Because you can never know too much about how your supply chain operates.

It's not every day that someone suggests you take time out of your busy schedule to read a book about logistics. But if you're responsible for managing your company's supply chain, you know how hard it is to stay up on the trends and new technology available to distribution center managers. 

Take AI, for example, which is revolutionizing everything from optimizing warehouse layouts to automating picking systems to handling customer inquiries. You could spend days researching this one topic alone.

Here are five excellent books that offer a wealth of knowledge and practical insights into the complexities of modern logistics. They might not be what you had in mind for summer beach reading, but they're so worth it!

1. The Box: How the Shipping Container Made the World Smaller and the World Economy Bigger

By Marc Levinson, 400 pages

It's hard to remember a time before "containerization" created consistent global shipping standards that made it possible for almost any container to travel on any truck or ship between any two ports in the world. This fascinating book explains how the shipping container revolutionized global trade and logistics and brought consumers a previously unimaginable variety of low-cost products from distant manufacturers.

A top Amazon review: 5 Stars: Fascinating and compelling

"Levinson argues that containerization, which was introduced by the transportation pioneer Malcolm McLean in the early 1950s, did more than lower the cost of shipping. It fundamentally changed the world economy." 

Available in audiobook, hardcover, or paperback: https://a.co/d/0c2zOAD

2. Logistics & Supply Chain Management

By Martin Christopher, 276 pages

It's not exactly light reading, but Martin Christopher's classic provides a comprehensive overview of logistics and supply chain management in an easy-to-understand manner. The latest version includes a deep dive into the realities of supply chain resiliency (or lack thereof) exposed by the global pandemic.

An Amazon editorial review: 

“It is comprehensive and beautifully illustrated with examples and short case studies. A must-read for students and managers alike.”  - Dr. John Gattorna, Executive Chairman, Gattorna Alignment

Available on Kindle and paperback: https://a.co/d/hUf68dS

3. Supply Chain Management for Dummies

By Daniel Stanton, 359 pages

For a more tactical resource, try this approachable guide to understanding what skills every logistics manager needs in a post-Covid world. Don't let the title fool you, this one's a great read for anyone who wants an update on need-to-know concepts and recent supply chain trends.

A top Amazon review: 5 Stars: "Must read book"

"Supply Chain Management for Dummies is a necessary read for any business person who needs a quick and accessible summary of how supply chains work. Buy, skim, reference." 

Available in Kindle or paperback: https://a.co/d/7Z09Uv1

4. Adapt or Die: Your Survival Guide to Modern Warehouse Automation

By Jeremy Bodenhamer, 266 pages

Most companies treat order fulfillment as an afterthought, but this practical guide explains in simple terms why end-to-end warehouse automation is crucial for businesses to remain competitive. It covers the latest technologies like robotics and AI and lays out how companies can compete and win based on efficient inventory management.

A top Amazon Review: 5 Stars: Made me smile

"I started reading "Adapt or Die" with the expectation that it was going to be one of those eye-roll-worthy thinly-veiled sales pitches that the suit-wearers churn out to make themselves look like "domain experts." I finished reading it with a smile and a "holy ****, this is spot on."

Available in Kindle, Hardcover, or Paperback: https://a.co/d/30oFtd1

5. Warehouse Management: A Complete Guide to Improving Efficiency & Minimizing Costs in the Modern Warehouse

By Gwynne Richards, 536 pages

You can't get the latest edition of this one until next Spring, but it's worth the wait. It provides practical insights into all aspects of successfully managing a warehouse, from layout and design to AI and IoT, optimizing performance and reducing operating costs.

A top Amazon review:  5 Stars: Great Read

"Author shared lots of practical examples and insights from personal experience and industry experts. Management practitioners who plan to go into the dynamic world of supply chain, particularly warehouse management, will find this a helpful guide." 

Available for pre-order in hardcover and paperback: https://a.co/d/hsveYa8

About Cura

Each of these books provides valuable insights and practical advice for understanding and navigating the complexities of logistics and warehouse automation. Whether you're looking to improve your knowledge for professional reasons or just out of personal interest, these titles are a great place to start.

No time to read? Cura Group offers expert advice and implementation of custom contract logistics for any business. 

Talk to us about seamlessly integrating our expert logistics solutions into your existing operations, or let us help you design and manage a state-of-the-art point-of-use fulfillment center from the ground up.

Related blogs:

• The Second Year of Covid Kicked the Logistics Industry into High Gear
• 10 Reasons to Upgrade Your Point-of-Use Parts Center
• The Age of Efficiency: How Automation is Revolutionizing Global Logistics