It is increasingly clear how efficient logistics impacts customer perception and product costs. For this reason, companies are looking for procedures to obtain an optimized supply chain that increases customer satisfaction and reduces costs.
But how is this possible?
Companies are realizing that dynamic and integrated information associated with modern applied technologies are making a difference in today’s market.
This is where we find the term “Integrated Logistics”.
What is Integrated Logistics?
Integrated Logistics is a strategic management approach that aims to interconnect all of the company’s departments that are part of the logistics operations chain to optimize all of a company’s logistics processes, ensuring that the different stages are aligned and operate in an efficient and coordinated manner.
It involves the integration of technologies, data, and communication between the company’s sectors and also with suppliers, distributors, and customers.
The goal is to make all departments work, through intelligent solutions, in a more synchronized and dynamic manner so that processes run in an organized manner, minimizing costs and waste, contributing to productivity, resulting in increased productivity and improved quality of service provided.
Advantages of Integrated Logistics
The use of technologies is one of the strategies for interconnecting all of a company’s logistics processes, from the product manufacturing and inventory management stages to delivery to the end customer.
This interactivity contributes to more efficient and productive management in order to eliminate process complexity, reduce errors throughout the chain and consequent costs.
By integrating previously isolated processes, information is shared in real time, increasing the company’s agility and efficiency.
This way, process management becomes much more controlled and assertive.
- Greater agility in all stages of the process
- Business competitiveness
- Added value
- Reduced costs and efforts
- Total flexibility
- Efficient inventory management
What do I need to apply Integrated Logistics?
“Partnership: prospecting customer’s needs and pain points identification.
Infrastructure: asset’s availability and network capabilities for multimodal solutions.
Transportation: connections via land, air, water, etc.
Storage: warehousing and handling (with continuous enhancements).
Technology: programming and tools to enhance pre-existing and future networks.
Digitalisation: easily provided visibility, real-time data mapping and AI forecasting.
Expertise: people-driven and proactive support with prompt solution.” MAERSK (2023).
Main Characteristics of Integrated Logistics
- Automation and Technology – Use of management software (ERP, WMS, TMS) for real-time monitoring of inventory, orders and shipments.
- Systemic Vision – Integration between suppliers, production, inventory, distribution and customers.
- Communication – Dynamism between teams and flexibility in decision-making.
- Cost Reduction – Less waste and more efficient processes.
- Agile Service – Better customer service with faster and more accurate deliveries.
Applied Integrated Logistics
A good example of Integrated Logistics is the integration between the inventory, sales and operational sectors.
With the sales sector aware of stock availability in real time, it can offer its customers the products with the largest quantity in stock. Upon completion of the sale, the order is immediately sent to the operational sector, which advances the process in less time, thus speeding up the delivery process.
Integration with the customer is increasingly observed, where the customer uses the company’s applications to check the quantities in stock and make the purchase. After the purchase is confirmed, the order is forwarded internally to the operational sector, further speeding up the logistics process.
Final considerations
This management model is an advantageous option for companies that want to stand out in the competitive market and add value to their business, ensuring efficiency and customer satisfaction.
With increased productivity, reduced errors and costs in the supply and distribution management chain, the rise in competitiveness is easily perceived.
The advantages impact not only the company’s routine, but also that of its customers and suppliers, who will be able to count on much greater agility and punctuality in deliveries.
Do you want to make your logistics more efficient and reduce costs?
Warelog has the ideal solution for your business. Contact us now and find out how we can help!
Sources:
MAERSK (2023). What is truly integrated logistics? Retrieved March 10, 2025, from: https://www.maersk.com/insights/integrated-logistics/2023/02/13/benefits-of-integrated-logistics
TOTVS (2023). Logística integrada: qual o objetivo e importância para empresas. Retrieved March 10, 2025, from: https://www.totvs.com/blog/gestao-logistica/logistica-integrada
Mecalux (2021). Logística integrada e a coordenação na cadeia de abastecimento Retrieved March 10, 2025, from: https://www.mecalux.pt/blog/logistica-integrada
