Development of Supply Chain Management Concept

Logistics, physical distribution, global logistics, logistics management, management of the logistics chain, global supply chain management are some terms closely related to supply chain management concept. These expressions are synonymous for general public and their definitions are not of great interest. For the Manager and/or researcher in management science, it’s totally different. To fully understand this new "domain" of management, it is essential to know the terminology, and its development.

Supply chain management concept firstly emerged as the National Council of Physical Distribution Management in 1963. It was formed by a group of teachers, consultants and managers and visionary who were considering the integration of the transport, storage and management of stocks as the future discipline. Despite it appeared to be avant-garde idea at that time, the physical distribution logistics had just be recognized name of this kind of discipline.

Later because of the great progress of the scope of the logistics, the association preferred to be called Council of Logistics management CLM in 1986. Finally, before the rise of the concept of supply chain management, the association decided in 2005 to change name again to be Council of supply chain management professionals or CSCMP. CSCMP has become the powerful and dynamic association that provides aid to career development, the Council and all the opportunities of its members.

 

These development reflects the history of supply chain management.