1-1. Types and Domains of Logistics in the Supply Chain

Throughout the entire supply chain (procurement, production, and sales), the flow of logistics is broadly classified by its role.

1-2. 5 Major Classifications of Logistics and Characteristics by Domain

① The 5 Logistics Classifications Constituting the Supply Chain

② Structural Differences Between Production Logistics (Plan-driven) and Sales Logistics (Demand-driven)

• Production Logistics = "A Controllable World (Planning & Leveling)"

  Because cargo moves based on the factory's "production plan" and "shipping schedule," it is possible to accurately predict and level out "when, where, what, and how much to transport" in advance. Since demand fluctuations are small, this is an area where hardware implementation and mechanization (labor-saving investments), such as unit loading (integrated pallet transport) and automated warehouses, very easily demonstrate their return on investment.

• Sales Logistics = "A World at the Mercy of Demand Fluctuations (Customer First, Uncontrollable)"

  Because it operates triggered by "orders" from stores and final consumers, the outgoing volume dramatically rises and falls (fluctuates) due to factors like days of the week, seasons, weather, special sales, and television exposure. Because it must meet strict customer demands such as "I want it right now," "same-day delivery," and "designated time slots," accurate prior data analysis and a flexible work structure (software management by WMS) are required.

③ Transition to BtoB, BtoC, and CtoC Logistics and Changes in Cost Structure

④ The Impact that CtoC (Consumer-to-Consumer EC) Logistics has Brought to the Logistics Frontline

• Non-standardization of Packaging and Difficulties in Automated Sorting

  While the sizes of product cardboard boxes are relatively standardized in BtoB and BtoC, in CtoC, because individuals list and pack the items, the packaging—such as paper bags, reused existing boxes, and envelopes—is irregular (non-standard). This results in cases where items cannot be read or transported by conventional high-speed sorters (automated sorting machines), necessitating special image sensors or manual sorting processes.

• Dispersion of the "First Mile (Collection/Drop-off)" and Integration with PUDO/Convenience Store Logistics

  In CtoC logistics, senders are dispersed across multiple points such as individual homes, neighborhood convenience stores, and delivery lockers installed at stations (PUDO). Courier companies must collect small-lot packages scattered nationwide and consolidate them once at a regional hub before putting them on trunk transport, which is a factor driving up the collection logistics cost of the first mile.

• Anonymous Delivery and Close Integration with Information Systems

  To realize "anonymous delivery," which protects the personal information of both the seller and the buyer, data linkage using QR codes or barcodes is mandatory. In logistics facility planning, it has become important to introduce advanced information APIs and WCS (Warehouse Control Systems) that contactless link personal information with the package, not just handling physical cargo.

💡 Why Smaller Lots (BtoC/CtoC) Make It Harder to Lower Logistics Costs
1. Explosive Increase in Work Hours: Because products are picked one by one (piece picking) from mass-stored inventory, and individually packed, inspected, and labeled, labor costs increase.
2. Decrease in Delivery Density and Re-delivery Costs: Unlike BtoB, where thousands of items can be unloaded in a single delivery, BtoC/CtoC involves small-volume, high-frequency deliveries to individual homes. This necessitates an increase in the number of vehicles arranged, causes driver shortages, and leads to re-deliveries due to absences, pushing up transport and delivery costs in the last mile.