Any person within a company’s logistic management structure, whether an executive or other staff person , should take the time to understand the entire logistics management operation. It is essential to consider that many times management personnel are not always on the “front lines”, and as such, do not always know what is happening with customers and the order fulfillment process.
The ones who really know what is happening are those who are directly involved in not only logistics management but the entire supply chain management circle.
Though many companies don’t see the need to train everyone in the logistics management process, they could not make a bigger mistake. What happens is when the person in charge is out, whether on vacation, sick leave, or just to run errands, problems arise due to lack of sufficient training. Maybe the person in charge of supply chain management might understand the process , but at the same time, that leaves other people to perform double-duty.
Why do companies feel it is inappropriate to have someone else know their entire logistics management process?
Do these managers feel threatened by the possibility one of their subordinates might be able to do their job better than they can?
One of the most important things a good manager should do, whether it’s in logistics management or another area, is to ascertain there are people who can fill in when he or she is unavailable. It doesn’t mean others have to fully understand all of the functions of the jobs; however, someone else should know enough so the primary work can be completed whether they are present are not.
Does someone else know how to input shipments to customers? What about the companies fulfillment, and fulfillment services? Who prcoesses transfers from one department to another, or runs reports of daily shipments and transfers?
While some of the functions may overlap with supply chain management, and with littler companies where two areas may actually function as one, it is still necessary for departments to have backup plans.
If you are involved in logistics management in your business you need to look close at what you do and make sure someone else is able to take over for you when you are out. The logistics management operation should not have to stop if the manager is out of the office; that is one of the easiest ways to lose business and thus reduce the company’s profit margin.

