THE INFLUENCE OF LOGISTICS FIRMS ON THE EFFICIENCY OF SUPPLY CHAINS

The initial thesis of the article is that logistics firms, being an essential part of any supply chain (SC), influence considerably its efficiency. To prove it, we have presented from bibliography some quantitative and qualitative logistics measures and indicators evaluating supply chain efficiency. Then, based on measures presented above, a list of factors influencing SC efficiency has been identified. Furthermore, we have narrowed down the selection to those influenced by logistics firms' services. The list of such identified factors has been then evaluated by manufacturing and trading enterprises - typical customers for logistic firms. They were asked to evaluate the importance of the identified factors for the supply chain efficiency and at the same time the level of the execution (fulfillment) of these factors by logistics firms, or their internal logistics departments. The results of these investigations are presented in the form of an ordered list of factors according to the level of its influence on the supply chain and the level of its fulfillment by logistics firms.