What is the term for the efficient flow and storage of goods from point of origin to the point of consumption?

The term that describes the efficient flow and storage of goods from the point of origin to the point of consumption is logistics. Logistics encompasses a wide range of activities that ensure that products are delivered in the right quantity, to the right location, and at the right time. This includes transportation, warehousing, inventory management, order fulfillment, and sometimes even packaging and material handling. The focus is on the integration of these different components to optimize the supply chain and meet customer demands efficiently.

While supply chain management encompasses the broader strategy and coordination of all entities involved in the creation and distribution of goods, logistics specifically deals with the operational aspects of how products move and are stored. Transportation management focuses on the actual movement of goods, which is a part of logistics but not the entirety of it. Inventory control is concerned with managing stock levels and availability, which is also critical but represents just a segment of the logistics process. Therefore, logistics is the most accurate term for the efficient flow and storage of goods as it captures the entire logistical process from origin to consumption.