In the business environment, logistics either have an internal or externat focuses (inbound or outbound) Depending upon the business involved, this part of the chain can be simple or complicated. For more complicated procedures, third parties often are hired to conduct any one of the four fields within business logistics Third-party logistics (3PL) involves using external individuals or organizations to execute logistics activities that have traditionally been performed within an organization itself. If, for example, a company decides to export its product, it may hire a person or organization to help with distribution logistics. Today, there is a movement toward building fourth party logistics (APL), which integrates 3PL competencies and other organizations to design, build, and run comprehensive supply chain solutions. A APL general contractor would manage other 3PLs, truckers, forwarders, custom house agents, and others, essentially taking responsibility of a complete process for the customer Another specialty includes togistics consulting services. Firms in this industry specialize in the production and distribution of goods, from the first stages of securing suppliers to the delivery finished to of goods consumers. Such firms give advice on improvements in the manufacturing process and productivity, product quality control inventory management, packaging, order processing, the transportation of goods, and materials management and handling. In the process, these consulting firms might suggest improvements to the manufacturing process in order to use inputs better, increase productivity, or decrease the amount of excess inventory. Consulting firms in this segment of the industry also advise on the latest technology that links suppliers, producers, and cus together to streamline the manufacturing process. tomers