Main characteristics of the concept of logistics and supply chain management systems

Despite the more than two-thousand-year history of logistics, its general problem still exists – the problem of an unsatisfactory level of logistics theory, misunderstanding of the true meaning of logistics. This is manifested in different understanding of logistics in different historical eras; even in one era, there are different understandings of logistics by different authors. And as a result, the low efficiency of logistics practice due to unnecessary actions not related to logistics itself. Therefore, the costs of such logistics, especially for small enterprises, may exceed the results of using the logistics itself. The problem of determining the true meaning of logistics is becoming urgent. The article examines the concept of logistics, characterizes its essence, analyses the levels of logistics systems, their use in the process of international cooperation. It is shown that the effective functioning of logistics systems and the improvement of the global logistics infrastructure significantly affect the development of international cooperation. The article highlights the economic essence and significance of logistics. It was determined that the correct functioning and correct interaction of structural elements of logistics processes at the enterprise will contribute to increasing the effectiveness of management decisions. Domestic and foreign definitions of the term "logistics" are analysed. General aspects of the modern understanding of logistics are highlighted. It was determined that logistics allows you to control all processes where savings can be made. The classification of logistics is presented. The integration of logistics with the main spheres of the enterprise is shown. The article presents a study of modern trends and prospects for the development of the logistics services market in Ukraine, factors that hold back the development of the logistics market in our country, and also analyses the position of Ukraine in the global ranking of logistics efficiency and draws conclusions about the priority directions for its improvement. To achieve the goal, the following general scientific and special research methods and techniques were used in the work: comparative analysis of scientific literature and information sources based on methods of comparison, systematization and generalization; generalization of analysis results and logical generation of conclusions