Logistics is not a modern times invention, but new-age companies gave it much of a “culture shock” when they devised its innovation. Now completely facelifted, it’s all about real-time communication more than just spreadsheet entries and ticks. But considering the history of developments, the Pyramid of Cheops in Egypt is the best chronicle you have been awaiting. It’s a logistical masterpiece built 2700 before Christus, weighs 6 tons, and stands 146 m tall. Then there is the Great Pyramid of Giza, which attracts heavy footfall every year toward its architectural finesse.
The intricate supply chain which quarried heavy chunks of stone is one of the world’s finest tech marvels. They managed to haul millions of stones, each weighing up to 2.5 kgs, with barges from the quarries. And the 300 meters distance between the building area and quarries was made transport-ready for sleds by laying down wooden tracks. The same wonders took place while building the Great Pyramid of Giza. It holds 2.3 million individual stone blocks, meaning one block would have to be laid every five minutes per hour, 24 hours a day, for 20 years. The problem? Each block weighs at least 2 tons. A task so daunting that some authors couldn’t resist but argued that there might be some extra-terrestrial aid for these constructions.
At large, the transportation and sourcing of raw materials – the core logistics goals found in Ancient Egypt have remained the same in modern-day supply chains. Only the technology and execution of those goals have matured. Although the business climate was a lot easier – traders, craftsmen, and sellers all required supplies and transportation to move their items. Even before “logistics” was coined, the concept of disciplined transportation was enabling the Egyptians to survive in their environment and support the developing business climate. The state was importing necessary raw materials from other countries, erecting an impressive army, and supplying the necessities of life.
Real-time smartness has been built into today’s logistics, doing the same with more justifiable lead times, multiple modes of transport, and customizable solutions. What amazes us the most is ancient Egyptians not only standardized supply chains but the way they did prove game-changing for a whole nation and economy. Eventually, they gave birth to a new economy culture – a ‘strictly organized’ economy, with state distribution of the essentials of life and fixed wages to provide for additional needs. We’re strong proponents of enabling, connecting economies through innovation that challenges the ongoing and urges experiments for traditionally humdrum sectors. To create more jobs, and more value chains and ultimately equip communities with tangible opportunities.