7物流英语课文正文.doc

第一单元General Introduction to logistics 物流概论 Logistics is a unique global “pipeline” that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 52 weeks a year, planning and coordinating the transport and delivery of products and service to customers the world over. Coming into being with the advent of civilization, logistics is anything but a newborn baby. However, when it comes to modern logistics，most professionals in the business consider it one of the most challenging and exciting jobs, invisible as it is. Modern logistics is related to the effective and efficient flow of materials and information that are of vital importance to customers and clients in various sectors of the economic society, which may include but by no means is limited to: Packaging warehousing material handling inventory transport forecasting strategic planning and customer service Packaging is the outer wrapping of a product. It is the intended purpose of the packaging to make a product readily sellable as well as to protect it against damage and prevent it from deterioration when in stock. Furthermore, packaging is often the most relevant element of a trademark and conduces to advertising or communication. Warehousing is sometimes needed, and can be provided, to complement inbound and outbound transportation services. There are 4 distinct types of warehousing available, depending upon load content: for finished goods; for raw materials; for consumer fulfillment; and for vendor-managed inventory (VMI). Material handling is any kind of methods for moving material. Material can be moved directly by people lifting the items or using hand carts, slings and other handling accessories (manual lifting and handling). Material can also be moved by people using machines such as cranes, forklift trucks, and other lifting fixtures (mechanical lifting). Inventory is a detailed list of all the items in stock, such as a company’s merchandise, raw materials, and finished and unfinished