We use cookies to provide you with a better experience. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy.
  • INDUSTRY PRESS ROOM
  • ABOUT
  • CONTACT
  • MEDIA FILE
  • Create Account
  • Sign In
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Free Newsletters
  • MAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • Archives
    • Digital Edition
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletters
    • Mobile Apps
  • TRANSPORTATION
  • MATERIAL HANDLING
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • LIFT TRUCKS
  • PODCAST ETC
    • Podcast
    • Webcasts
    • Blogs
      • One-Off Sound Off
      • Global Logistics and Risk
      • Empowering Your Performance Edge
      • Analytics & Big Data
      • Submit your blog post
    • Events
    • White Papers
    • Industry Press Room
      • Upload Your News
    • New Products
      • Upload Your Product News
    • Conference Guides
    • Conference Reports
    • Newsletters
    • Mobile Apps
  • DCV-TV
    • DCV-TV 1: News
    • DCV-TV 2: Case Studies
    • DCV-TV 3: Webcasts
    • DCV-TV 4: Viewer Contributed
    • DCV-TV 5: Solution Profiles
    • Parcel Forum 2022
    • MODEX 2022
    • Upload Your Video
  • MAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • Archives
    • Digital Edition
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletters
    • Mobile Apps
  • TRANSPORTATION
  • MATERIAL HANDLING
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • LIFT TRUCKS
  • PODCAST ETC
    • Podcast
    • Webcasts
    • Blogs
      • One-Off Sound Off
      • Global Logistics and Risk
      • Empowering Your Performance Edge
      • Analytics & Big Data
      • Submit your blog post
    • Events
    • White Papers
    • Industry Press Room
      • Upload Your News
    • New Products
      • Upload Your Product News
    • Conference Guides
    • Conference Reports
    • Newsletters
    • Mobile Apps
  • DCV-TV
    • DCV-TV 1: News
    • DCV-TV 2: Case Studies
    • DCV-TV 3: Webcasts
    • DCV-TV 4: Viewer Contributed
    • DCV-TV 5: Solution Profiles
    • Parcel Forum 2022
    • MODEX 2022
    • Upload Your Video
Home » on space, time and distribution
big picture

on space, time and distribution

June 1, 2004
Peter Bradley
No Comments

I don't know if this is a flash of inspiration or not—probably not—but it occurred to me recently while on a flight from Los Angeles to Boston that the challenges facing distribution professionals are closely related to the fundamental laws of physics.

Much of the science of physics, at least in an elementary way, revolves around the relationship of space, time, motion, matter and energy. So, too, does the practical science of distribution. In particular, distribution pros must understand the relationships of space and time, and the pragmatic implications of managing those two fundamental components of the universe.

Back around the turn of the 20th century, Albert Einstein formulated his Special Theory of Relativity, in which he described the relationships between space and time. Later, other scientists building on Einstein's theories explained the existence of black holes—something that logistics pros understand too well in another context (but we'll leave that to another column).

Now, the theories that Einstein developed on "spacetime" have greater relevance to understanding fundamental properties of the universe than to the practical considerations of moving goods around the world. The older ideas developed by Newton, easier to observe and thus easier for non-physicists to comprehend, may be more relevant.

With either one, I'm intrigued by the metaphorical relationship between theoretical physics and practical logistics. There's inertia, for instance—every distribution manager knows how hard it is to get things in motion sometimes, and, once in motion, how difficult it can be to change direction. Rerouting goods bound for Atlanta that are suddenly and urgently needed in Dallas can be a major headache. Velocity is another—simply distance over time in high school physics, but for distribution professionals, generating greater velocity across the supply chain has become an endemic challenge.

And that relates to space and time. The demands of modern supply chains require doing more over less time, but the growth of international sourcing and sales has extended the space over which that chain stretches. Einstein postulated that time slows as matter accelerates through space. I'd surmise that's one theory that any shipper with impatient customers must often wish had practical applications.

Supply Chain Services Business Management & Finance
  • Related Articles

    it's about time (and space): interview with Ken Ackerman

    Amware Fulfillment Expands B2C Distribution Space in Southern California and Dallas

    ITS Logistics Expands Midwest Operations to 1.3 Million Square Feet of Distribution Space

Peterbradley
Peter Bradley is an award-winning career journalist with more than three decades of experience in both newspapers and national business magazines. His credentials include seven years as the transportation and supply chain editor at Purchasing Magazine and six years as the chief editor of Logistics Management.

Recent Articles by Peter Bradley

From temp to management: interview with Diane Garforth

Watching over intermodal's interests: interview with Joni Casey

Building resilience into the supply chain: interview with Yossi Sheffi

You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Most Popular Articles

  • Schneider welcomes first battery-electric truck

  • Fred Smith is not worried about Amazon

  • RJW LOGISTICS GROUP EXPANDS RETAIL LOGISTICS OPERATION TO DALLAS

  • Outlook 2023: What’s in store for logistics/supply chain?

  • Ports, maritime operators see tide turning as ocean freight tsunami subsides

Now Playing on DCV-TV

5afe63a5 7125 4318 b851 1e5738df1c91

Patterson Fan Co. | HVLS V-Series Ceiling Fan | Staging Area Air Movement

DCV-TV 4: Viewer Contributed
The Patterson V-Series is a high-volume, low-speed industrial ceiling fan that is designed to circulate a lot of air at a very low speed. These fans, ranging in diameters of 8’ all the way to 24’, are perfect for large, open spaces such as staging and shipping areas. One 24’ fan can generate a cooling effect of 6 –...

FEATURED WHITE PAPERS

  • The five best applications for robotic lift trucks in warehouse environments

  • Fulfillment Facility Improved Efficiencies by 4x

  • 3PLs: Complete Orders Faster with Flexible Automation

  • Reusable Packaging for the New Wave of Supply Chain Automation

View More

Subscribe to DC Velocity Magazine

GET YOUR FREE SUBSCRIPTION
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • NEWSLETTERS
  • ADVERTISING
  • CUSTOMER CARE
  • CONTACT
  • ABOUT
  • STAFF
  • PRIVACY POLICY

Copyright ©2023. All Rights ReservedDesign, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing