Analysis of the logistic system of steel products in Poland

Abstract

In Poland, steel products have often been in shortage while the average level of their stocks at consumers stores was rising. The logistic system of steel products was controlled almost totally by the central economic management through “obligatory intermediation” in their distribution. That hidden form of rationing proved to be inefficient and failures of the distribution system were multiplied by faulty performance of the transport system. The whole process of orders location was becoming more and more complicated. Buyers of steel products were not satisfied by the operation of intermediating companies. Hence direct purchases from producers were always preferred rather than other forms of procurement. Together with the complex reform of the whole Polish economy also the logistic system of steel products has undergone essential changes. However, their results are not known yet.