The sink: the final elemental structure of logistics
The sink forms the final point of the basic structure in the logistics system. It is the receiving point for transported goods and merchandise.
The logistics system is designed to exchange goods in terms of space, time and quantity. A wide range of logistics processes are used to achieve this. This includes, for example, the transportation of goods, but also storage and order picking.
Goods start their journey in the logistics system at the source, the delivery point, e.g. at a raw material producer or a small parts manufacturer. The goods or raw materials then finally reach a sink such as production through different connection structures. This could also be, among others:
- An end consumer
- A recycling or disposal site
- A long-term storage location
The sink in single-stage and multi-stage logistics systems
In a single-stage logistics system, goods travel in a direct flow from source to sink. This is usually done by a single transport.
In a multi-level system, there is an indirect flow with several nodes and interfaces. Here, goods only reach the sink after several transshipments and transports.
