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Life is a perpetual cycle of learning for everyone – and for people working in fast paced environments, such as logistic managers, the more so. Learning by reading and then doing is one of the best self paced educations and many successful professionals apply it on a daily basis.
We, at Logistic Packaging, do the same. We continue to improve our talents and skills, both by practical work with customers, and by reading inspirational and helpful books. For this article, we asked all our logistics managers and consultants which books left a strong mark on their professional development. What resulted after various debates is a list of five books which represent the backbone of understanding modern logistics, packaging and supply chain operations.
Without other further introductions, these are the top inspirational books we recommend to every logistics manager to read:
1. Lean Supply Chain and Logistics Management – 1st Edition by Paul Myerson
This book explains buzzword concepts like lean production, supply chain management and other concepts around the world of logistics in simple words and using actual examples. The key take-away of Lean Supply Chain and Logistics Management is how to really implement lean principles into your business processes and how to identify and eliminate waste in order to reduce your operational costs.
It is a must read for any logistics manager who wants to implement the most efficient and sustainable management principles starting from zero. The book will take you along the entire process of embracing lean principles and makes a great read thanks to its naturally flowing style.
2. The Box: How the Shipping Container Made the World Smaller and the World Economy Bigger by Marc Levinson
As logistics manager, can you imagine the world of international trade before the invention of the large shipping container? Probably yes, but with great difficulty. This book will open your eyes to the massive change brought about by a simple packaging material.
This book is truly inspirational, in the sense that it shows how one simple item can change almost everything in economy and commerce. It is great as a reminder that your work is more important than you think and to empower you to open your mind to creative thinking and looking at the bigger picture.
3. International Logistics: The Management of International Trade Operations – 4th Edition by Pierre A. David
If your company is involved in international trade, with complex import and export operations, this book will clear up all your uncertainties connected to international logistics. The book covers all the essential details involved in overseas trade and logistics: international insurance, risk bearing, customs clearance, INCOTERMS terms, necessary documents and best practices in terms of payment.
The book is helpful and a great reference guide both for logistics managers at the beginning of their career and for seasoned professionals.
4. The Toyota Way: 14 Management Principles from the World’s Greatest Manufacturer by Jeffrey Liker
When we think about Japanese companies, we think high quality, discipline and great work ethics. This and much more is included in a handbook of best practices developed by Toyota Motors, which is the original guidebook for lean practices.
Toyota Motors has revolutionized manufacturing principles by implementing the “just in time” principle and introducing the Kanban card in the production flow. If you want to learn the original principles of lean and “just in time” production, this book must be on the top of your reading list.
5. Warehouse Management: A Complete Guide to Improving Efficiency and Minimizing Costs in the Modern Warehouse – 2nd Edition by Gwynne Richards
Warehousing is one of the key elements in the work of a logistics manager overseeing production and distribution of goods. Modern warehouses are complex environments where space saving practices and efficient operations make the difference between success and failure.
The book approaches all the pertinent aspects to good warehouse management – from material handling to best practices in space usage and working procedures. By eliminating downtime and optimizing the use of the available space, warehouses can be efficient, generate profits and contribute to the smooth operations within the entire supply chain. All these and much more in Warehouse Management by Gwynne Richards.
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