logistics
the business activity that involves planning, implementing, and controlling the physical flow of materials, final goods, and related information from points of origin to points of consumption to meet customer requirements at a profit
inbound logistics
the area of logistics that involves bringing raw materials, packaging other goods and services, and information from suppliers to producers
materials handling
the movement of goods within a warehouse, from warehouses to the factory floor, and from the factory floor to various workstation
outbound logistics
the area of logistics that involves managing the flow of finished products and information to business buyers and ultimate consumers (people like you and me)
reverse logistics
the area of logistics that involves bringing goods back to the manufacturer because of defects or for recycling