Logistics and value aggregation on commodities

Abstract

The paper analyses the possibilities of logistics and its services as value aggregation tools at an industry whose product is a commodity: the air gas. The spaces of logistics and services are delimited by the concepts of value delivered to the client and value chain. The analysis of the logistics management at a gases of the air firm, who is one of the industry’s leader, underlines the value aggregation opportunities arose from a larger conception of the logistics, taking as a “client service”. The efficiency and efficacy of the physical distribution and logistics intelligence systems allowed reductions of stocks and of the warehouse costs, at client firms. The supply of services as the cylinder’s control, including content electronic check, and just in time delivery at worker’s place eliminated reserve stocks and cut control and area costs. Further, the study showed that the value aggregation strategy based on logistic services opens new ways in the strategy core, introducing the firm in a new business vision, with a new conception of de product function.

Key words: competitive strategy, commodities differentiation, logistic system, client service.