems, and definitions, as well as create new concepts in logistics management. [8]
The explication of the above findings allows in practice for considering logistics as a system participating in the spatio-temporal transformation of material goods (commodities, materials) and immaterial goods (services) and the accompanying information. These phenomena are accompanied by flow streams called logistics processes.
Logistics processes are integrated, purposeful systems (chains) of activities, constituting the result of the integration and structuring of elementary events occurring in logistics systems. Their main goal is the spatio-temporal, quantitative, and qualitative transformation of the attributes of goods and the accompanying information. In this way, the value of specific objects of action is increased, expressed in basic logistics functions.
Systems theory provides the basis for perceiving logistics as a system of action, which on a micro scale becomes an integral part supporting the enterprise’s activity, and on a macro scale supporting the activity of the European and global market.
Logistics and systems theory
The use of elements of systems theory in logistics results from the nature and tasks that logistics systems perform. Logistics systems create elements that perform logistics processes, which create the structure of the system in the form of elements and relationships between them. In logistics systems, time and space are overcome by the flow of goods between points of dispatch and receipt. These flows can be interrupted at points where additional storage and movement processes must take place. Their continuation always involves interlocking, creating a continuation of the process. In every logistics system, there are two spheres: physical and information flows. In the sphere of physical flows, the basic elements are processes of transport, warehousing, packaging, labeling, handling operations, transshipment, and quality control. The sphere of information flow is associated with the processes of managing the entire logistics system, i.e., planning, organizing, controlling, and monitoring.
Logistics as a theory has grown out of other fields and increasingly perfected forms of economic management. As a relatively young scientific and research field, it makes a very significant contribution to the management of the national economy, including mainly management in enterprises. The essence of modern logistics is the systemic linking of processes of moving, storing, and distributing goods in logistics chains, i.e., from the moment of acquiring raw materials for a specific product according to needs, through its production and distribution, to the final consumer. Thanks to this, in a relatively short time, the achievements of modern logistics are successfully implemented into economic practice in the form of integrated logistics management concepts. [9]
In the pragmatic aspect, the logistics approach is understood by managers as an integrated system of managing the physical flow of raw materials, materials, goods, and services, as well as the accompanying information stream flows from the sources of acquisition, through all intermediate links, to the final recipients of products or services. In recent years, this approach has been expanded to include secondary processes understood as utilization and waste management. Logistics activity is carried out on the basis of economic entities in the form of logistics systems, which deal with the spatio-temporal transformation of goods and information.