Supply Chain Management vs. Logistics

Supply Chain Management vs. Logistics: How MiR AMRs Bridge the Gap

Understanding the Difference - And Why It Matters for Automation

In today's fast-paced manufacturing and logistics environments, the terms logistics and supply chain management (SCM) are often used interchangeably. But while they're tightly connected, they serve distinct purposes—and understanding those differences is critical when you're looking to automate.

With MiR's autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), businesses are transforming both how goods move and how entire supply chains respond to change. Let’s break down the roles of logistics and SCM—and how MiR helps unify them.


Logistics: The Operational Engine

Logistics is about execution. It’s the “how” behind getting the right goods to the right place at the right time. This includes:

  • Transportation of raw materials and finished goods

  • Warehousing and storage

  • Order fulfillment and inventory control

MiR AMRs, such as the MiR250, MiR600, and MiR1200 Pallet Jack, are engineered to automate these repetitive transport tasks safely and efficiently. Whether it’s navigating narrow warehouse aisles or replacing forklifts in pallet-heavy zones, AMRs reduce manual handling, prevent delays, and support 24/7 operations—all without requiring physical infrastructure changes.

Case study: Denso

DENSO deployed a fleet of MiR250s to replace manual cart pushing, improving both efficiency and worker ergonomics - achieving ROI in under 12 months.


Supply Chain Management: The Strategic Backbone

SCM takes a broader, more strategic view. It’s the “why and when” of the operation, involving:

  • Demand forecasting and planning

  • Supplier coordination

  • Production scheduling and process optimization

Here, MiR’s value goes beyond robot mobility. Solutions like MiR Fleet Enterprise allow centralized fleet management, seamless ERP integration, and data insights via MiR Insights. This means your robot fleet isn’t just automating transport—it’s a smart, adaptive part of your supply network, ready to scale with business needs.


Unified by Automation: Why the Distinction Matters

Though logistics is a component of SCM, successful operations treat them as interconnected yet distinct layers. MiR helps unify these layers with solutions that:

  • Drive down costs through efficient, operator-free transport

  • Boost flexibility by adapting quickly to layout changes or new workflows

  • Enhance resilience with scalable deployments and robust safety features

Case Study: Faurecia

Faurecia, a global Tier 1 automotive supplier, implemented a fleet of MiR500 and MiR200 Hook robots to automate internal transport of frame parts between welding, paint, and assembly stations. Integrated with their ERP system, the AMRs operate on-demand, adapting to production needs in real-time. The result? Fully automated workflows, reduced manual handling, and enhanced scalability without the constraints of AGV infrastructure.


Smarter Supply Chains Start Here

Whether you’re optimizing tactical logistics or transforming your entire supply network, MiR AMRs provide a future-ready foundation for scalable automation.

Explore our full AMR lineup, from lightweight MiR250s to heavy-duty MiR1350s, and discover how our intelligent software suite turns robots into strategic assets.