FAQ’s – Global Institute of Logistics

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the function of Logistics in the context of Globalization?

The world is growing closer and closer together. Political and ideological borders are disappearing. Trade barriers are being dismantled and customs duties are being eliminated. At the same time, innovative information and communication technologies are creating new, far-reaching possibilities. As a result of this dynamic development, the demand for Logistics services is climbing enormously. Logistics is embedded in the global supply chain — it is the link between procurement, manufacturing and distribution. Logistics has become a critical factor in the success of modern companies because customer and supply networks can be extended around the world. For industrial and trade companies, the possibility of extending the networks of their suppliers and customers farther and farther internationally has become much more appealing. Companies can search for materials, employees, know-how and the conditions for their activities in countries and regions that offer them the best cost-performance ratio.Customs regulations and document processing have been greatly simplified. Communications and transport options have become significantly faster, more cost effective and more reliable.The lower transport costs arising from these changes are the reason that more and more companies are deciding to extend their value-creation processes around the world. As a result of this development, the demand for transport, storage, transhipping, communications, and planning and control services is continuously growing. At the same time, pressure to optimize the quality and costs of services is growing on companies.

What is GIL’s Vision?

The vision of the Institute is the establishment of Collaboration as best practice in logistics execution.

What is GIL’s Mission?

The Mission of the Institute is to establish a global community who are committed to Collaboration by recognising the individuals and companies who are making a contribution to the development of logistics.
Provide the platform for this community to engage in Collaboration.
Document, recognize and promote best practice developed by the community.

Why is Collaboration central to GIL's purpose, vision and mission?

Collaboration results in more effective Co-Ordination and Control in the flow of goods between the point of origin and the point of consumption. Collaboration increases communication between stakeholders, resulting in the harmonization of the Freight, Finance and Data Flows that constitute the logistics process. The net effect is increased reliability, lowers costs and improved inventory management.

How is the GIL community developed?

The Institute identifies community members through its research and active engagement with the industry.

How is the GIL community organised?

Communities are organised by region and discipline, to date there are 3 regional chapters, America, Asia and Europe and 3 special interest groups, Big Box Shippers, Container Terminals and Port Authorities.

How is the GIL community supported?

Each Chapter is chaired by logistics professional from the region. The Chapters convene regular workshops, conferences and annual dinners.

What are the tangible outputs from the work of the GIL community?

To date the key deliverable have been the development of the Container Terminal Quality System by the Container Terminal Benchmarking Committee and the foundation of CHAINPORT by members of the Port Authority Committee.