Education
Fact-checked

At PracticalAdultInsights, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Logistics Engineering?

Shannon Kietzman
Shannon Kietzman

Logistics engineering combines strong managerial skills with a solid understanding of mathematics and numbers. Logistics is defined as a scientific technique in which evaluation is used to control inventory, production, sales, management, and staff in order to keep a solid capital and monetary flow. In this discipline, all aspects of a company's work progress are studied.

Starting with ordering raw materials, logistics engineering oversees these materials as they are turned into a finished product and shipped to the customer. Methods are created to speed up production and shipping without detracting from the quality of a product. People who work in this field consider all factors and develop a strong business process to aid workers, managers, owners, and customers.

An illustration of a supply chain.
An illustration of a supply chain.

To receive a master's degree in logistics engineering at the majority of colleges, a student must successfully complete 45 hours of coursework. Courses include business, math, and communications courses. Potential students must usually have an undergraduate degree in engineering or business management, a grade point average of 3.0, and three letters of recommendation.

Typically, courses in this field are challenging. They may vary from college to college, but most require the following classes in order to earn a degree:

  • Business Statistics
  • Computer and Information Processing
  • Logistics Information Systems
  • Engineering Aspects of Logistics Systems
  • Programming for Web Applications
  • Applied Thinking Skills
  • Microeconomics
  • Accounting
  • Principles of Marketing
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Logistics Communications Technology
  • Electronic Commerce
  • Global Logistics Management
  • Inventory Management
  • Operation Planning and Control
  • Warehousing & Storage Systems
  • Innovation and Enterprise.

A six-month apprenticeship typically follows the coursework.

A logistics engineer is a professional responsible for analyzing production data production and creating solutions that result in more efficient processes, lowered costs, and greater profitability.
A logistics engineer is a professional responsible for analyzing production data production and creating solutions that result in more efficient processes, lowered costs, and greater profitability.

Logistics engineering is a growing career field because it is essential for companies to keep up and to coordinate with other companies. Asian companies, for example, often make specific components that are sent off and assembled in other countries, and it is critical to maintain control of where the product is located. This discipline is key to keeping track of each country's inventory.

Discussion Comments

Markerrag

Go to any part of the country where there are a lot of trucking companies and you'll find a lot of demand for logistics engineers. Those are the guys who make money for trucking companies.

Why? Because trucking is so competitive, the money is in squeezing as much efficiency out of possible though a trucking operation through good logistics. Trucks running without loads, for example, cost companies money. Good logistics planning can avoid those "dead miles" and cut down on other inefficient uses of trucks.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • An illustration of a supply chain.
      By: S.John
      An illustration of a supply chain.
    • A logistics engineer is a professional responsible for analyzing production data production and creating solutions that result in more efficient processes, lowered costs, and greater profitability.
      By: endostock
      A logistics engineer is a professional responsible for analyzing production data production and creating solutions that result in more efficient processes, lowered costs, and greater profitability.
    • Logistics is used to track and control inventory in a warehouse.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Logistics is used to track and control inventory in a warehouse.