Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to provide the results of a review of the literature concerning the respective logistical systems that are used by the U.S. Army and FedEx, including their approaches to demand forecasting and warehousing methods. The review of these two distinct logistical systems provides valuable insights into their similarities, differences, and potential areas for improvement. This comparative analysis also provides a comprehensive understanding concerning how these organizations manage their supply chains, highlighting key findings and implications for logistical operations.
Comparative Case Study: U.S. Army and FedEx Logistical Systems
Despite numerous innovations in supply chain management including most especially transportation and information technologies, the adage that an army moves on its stomach still holds true today. Indeed, it requires dozens of support troops to keep one soldier in the field, and a units combat readiness depends on its ability to provide soldiers with the resources they need to fulfill their mission. By very sharp contrast, the mission of corporations such as FedEx is to leverage their logical system to maximize their profits. To determine the facts, the purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the literature to compare the different types of supply systems the U.S. Army uses to what FedEx uses, including the different types of demand forecasting and warehousing methods that are used. Finally, the paper summarizes the research and reports important findings in the conclusion.
U.S. Army Logistical System
Today, the U.S. Army maintains and operates a far-flung and highly complex logistical network to ensure the availability of critical supplies, equipment, and resources for military operations. This system includes various conventional stages of supply chain management, including procurement, transportation, storage, and distribution (Proctor & Cook, 2012). In addition, demand forecasting is a crucial component of the Army's supply chain, using both quantitative and qualitative methods to predict ongoing and future requirements based on mission needs and historical usage data (Lobo et al., 2019).
Likewise, warehousing is also a vital element in the U.S. Armys logical system, with both centralized distribution centers as well as forward-deployed warehousing resources. This combination of warehousing strategies facilitates efficient inventory management and timely delivery of resources. Further, the Army...
…both the U.S. Army and FedEx employ sophisticated logistical systems to fulfill their respective missions. While their objectives and contexts differ significantly, there are notable similarities in their approaches to supply chain management. The U.S. Army's logistical system is primarily focused on supporting military operations worldwide. It involves demand forecasting to predict requirements, utilizing a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods. Warehousing methods include centralized distribution centers and forward-deployed warehousing, supported by advanced technologies for inventory management and tracking. FedEx's logistical system is designed to facilitate the efficient movement of packages and cargo across its global network. Demand forecasting plays a crucial role in resource allocation and optimizing transportation routes. Warehousing methods involve strategically located distribution centers and hubs, supported by advanced tracking technologies and a comprehensive transportation network. Both the U.S. Army and FedEx recognize the importance of accurate demand forecasting to allocate resources effectively and minimize delays and use advanced technologies and automation to enhance inventory management, tracking, and distribution processes. Finally, the research also showed that strategic location planning and optimized transportation networks contribute to the success…
References
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Company structure and facts. (2023). FedEx. Retrieved from https://www.fedex.com/en-us/about/company-structure.html.
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Hoffmann, J., & Holoye, P. (2017). Logistical Operations in Highly Lethal Environments. Military Review, 97(6), 86–93.
Lobo, B. J., Brown, D. E., & Grazaitis, P. J. (2019). Long-term forecasting of fuel demand at theater entry points. International Journal of Forecasting, 35(2), 502–520.
Proctor, H. L. & Cook, A. J. (2012, September-October). DLA’s New Inventory Management Strategy. Army Logistician, 34(5), 2-5.
Song, J. M., & Zhao, Y. (2022). Supply Chain Coordination for E-Commerce: Risk Penalty vs. Flat Rate. Manufacturing & Service Operations Management, 24(2), 1110–1127.
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