The Role of Logistics and IT in the European Enterprise

Abstract

The shape of European manufacturing and distribution must change. Historically, multi-national manufacturing and distribution companies operating in Europe, particularly those involved in the supply of high-tech and fast moving consumer goods, have comprised national sub-units with performance measured by local bottom line results. Communication and interaction between sites has been constrained by import duty barriers, quotas, national standards and regulations. This is changing. The move towards a single market, changes to statutory requirements and the introduction of the concept of ’mutual recognition’ has provided companies with an opportunity to standardize products and business processes across Europe. The Schengen Agreement has progressively simplified border crossing between France, Germany and the Benelux countries, reducing border crossing time and accelerating the movement of products.