The process that involves management of business materials in physical terms, right from the procurement process, storage and transportation, its safe handling from the premises of business to consignment destination is known as Logistics and Supply Chain Management.

Logistic businesses form a link between suppliers, producers, distributors, retailers and consumption units. Thus they link together almost all the industries like automobiles, clothing & apparel, international trade, food & grocery and retail etc. With the expansion of global supply chains, the career prospects in this upcoming field in India are enormous.

Responsibility of collaboration with officers like purchasing officer, managers who are handling transportation and warehouses of the firm is carried out by a logistics manager. He also ensures that the goods that are produced are received by the company's depot in a given time. Proper storage of goods and their timely dispatch is also seen by them with the help of various computer packages and other departments. He also has to look into the prevailing systems and networks and has to make plans for developing new systems to increase the efficiency of the company. Thus his main functions are integration of all activities concerning information, transport of materials, maintaining of stocks, their warehousing, material-handling and proper packaging.

Courses in Logistics are offered by many institutions in India. Regular as well as part time courses are available. There are Certificate, Diploma, Post Graduate Diploma, Graduate as well as Post Graduate Degree courses. One can even opt for M.Sc or MBA in the subject. The aim of these courses is to train the students in the field of supply chain management, transport management, analysis data and other issues related to business.

For certificate, diploma and undergraduate courses one must have passed 10+2 exams. For Post Graduate courses one should possess an undergraduate level degree from any recognized institution or university. Knowledge of IT packages and internet is an added advantage.

One should be able to manage and coordinate various activities at a time. The person should have an analytical mind and should be able handle numerical data. One should have geographical know-how. He should possess the quality of decision making. He must be able to work under pressure and complete the deadlines. He should be capable of prioritizing his work and must be a self-motivator.

One should be able to manage and coordinate various activities at a time. The person should have an analytical mind and should be able handle numerical data. One should have geographical know-how. He should possess the quality of decision making. He must be able to work under pressure and complete the deadlines. He should be capable of prioritizing his work and must be a self-motivator.

Many institutes offer courses in this subject but one should be careful while choosing the institute. The institute should be approved by UGC and should carry a good placement record. Some of the well known institutions in India are:

• Asian Council Logistics Management (Kolkata)
• Indian Institute of Materials Management (Navi Mumbai)
• The School of Business Logistics and Indian Institute Of Logistics (Chennai)
• CII Institute of Logistics (Chennai).

At the entry level, one can get earn between Rs. 10,000 and Rs15000 per month. With an experience of two to three years one would be able to earn around Rs. 20,000 - 25,000 per month.

The article has been contributed by Ms. Abha Kheterpal. She has been an educationist for past 15 year. She has three masters degrees with her: M.A. in English, M.A Economics and M.Sc Psychotherapy & Counseling and being diverse in her interests, she also holds a Diploma in Computer and Software Applications. She is also a freelance writer with Jagaran Publications. She regularly contributes Career Related articles on CareerAge.com and does Career Counseling.