What is logistics engineering?

Logistics engineering is a field of engineering that focuses on the design and optimisation of systems that move goods and services from one place to another. It involves the coordination of various logistics activities, including, inventory, warehousing, transportation management, and more. Here, the logistics engineers make sure that all the products are delivered efficiently, on time, and at the lowest possible cost.

Additionally, logistics engineering integrates new technologies and focuses on sustainability and long-term infrastructure development that constantly helps in evolving this sector. In India, it plays a crucial role in supporting the country’s growth, economic activities, and global trade competitiveness in the logistics sector.

On that note, let us help you understand the basics of logistics engineering, all the key components involved here, the various services it offers and how they can help businesses streamline their operations. We will further discuss the role and responsibilities of logistics engineers, the educational qualifications for logistics engineering jobs, etc.

Meaning of logistics engineering

Logistics engineering deals with the planning, implementation, and control of the movement of goods and services from their origin to the final destination. In simpler terms, it is all about making sure that goods and services are delivered from point A to point B in the most efficient way possible.

For instance, in case you are an online seller, and you need to get your products from your warehouse to the customer’s doorstep. How you’ll make sure you opt for the most optimised route to reach your products? This is where the need for logistics engineers comes in. They help you figure out the best way to do this and ensure which route you should take such as trucks, planes or maybe ships for transportation, how to store your products, how to manage your inventory and so on.

Consequently, engineering in logistics has become an essential part of many businesses. It even helps them save time and money, thereby, streamlining their operations. Let’s understand this in detail.

Roles and responsibilities of logistics engineers

There are various roles and responsibilities that are performed by logistics engineers, including:

• They help in analysing and reviewing logistics information to establish operational goals in departments. It includes departments such as inventory management, transportation, customer relations, and sales and cost forecasting.
• They integrate various new technologies to improve the shipping, handling, and distribution of goods/services.
• They evaluate company requirements for staffing and facility maintenance. Thereby, ensuring all the logistics processes operate efficiently and with safety.
• They even collaborate with different departmental teams to execute various technical systems. Thus, improving inventory tracking, storage, and distribution.
• They analyse and always keep a record of all the management operations happening in the business. And ensure safe and efficient waste disposal procedures. These include recycling or re-integrating materials into production.
• They also consult with the company’s shareholders and executive managers to evaluate apt approaches to improve logistics operations and achieve higher revenues.

Educational qualifications for logistics engineer jobs

Here’s a list of some of the qualification logistics engineers must have to qualify for the jobs in logistics engineering:

• Bachelor’s or Graduate’s Degree in business administration, engineering, or management for computer science for a Graduate’s Degree and equivalent experience.

• Experience with CDA, SQL, Agile, and CAD software and systems.

• Demonstrated critical thinking and time management skills.

• A natural problem solver with sound judgment and decision-making skills.

• Strict attention to detail and critical thinking.

• Experience with concept development, requirements analysis, and enterprise resource planning.

• Experience drawing and drafting cost analysis.

Here is a list of top universities and institutions in India that offer courses in logistics engineering:

• Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi)
• Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT Kharagpur)
• Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee)
• National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli (NIT Trichy)
• Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay)
• Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras)
• Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani (BITS Pilani)
• Jadavpur University, Kolkata
• University of Delhi
• VIT University, Vellore
• Symbiosis International University, Pune
• Delhi Technological University
• University of Calcutta

Logistics engineering services in India

As we already know the meaning of logistics engineering, some of the common services involved here are planning, warehousing, implementation, and control of the movement of goods/services. It further aids businesses in streamlining their operations efficiently by optimising the movement of goods/services. Thereby, improving efficiency and reducing costs.

Here are some of the logistics engineering services offered by companies in India:

• It includes material handling system engineering services. These include integrated infrastructure and modern material handling systems (MHS). And are essential for the movement and transportation of goods/services. There are some Indian companies, such as Eka Infra in Mumbai, that offer such services focusing on nation-wide logistics capabilities. These services are also beneficial for the efficient functioning of supply chain management systems.
• It also includes services such as logistics and supply chain consulting. These are comprised of warehousing and distribution, procurement, inventory optimisation, transportation management, and risk management.
• Apart from this, logistics engineering includes services like infrastructure development and technology integration. And focus on the integration of new technologies and analytics capacities to improve logistics operations. There are many companies in India that provide such services to build future-ready solutions and sustain economic growth.