Logistics & Supply Chain

Logistics & Supply Chain Operations – Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

1. Purpose

To establish standardized operating procedures for logistics and supply chain organizations to ensure efficient movement of goods, inventory accuracy, cost optimization, service reliability, regulatory compliance, and customer satisfaction across the supply chain.

2. Scope

Applicable to logistics companies, warehouses, distribution centers, transporters, 3PL/4PL providers, and in-house supply chain operations, covering procurement coordination, inbound logistics, warehousing, transportation, distribution, and reverse logistics.

3. Regulatory & Standard References

  • Customs & Trade Compliance Regulations (as applicable)
  • Transportation Laws & Motor Vehicle Regulations
  • Warehousing & Labor Laws
  • ISO 9001 – Quality Management Systems
  • ISO 28000 – Supply Chain Security (optional)
  • ISO 45001 – Occupational Health & Safety
  • Environmental & Sustainability Regulations

4. Roles & Responsibilities

  • Head – Supply Chain / Logistics: Overall supply chain strategy and governance.
  • Logistics Manager: Transportation and distribution management.
  • Warehouse Manager: Inventory control and warehouse operations.
  • Procurement / Planning Team: Demand planning and vendor coordination.
  • Dispatch & Transportation Executives: Shipment execution and tracking.
  • Quality & Compliance Officer: Process compliance and audits.
  • Customer Service Team: Order coordination and issue resolution.

5. SOP-LSC-01: Demand Planning & Order Management

Objective: Ensure accurate demand fulfillment.

Procedure:

  1. Receive customer orders or demand forecast.
  2. Validate order details and delivery timelines.
  3. Confirm inventory availability.
  4. Release orders for execution.

Records: Order Register, Demand Forecast Reports

6. SOP-LSC-02: Inbound Logistics & Goods Receipt

Objective: Ensure accurate and timely receipt of goods.

Procedure:

  1. Schedule inbound deliveries.
  2. Verify goods against purchase orders.
  3. Inspect quantity and condition.
  4. Record goods receipt and discrepancies.

Records: GRN, Inbound Inspection Report

7. SOP-LSC-03: Warehousing & Inventory Management

Objective: Maintain inventory accuracy and storage efficiency.

Procedure:

  1. Store goods as per storage requirements.
  2. Use FIFO/FEFO principles.
  3. Conduct cycle counts and stock audits.
  4. Manage WMS updates.

Records: Inventory Register, Stock Audit Reports

8. SOP-LSC-04: Picking, Packing & Order Fulfillment

Objective: Ensure accurate and damage-free order fulfillment.

Procedure:

  1. Generate pick lists.
  2. Pick items accurately.
  3. Pack as per standards.
  4. Verify orders before dispatch.

Records: Pick Lists, Packing Checklist

9. SOP-LSC-05: Transportation & Dispatch Management

Objective: Ensure timely and secure transportation.

Procedure:

  1. Plan routes and transportation modes.
  2. Assign vehicles and drivers.
  3. Prepare dispatch documentation.
  4. Track shipments.

Records: Dispatch Note, Trip Sheet, GPS Tracking Logs

10. SOP-LSC-06: Freight Billing & Cost Control

Objective: Control logistics costs.

Procedure:

  1. Verify freight bills.
  2. Approve payments.
  3. Analyze transportation costs.

Records: Freight Bills, Cost Analysis Reports

11. SOP-LSC-07: Reverse Logistics & Returns Management

Objective: Manage returns efficiently.

Procedure:

  1. Receive return requests.
  2. Inspect returned goods.
  3. Process restocking or disposal.

Records: Return Register, Disposal Records

12. SOP-LSC-08: Vendor, Transporter & Contract Management

Objective: Ensure reliable third-party services.

Procedure:

  1. Approve and onboard vendors.
  2. Evaluate vendor performance.
  3. Manage contracts and SLAs.

Records: Vendor Evaluation Reports, SLA Records

13. SOP-LSC-09: Health, Safety & Security

Objective: Ensure safe and secure logistics operations.

Procedure:

  1. Enforce safety practices in warehouse and transport.
  2. Secure goods and premises.
  3. Investigate incidents.

Records: Safety Inspection Logs, Incident Reports

14. SOP-LSC-10: Documentation, Compliance & Traceability

Objective: Ensure regulatory compliance and traceability.

Procedure:

  1. Maintain logistics documentation.
  2. Ensure customs and statutory compliance.
  3. Maintain shipment traceability.

Records: Shipping Documents, Compliance Checklists

15. Key Performance Indicators

  • On-Time In-Full (OTIF)
  • Inventory Accuracy
  • Order Cycle Time
  • Logistics Cost per Unit
  • Damage & Loss Rate

16. Revision & Control

  • SOP Owner: Head – Supply Chain
  • Approval Authority: Operations / Quality Head
  • Review Frequency: Annual or business-driven
  • Version control maintained by Supply Chain / Quality Team

The SOP framework has now been customized for the Logistics & Supply Chain sector and updated in the canvas. It covers end-to-end supply chain operations—from demand planning and inbound logistics to warehousing, transportation, reverse logistics, and compliance—aligned with ISO 9001, ISO 28000, safety, and regulatory requirements.

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