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-moving industrial landscape, the terms logistics and supply chain management (SCM) are often used interchangeably. However, logistics vs supply chain highlights a key distinction: logistics focuses on the movement and storage of goods, while SCM covers the broader coordination of supply and demand, sourcing, production, and delivery.

Understanding logistics management vs supply chain management is essential—especially when investing in automation. MiR’s AMRs for supply chain applications don’t just improve material transport. They enable smarter, faster, and more flexible operations that align with both logistical execution and strategic supply chain goals.

With MiR’s cutting-edge AMR logistics solutions, companies can optimize warehouse workflows and support end-to-end supply chain management—bridging the gap between tactical delivery and agile responsiveness. Discover how AMR supply chain integration drives both immediate efficiency and long-term scalability.

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Logistics: The Operational Engine

Logistics is all about execution—ensuring the right goods get to the right place, at the right time. This covers:

  • Transportation of raw materials and finished goods

  • Warehousing and storage

  • Order fulfillment and inventory control

MiR’s AMR logistics solutions—including the MiR250, MiR600, and MiR1200 Pallet Jack—are purpose-built to automate internal transport tasks with precision and safety. These AMRs for supply chain operations reduce manual handling, eliminate bottlenecks, and maintain productivity around the clock. Designed to work without fixed infrastructure, they excel in dynamic environments, from tight warehouse aisles to pallet-heavy zones—empowering smarter, scalable logistics execution.

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

Supply chain management (SCM) takes a wider lens. It’s the “why and when” behind logistics, covering:

  • Demand forecasting and planning

  • Supplier coordination

  • Production scheduling and process optimization

In this strategic space, MiR delivers more than just AMR supply chain mobility. With tools like MiR Fleet Enterprise, businesses gain centralized robot fleet control, seamless ERP integration, and actionable data through MiR Insights. As a result, your AMRs aren’t just moving goods—they’re an intelligent layer in your supply network, strengthening decision-making and supporting scalable, resilient operations across your supply chain management framework.

Unified by Automation: Why the Distinction Matters

While logistics operates within the broader realm of supply chain management, high-performing organizations recognize them as distinct yet interconnected layers. MiR bridges the two with AMR supply chain and AMR logistics solutions that:

  • Reduce costs by automating internal transport—no operators or fixed infrastructure needed

  • Boost flexibility by adapting quickly to workflow changes, facility layouts, and operational shifts

  • Strengthen resilience through scalable deployment, advanced safety, and 24/7 performance

With MiR, automation isn’t just an efficiency tool—it’s the connective tissue aligning your logistics and supply chain management for smarter, faster, and more adaptive operations.

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.


Frequently Asked Questions about SCM and logistics

What is the difference between logistics and supply chain management?

The key distinction in logistics vs supply chain lies in their scope: logistics is about the operational flow of goods—transportation, storage, and delivery—while supply chain management (SCM) involves end-to-end coordination of sourcing, production, planning, and fulfillment.

Why is understanding logistics management vs supply chain management important?

Clarifying logistics management vs supply chain management ensures businesses can align tactical operations with strategic decision-making—an essential consideration when implementing automation through AMRs.

How do MiR AMRs support both logistics and supply chain management?

MiR’s AMRs boost logistics by automating internal transport, streamlining inventory movement, and eliminating manual tasks. At the same time, they strengthen supply chain management through ERP integration, fleet coordination, and real-time data from MiR Insights—bridging tactical execution and strategic control.

What types of AMRs does MiR offer for logistics?

MiR provides a range of AMRs including the MiR250, MiR600, and MiR1200 Pallet Jack—purpose-built for navigating tight spaces, pallet transport, and dynamic environments, ideal for logistics automation.

How can AMR supply chain integration improve business resilience?

AMR supply chain integration enhances agility, scalability, and visibility across operations—empowering businesses to quickly respond to disruptions and changing demands with minimal downtime.

What are some real-world examples of AMRs in logistics and SCM?

DENSO and Faurecia are two notable companies leveraging MiR AMRs. DENSO automated cart transport with MiR250s, improving ergonomics and achieving ROI in under 12 months. Faurecia integrated MiR AMRs with ERP systems to automate part transport across welding, paint, and assembly stations—resulting in flexible, infrastructure-free workflows.