Logistics and supply chain management is an integrated process that involves the coordination and optimization of resources across the entire supply chain. It’s the art and science of getting the right product to the right place at the right time in an efficient and cost-effective way. From raw materials to retail locations, it involves everything from planning, sourcing, production and storage, to transportation and delivery. Logistics and supply chain management ensure that products move smoothly throughout the entire life cycle from purchase to consumption. Companies must have a detailed understanding of their own operations as well as external factors such as customer demands, government regulations and economic conditions in order to develop effective strategies and maximize efficiency.