Reesby Academy · Industry Starters
Supply Chain and Logistics Basics
Understand how goods move from supplier to customer.
About this course
Every product you buy has travelled through a supply chain of suppliers, warehouses and carriers. This course explains how supply chains work, introduces the key logistics terms you'll hear at work, covers inventory and warehousing basics, shows how transport and delivery decisions are made and helps you spot delays and rising costs early. It's a practical starting point for anyone entering operations, purchasing or distribution.
What you will be able to do
- You'll be able to describe how a supply chain moves products from supplier to customer
- You'll be able to use common logistics terms accurately in everyday work
- You'll be able to explain the basics of inventory and warehousing decisions
- You'll be able to identify delays and cost pressures in transport and delivery
Course outline
- How Supply Chains Work8 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quizA supply chain is the network of organisations and activities that turn raw materials into products and get them to customers. Every link depends on the others, so a delay in one place affects the whole.
- Key Logistics Terms10 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quizLogistics has its own language. Knowing the common terms helps you read contracts, understand quotes and talk clearly with suppliers and carriers.
- Inventory and Warehousing Basics10 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quizInventory is the stock a business holds. Holding too much ties up cash and space, while holding too little risks lost sales. Warehousing decisions shape how easily stock can be found and moved.
- Transport and Delivery10 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quizTransport choices balance cost, speed and reliability. Choosing the right mode, carrier and delivery option depends on what is being moved and how quickly it is needed.
- Spotting Delays and Costs10 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quizMost logistics problems show up first as small signals: a late confirmation, a rising freight invoice or a stock count that doesn't match. Tracking these signals helps you act early.
- Tools you'll need6 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quizMany small businesses manage logistics with spreadsheets, carrier portals and accounting software. Warehouse and transport management systems help as volumes and complexity grow.
- Careers & next steps6 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quizSupply chain and logistics skills are used in operations, purchasing, warehousing and distribution roles. This lesson sets out typical paths and how to check what the work is worth.
- Final quiz and certificate10 questions, pass mark 8 of 10. Pass to get your Reesby Academy certificate with a verification link.