While shopping on e-commerce apps or websites, we often come across offerings like ‘same day delivery’, ‘delivery in 2 days’, ‘1 day delivery’ or more. But how do these companies commit to such rapid delivery deadlines and complete the delivery on time? The answer lies in the effective coordination of logistics and supply chain management, the reasons behind the delivery of goods all across the world. Although we use the terms ‘Logistics’ and ‘Supply Chain Management’ interchangeably, they are not identical. Understanding the difference between logistics and supply chain management is essential. 

In this blog, we will discuss the meaning of logistics and supply chain management, their key functions, similarities, differences, importance, and how the two concepts differ in scope, focus, and objectives.

What is Logistics and Supply Chain Management?

Most of the businesses today operate in a global marketplace where it becomes extremely important for them to manage both their logistics operations and their supply chains properly to ensure they meet customers’ expectations and stay ahead of their competitors. 

Although logistics is a part of supply chain management, the two concepts differ. Let’s explore them in detail below. 

What is Logistics?

Logistics is the process of planning, implementing, and controlling the movement and storage of goods, services, and related information from the point of origin to the final customer. 

The key functions of logistics are: 

• Transportation – Moving goods from manufacturers to warehouses, distributors, or customers.
• Warehousing – Safe storage of goods before distribution.
• Inventory Management – Ensuring products are available in the right quantity at the right time.
• Packaging – Protecting goods during transit and making them customer-ready.
• Order Fulfilment – Ensuring timely and accurate delivery to customers.
• Reverse Logistics – Handling returns, recycling, and disposal of products.

What is Supply Chain Management?

Supply Chain Management (SCM) is a broader concept that includes not only logistics but also procurement, production, coordination with suppliers, and customer relationship management. It covers the entire network of organisations, people, activities, technology, and resources involved in producing and delivering a product or service.

The key functions of supply chain management are:

• Sourcing and Procurement – Identifying and managing suppliers of raw materials.
• Production Planning – Coordinating manufacturing processes.
• Logistics Management – Overseeing transportation, warehousing, and distribution.
• Supply Chain Coordination – Aligning activities across suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers.
• Demand Forecasting – Predicting customer demand to avoid shortages or excess inventory.
• Customer Relationship Management – Ensuring long-term satisfaction and loyalty.

Let’s take an example to understand the two concepts easily.

If a company produces laptops, logistics ensures the laptops are transported safely from the factory to warehouses and then delivered to retail outlets or directly to customers.

For the same laptop company, supply chain management involves everything from sourcing microchips, processors, and display screens, coordinating with manufacturing plants, ensuring logistics for distribution, and finally managing after-sales services.

Also Read: Best Private College for BBA in Logistics & Supply Chain

Difference Between Logistics and Supply Chain Management

By now, you must have understood the major difference between logistics and supply chain management. Now, let’s explore the difference between the two terms across various aspects.

Logistics vs. Supply Chain Management: Highlights 

How Logistics and SCM Work Together

Even though logistics and SCM are different, they work in coordination to achieve business goals. On one hand, logistics ensures the right product reaches the right customer at the right time and, on the other hand, SCM ensures the entire process i.e., from sourcing raw materials to customer satisfaction. 

For example, in India, during festive seasons, e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Myntra and Flipkart etc. rely heavily on both SCM and logistics. SCM ensures inventory planning, supplier coordination, and warehouse stocking, while logistics handles last-mile delivery to millions of customers.

Careers in Logistics and Supply Chain Management

A career in logistics and supply chain management offers diverse opportunities across industries, such as e-commerce, retail, manufacturing and more. Professionals in this field play a major role in ensuring the smooth movement of goods and their timely deliveries. Below are some of the prominent logistics and supply chain management jobs, along with their salary range. 

*Note: The salary ranges mentioned above represent averages across both entry-level and experienced professionals, compiled from multiple online sources. Actual salaries may vary depending on factors such as job location, company size, industry, and individual experience.

Logistics and Supply Chain Management Courses

Logistics and Supply Chain Management Courses courses are offered at the following levels across institutions all over the world:

Certification – Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM), Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), etc. 

Diploma – Diploma in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Diploma in Shipping & Logistics, PG Diploma in International Trade and Logistics, PG Diploma in Logistics & Supply Chain Management, etc. 

UG – BBA / B.Com in Logistics & Supply Chain Management, B.Sc. in Supply Chain & Logistics, BBA in Shipping & Port Management, etc.

PG – MBA in Logistics & Supply Chain Management, MBA in Operations & Supply Chain, M.Sc. in Supply Chain Management, PGDM in Logistics & Supply Chain, etc. 

Executive Programmes – Executive MBA in Supply Chain Management, MITx MicroMasters Program in Supply Chain Management, etc.

Logistics and Supply Chain Management Courses Offered by KRMU

The K.R. Mangalam University, one of top universities in Delhi NCR region, offers two Undergraduate level Logistics and SCM courses. The table below shows the highlights of the two programmes. 

KRMU Admission Process

If you find the field of logistics and supply chain management interesting and want to make a career out of it, you should pursue a logistics and supply chain management course. To get admission to a logistics and supply chain management course at the prestigious K.R. Mangalam University, you need to follow the following six easy steps: 

• Visit the university’s admission form link here 
• Fill out the application form and pay the required form fee 
• Take the entrance exam (KREE) 
• Attend the faculty-led interview  
• After a successful interview, you will receive the admission offer letter on your registered mail ID 
• Get enrolled   

Conclusion

While we often use the terms ‘logistics’ and ‘supply chain management’ interchangeably, the difference between these two is vast, which we have already discussed above. Logistics, which deals with the movement, storage, and delivery of goods, and supply chain management, which covers the broader network from raw materials to customer satisfaction, are the driving forces behind seamless business operations, ensuring efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and timely delivery across industries.

Pursuing a specialised logistics and supply chain management course can open diverse career opportunities. With its programmes supported by the industry giant Safexpress and a strong academic foundation, K.R. Mangalam University should be your go-to institution that helps students gain the expertise and exposure needed to excel in this flourishing domain.

Also Read: Why Pursue BBA Logistics and Supply Chain Management