Inbound logistics describes that part of the supply or value chain concerned with the purchase and inbound movement of materials from suppliers to conversion or processing within manufacturing facilities.  It contrasts with outbound logistics that is focused on the movement of finished goods to customers.  The purchasing department, supply chain intermediaries, receiving bays and internal stores all form part of the inbound logistics capability of an organisation.  The concept of a value chain includes a number of activities that collectively represent the primary source of value for an organisation, and inbound logistics is one of those activities.  Many organisations have outsourced the movement of materials to third parties.  See also 3PL, Logistics and Logistics, Outbound.