Autor: Wolf-Rüdiger Bretzke

The current discussion on sustainability lacks a firm foundation on a clear and unambiguous definition of this pivotal concept. This impedes a concentrated discussion among scientists as well as politicians and managers on a subject-matter concerning the future of mankind. It gives room for hollow commitments of companies claiming publicly to be „green“. The article therefore starts by proposing a clear and unambiguous definition which can fill this gap. Based on this preliminary work the author argues that logistics cannot become sustainable if it remains in a position where it only has to ensure the demands of other departments’ means (especially those of marketing) thus neglecting fundamental interdependencies. Logisticians often claim systems thinking as the dominant perspective of their work. Based on a practical example the author shows that systems thinking can only work as a door opener to sustainability if it is applied to the company as a whole.

„Available to Promise“ can be regarded as the core concept of Supply Chain Management. It has become an integer part of modern software tools like SAP/APO and is being implemented in a growing number of companies. The author works out the potentialities and possible limitations of this concept and explains what remains to be done in order to make this risk management approach complete.