A brief introduction to Humanitarian Logistics

1.  By
 Dr Joy Mukhopadhyay

2. Disasters can be natural or manmade.
Humanitarian logistics is a specialized form of logistics
that delves into supply, warehousing and delivery in
disasters.
It is a process of planning, implementing and
controlling the efficient, cost-effective flow and storage
of goods as well as information from point of origin to
point of consumption to meet the beneficiary's
requirements.
It talks about arranging the resources related to
delivery and warehouse the rescue material and
supplies..
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3. The PPT model of Humanitarian Logistics:
The triangle represents never-ending relationship between
the components.
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4. Components of PPT model:
1. People: The most significant component. It includes all
personnel in humanitarian logistics activity. The human aspect
in such makes it more sensitive since it is directly related to
lives of people.
Smooth coordination between the teams results into effective
results. With examples from Japan earthquakes, it can be
said that coordination and communication facilitates better
outcomes..
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5. Components of PPT model:
2. Processes: It includes processes and guidelines to
facilitate smooth implementation of action plan. A carefully
considered action plan smoothens right implementation of
logistics.
Along with planned steps, one should be ready with
contingent approach, where solution has to be sought based
on situation. At times, when pre-planned course of actions fail,
it is the contingency approach, which solves the problems..
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6. Components of PPT model:
3. Technology: Technology forms the means of achieving the
end.
The use of radio frequency identification has been common
application, which enhances rapid results.
This is specially helpful in infrastructure bottlenecks and helps
towards improving and tracing the supply chain management.
Radio waves facilitate effective tracking at the time of
disasters. Japan has been pioneer towards using such
systems.
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7.  In India, we face many natural disasters every
year. We need strong implementation of
Humanitarian Logistics during these disasters.

9. Thank You for
your Patient
Listening