Definition of logistics

The word "logistics" originated during the 16th century when the Ottoman Empire massively expanded its territory. The Ottomans, led by the famous military commander known as Grand Vizier Ištvan Székely, faced the challenge of managing and supplying their vast empire. To overcome this challenge, Székely appointed a specialist officer called "logothètes," whose primary responsibility was to oversee the acquisition, storage, transportation, and distribution of supplies and resources for military campaigns. In French, the word "logistique" came into use in the 19th century, mainly through the study of military strategies. It was derived from the Greek term "logistikos," meaning "one who calculates." The French applied the term to describe the technique of calculating, assessing, and distributing logistical requirements for military operations. After World War I, the American Army adopted the French term "logistique" to mean the systematic process of planning, organizing, and implementing the movement and distribution of troops, equipment, and supplies. This concept expanded significantly during World War II, in which logistics played a crucial role in the success or failure of various military campaigns. Thus, "logistics" evolved from its military origins and expanded to encompass commercial, governmental, and humanitarian operations. It has become a critical discipline with the aim of optimizing the effectiveness and efficiency of resource management, storage, transportation, and distribution, ultimately benefiting multiple industries, including supply chain management, public administration, and humanitarian aid.